The Gnome - Fairy Tale by the Brothers Grimm

Reading time for children: 14 min

There was once upon a time a rich King who had three daughters, who daily went to walk in the palace garden, and the King was a great lover of all kinds of fine trees, but there was one for which he had such an affection, that if anyone gathered an apple from it he wished him a hundred fathoms underground. And when harvest time came, the apples on this tree were all as red as blood. The three daughters went every day beneath the tree, and looked to see if the wind had not blown down an apple, but they never by any chance found one, and the tree was so loaded with them that it was almost breaking, and the branches hung down to the ground. Then the King’s youngest child had a great desire for an apple, and said to her sisters, „Our father loves us far too much to wish us underground, it is my belief that he would only do that to people who were strangers.“ And while she was speaking, the child plucked off quite a large apple, and ran to her sisters, saying, „Just taste, my dear little sisters, for never in my life have I tasted anything so delightful.“ Then the two other sisters also ate some of the apple, whereupon all three sank deep down into the earth, where they could hear no cock crow. When mid-day came, the King wished to call them to come to dinner, but they were nowhere to be found. He sought them everywhere in the palace and garden, but could not find them. Then he was much troubled, and made known to the whole land that whosoever brought his daughters back again should have one of them to wife. Hereupon so many young men went about the country in search, that there was no counting them, for every one loved the three children because they were so kind to all, and so fair of face. Three young huntsmen also went out, and when they had travelled about for eight days, they arrived at a great castle, in which were beautiful apartments, and in one room a table was laid on which were delicate dishes which were still so warm that they were smoking, but in the whole of the castle no human being was either to be seen or heard. They waited there for half a day, and the food still remained warm and smoking, and at length they were so hungry that they sat down and ate, and agreed with each other that they would stay and live in that castle, and that one of them, who should be chosen by casting lots, should remain in the house, and the two others seek the King’s daughters. They cast lots, and the lot fell on the eldest. So next day the two younger went out to seek, and the eldest had to stay home. At mid-day came a small, small mannikin and begged for a piece of bread, then the huntsman took the bread which he had found there, and cut a round off the loaf and was about to give it to him, but whilst he was giving it to the mannikin, the latter let it fall, and asked the huntsman to be so good as to give him that piece again. The huntsman was about to do so and stooped, on which the mannikin took a stick, seized him by the hair, and gave him a good beating. Next day, the second stayed at home, and he fared no better. When the two others returned in the evening, the eldest said, „Well, how have you got on?“

„Oh, very badly,“ said he, and then they lamented their misfortune together, but they said nothing about it to the youngest, for they did not like him at all, and always called him Stupid Hans, because he did not exactly belong to the forest. On the third day, the youngest stayed at home, and again the little mannikin came and begged for a piece of bread. When the youth gave it to him, the elf let it fall as before, and asked him to be so good as to give him that piece again. Then said Hans to the little mannikin, „What! canst thou not pick up that piece thyself? If thou wilt not take as much trouble as that for thy daily bread, thou dost not deserve to have it.“ Then the mannikin grew very angry and said he was to do it, but the huntsman would not, and took my dear mannikin, and gave him a thorough beating. Then the mannikin screamed terribly, and cried, „Stop, stop, and let me go, and I will tell thee where the King’s daughters are.“ When Hans heard that, he left off beating him and the mannikin told him that he was an earth mannikin, and that there were more than a thousand like him, and that if he would go with him he would show him where the King’s daughters were. Then he showed him a deep well, but there was no water in it. And the elf said that he knew well that the companions Hans had with him did not intend to deal honourably with him, therefore if he wished to deliver the King’s children, he must do it alone. The two other brothers would also be very glad to recover the King’s daughters, but they did not want to have any trouble or danger. Hans was therefore to take a large basket, and he must seat himself in it with his hanger and a bell, and be let down. Below were three rooms, and in each of them was a princess, with a many-headed dragon, whose heads she was to comb and trim, but he must cut them off. And having said all this, the elf vanished. When it was evening the two brothers came and asked how he had got on, and he said, „pretty well so far,“ and that he had seen no one except at mid-day when a little mannikin had come and begged for a piece of bread, that he had given some to him, but that the mannikin had let it fall and had asked him to pick it up again; but as he did not choose to do that, the elf had begun to lose his temper, and that he had done what he ought not, and had given the elf a beating, on which he had told him where the King’s daughters were. Then the two were so angry at this that they grew green and yellow. Next morning they went to the well together, and drew lots who should first seat himself in the basket, and again the lot fell on the eldest, and he was to seat himself in it, and take the bell with him. Then he said, „If I ring, you must draw me up again immediately.“ When he had gone down for a short distance, he rang, and they at once drew him up again. Then the second seated himself in the basket, but he did just the same as the first, and then it was the turn of the youngest, but he let himself be lowered quite to the bottom. When he had got out of the basket, he took his hanger, and went and stood outside the first door and listened, and heard the dragon snoring quite loudly. He opened the door slowly, and one of the princesses was sitting there, and had nine dragon’s heads lying upon her lap, and was combing them. Then he took his hanger and hewed at them, and the nine fell off. The princess sprang up, threw her arms round his neck, embraced and kissed him repeatedly, and took her stomacher, which was made of pure gold, and hung it round his neck. Then he went to the second princess, who had a dragon with five heads to comb, and delivered her also, and to the youngest, who had a dragon with four heads, he went likewise. And they all rejoiced, and embraced him and kissed him without stopping. Then he rang very loud, so that those above heard him, and he placed the princesses one after the other in the basket, and had them all drawn up, but when it came to his own turn he remembered the words of the elf, who had told him that his comrades did not mean well by him. So he took a great stone which was lying there, and placed it in the basket, and when it was about half way up, his false brothers above cut the rope, so that the basket with the stone fell to the ground, and they thought that he was dead, and ran away with the three princesses, making them promise to tell their father that it was they who had delivered them, and then they went to the King, and each demanded a princess in marriage.

In the meantime the youngest huntsman was wandering about the three chambers in great trouble, fully expecting to have to end his days there, when he saw, hanging on the wall, a flute. Then said he, „Why dost thou hang there, no one can be merry here?“ He looked at the dragons, heads likewise and said, „You too cannot help me now.“ He walked backwards and forwards for such a long time that he made the surface of the ground quite smooth. But at last other thoughts came to his mind, and he took the flute from the wall, and played a few notes on it, and suddenly a number of elves appeared, and with every note that he sounded one more came. Then he played until the room was entirely filled. They all asked what he desired, so he said he wished to get above ground back to daylight, on which they seized him by every hair that grew on his head, and thus they flew with him onto the earth again. When he was above ground, he at once went to the King’s palace, just as the wedding of one princess was about to be celebrated, and he went to the room where the King and his three daughters were. When the princesses saw him they fainted. Hereupon the King was angry, and ordered him to be put in prison at once, because he thought he must have done some injury to the children. When the princesses came to themselves, however, they entreated the King to set him free again. The King asked why, and they said that they were not allowed to tell that, but their father said that they were to tell it to the stove. And he went out, listened at the door, and heard everything. Then he caused the two brothers to be hanged on the gallows, and to the third he gave his youngest daughter, and on that occasion I wore a pair of glass shoes, and I struck them against a stone, and they said, „Klink,“ and were broken.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The Gnome“

„The Gnome“ is a lesser-known German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm in their famous compilation, „Grimms‘ Fairy Tales.“ This story, also known as „The Little Glass Man,“ is numbered as Tale 123 in their collection. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were German scholars, linguists, and folklorists who sought to collect, preserve, and share European folklore, contributing to the development of the modern fairy tale genre in the 19th century.

The tale follows the story of a poor woodcutter who encounters a gnome in the forest. The gnome offers the woodcutter a deal: if the woodcutter promises to give him the first thing that brushes against his leg when he returns home, the gnome will make him wealthy. The woodcutter agrees, thinking it will be his dog that brushes against his leg, but instead, it turns out to be his young son. The woodcutter regrets his decision, and the story explores themes of keeping promises, the consequences of hastily made decisions, and the importance of family and love.

As with many other Grimm fairy tales, „The Gnome“ has its roots in European oral traditions that existed before the Brothers Grimm recorded the story. The tale shares elements with other folktales and fairy tales, such as making deals with supernatural beings, facing the consequences of one’s choices, and putting the needs of family first. The story emphasizes the importance of considering the potential consequences of one’s actions and the significance of fulfilling promises.

While „The Gnome“ may not be as widely known as other Grimm fairy tales, its themes and motifs have inspired adaptations and retellings in various forms, including literature, radio dramas, and stage plays, among others.

Backgrounds to fairy tale „The Gnome“

„The Gnome“ (also known as „The Goblins“ or „The Little Folks‘ Presents“) is a lesser-known fairy tale from the collection of stories by the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The Brothers Grimm were German academics, linguists, and authors who collected and published folklore during the 19th century. Their collection, known as „Grimms‘ Fairy Tales,“ includes many stories that have become classics in the world of fairy tales, such as „Cinderella,“ „Snow White,“ and „Hansel and Gretel.“

The story of „The Gnome“ revolves around the theme of the supernatural and the importance of kindness and generosity. It tells the tale of a poor shoemaker and his wife who are struggling to make ends meet. One day, a gnome appears and offers the couple his help, in exchange for their kindness and hospitality. The gnome fulfills his promise, and their lives are transformed for the better. However, the couple must maintain their kindness and keep the gnome’s presence a secret.

The background of „The Gnome“ can be analyzed from various perspectives:

Cultural and folkloric influences: The story reflects the rich German folklore tradition, which includes many tales of supernatural beings, such as gnomes, elves, and dwarves. These beings were believed to possess magical powers and could be helpful or harmful, depending on how they were treated. „The Gnome“ emphasizes the importance of being kind and generous, which were common values in German culture at the time.

Literary context: The Brothers Grimm collected and adapted stories from various sources, including oral storytelling, written texts, and other collectors of folktales. „The Gnome“ is likely a composite of different stories and influences, reflecting the Grimms‘ process of collecting and editing tales to create a cohesive narrative.

Socio-economic context: The story of „The Gnome“ is set in a time when poverty was widespread, and many people struggled to make ends meet. The shoemaker and his wife represent the difficulties faced by the working class. The gnome’s intervention can be seen as a metaphor for the idea that kindness and generosity can lead to better circumstances, even in the face of adversity.

Moral and didactic aspects: Like many of the Grimms‘ fairy tales, „The Gnome“ contains a moral lesson. The story teaches the importance of kindness, generosity, and keeping one’s promises, as well as the potential consequences of greed and selfishness.

Overall, „The Gnome“ is a captivating tale that highlights the power of kindness and generosity, while also providing a glimpse into the cultural, folkloric, and socio-economic contexts of 19th-century Germany.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The Gnome“

„The Gnome,“ also known as „The Little Glass Man,“ is a lesser-known fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm, but it still offers valuable interpretations and themes. Some key interpretations of this story include:

The consequences of hasty decisions: The woodcutter’s agreement with the gnome is made without proper consideration of the possible consequences. This serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers to think carefully about their choices and the potential outcomes that may follow.

The importance of keeping promises: The woodcutter must fulfill his promise to the gnome despite the unintended consequences. This theme underscores the significance of honoring one’s commitments and taking responsibility for one’s actions, even when the results are not as expected.

The value of family and love: Throughout the story, the woodcutter’s love for his son remains a central theme. Despite the consequences of his deal with the gnome, the woodcutter’s primary concern is the well-being of his child. The tale emphasizes the importance of putting family first and cherishing the love between family members.

The power of redemption: The story also explores the possibility of redemption and making amends for one’s mistakes. The woodcutter acknowledges his mistake and works to remedy the situation, demonstrating that it is never too late to correct one’s errors and seek forgiveness.

The role of supernatural beings: The gnome serves as a catalyst for the story’s events, revealing the potential consequences of dealing with supernatural entities. The tale illustrates the complexities and uncertainties that can arise from engaging with such beings and the importance of being cautious when making deals with them.

These interpretations highlight the depth and relevance of „The Gnome,“ making it a valuable and thought-provoking tale despite its lesser-known status in the Brothers Grimm collection.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The Gnome“

While „The Gnome“ might not be as well-known as some other Grimm fairy tales, it has been adapted and retold in various forms, emphasizing its themes of hasty decisions, the importance of keeping promises, and the value of family and love. Some adaptations of this story include:

Literature: Various retellings of „The Gnome“ can be found in fairy tale collections and anthologies. Authors may reimagine the story to make it more appealing to modern readers or to explore different perspectives, such as focusing on the gnome’s motivations or the son’s experiences.

Children’s Books: Simplified and illustrated versions of the story have been created for younger readers, making the tale accessible and engaging for children. These adaptations often focus on the themes of keeping promises, the consequences of hasty decisions, and the importance of family and love.

Radio Dramas: Audio adaptations of „The Gnome“ have been produced for radio, allowing listeners to engage with the story in a different format. The tale’s strong narrative and engaging dialogue make it well-suited for a radio drama.

Stage Plays: The story has been adapted for the stage, often as part of a larger collection of Grimm fairy tales. These adaptations may emphasize the themes of hasty decisions, the importance of keeping promises, and the value of family and love, making for an entertaining theatrical experience.

Television and Film: While there may not be a direct adaptation of „The Gnome“ as a standalone film or television show, the story’s themes and motifs have influenced other films and television series featuring supernatural beings and exploring the consequences of making deals without considering the potential impact.

Animated Series: Elements of „The Gnome“ have been incorporated into animated television series and movies, particularly those that explore themes of keeping promises, the consequences of hasty decisions, and the importance of family and love. The story’s magical elements and engaging narrative make it well-suited for animated adaptations.

While „The Gnome“ might not have as many direct adaptations as some other Grimm tales, its themes and motifs continue to inspire and influence various forms of media. The story’s emphasis on hasty decisions, the importance of keeping promises, and the value of family and love make it a timeless and universally appealing tale.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The Gnome“

„The Gnome“ is a classic fairy tale that has inspired several adaptations in various forms of media. Some notable adaptations include:

Operas: The story has been adapted into several operas, including „Der Zwerg“ by Alexander von Zemlinsky and „Il Gobbo“ by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari.

Films: There have been several film adaptations of „The Gnome,“ including the 1980 film „The Elf Who Didn’t Believe,“ which is a loose adaptation of the story, and the 2011 film „Gnomeo & Juliet,“ which features a gnome as the main character.

Literature: The story has been adapted into children’s books, such as „The Cobbler and the Gnome“ by Jan Wahl, and also appears in several collections of Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

Theater: „The Gnome“ has also been adapted into plays, such as the 1995 play „The Gnome“ by Jonathan Fitts.

Video games: The story has been adapted into video games, such as the 2011 game „The Tiny Bang Story,“ which features a gnome character who helps the player solve puzzles.

These adaptations often vary in their interpretation of the story and its themes, but they all draw inspiration from the original fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm.

Summary of the plot

„The Gnome,“ also known as „The Little Glass Man,“ is a fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm that tells the story of a poor woodcutter who makes a hasty deal with a supernatural being, a gnome, and the consequences that follow.

The tale begins with the woodcutter, who is struggling to provide for his family. One day, while working in the forest, he encounters a gnome who offers to make him wealthy in exchange for the first thing that brushes against his leg when he returns home. The woodcutter, thinking it will be his dog, agrees to the deal.

However, when he arrives home, it is his young son who brushes against his leg, and the woodcutter realizes the terrible mistake he has made. Distraught, he tells his wife about the deal, and they decide to do everything they can to protect their son from the gnome.

Years later, the gnome appears to claim the son, but the woodcutter and his wife have been vigilant, and the boy has never left their sight. The gnome, unable to claim the boy, asks the woodcutter to make a new deal. If the woodcutter can answer a riddle, the gnome will release him from the original deal.

The woodcutter agrees, and the gnome poses the riddle: „What is it that runs with no legs?“ The woodcutter thinks about the riddle and, with the help of a stranger, realizes the answer is „water.“ He tells the gnome the answer, and the gnome, true to his word, releases the woodcutter and his family from their agreement.

„The Gnome“ is a story that emphasizes the consequences of hasty decisions, the importance of keeping promises, and the value of family and love. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers to think carefully about their choices and the potential outcomes that may follow.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The Gnome“

„The Gnome“ is a fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, who were German academics, linguists, cultural researchers, and authors. They are best known for their collection of German and European folk tales, first published in 1812 as „Kinder- und Hausmärchen“ (Children’s and Household Tales), which has been translated into over 100 languages.

The Brothers Grimm were born in the late 18th century in Hanau, Germany, and devoted their careers to collecting, preserving, and studying folk tales from various regions. Their work aimed to capture the cultural heritage and traditions of their time, which were being threatened by industrialization and urbanization. The Grimm brothers were also influential in the development of the German language and are considered pioneers in the field of folklore studies.

„The Gnome,“ like many other Grimm fairy tales, features motifs such as magic, quests, enchantments, and the classic theme of good triumphing over evil. These stories often convey moral lessons, reflecting the values of the society from which they originated.

The Brothers Grimm fairy tales have had a lasting impact on literature, inspiring countless adaptations, reinterpretations, and retellings, in various forms of media, including books, films, and theater productions. Their stories have become an integral part of the global cultural heritage and continue to be enjoyed by generations of children and adults alike.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The Gnome“

„The Gnome“ by Brothers Grimm can be interpreted in various ways, touching on themes of greed, betrayal, courage, and justice. Here are some possible interpretations:

Greed and betrayal: The two elder huntsmen display greed and selfishness, as they try to claim the reward for saving the princesses without actually doing the work or facing the dangers. Their betrayal of Hans shows the negative consequences of greed, which ultimately leads to their downfall.

Courage and persistence: Hans, the youngest huntsman, is portrayed as a courageous and persistent character. Despite being underestimated by his brothers, he faces the challenges head-on and saves the princesses. His determination and resilience are rewarded when he marries the youngest princess and the truth about his brothers‘ deceit is revealed.

The importance of inner virtues: Hans demonstrates qualities like honesty, kindness, and intelligence, which help him overcome the challenges in the story. This can be seen as a lesson that inner virtues are more important than external appearances, as Hans‘ good character eventually leads to his success.

The power of music and magic: The flute Hans finds in the underground chambers represents the transformative power of music and magic. The flute’s ability to summon the elves that help Hans return to the surface is a reminder of the potential for magical and unexpected solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems.

Justice and truth: The story highlights the importance of justice and the eventual triumph of truth. The King, after learning the truth about Hans‘ actions and his brothers‘ deceit, ensures that justice is served by punishing the two elder brothers and rewarding Hans with his youngest daughter’s hand in marriage. This can be interpreted as a message that, in the end, the truth will prevail, and those who do good will be rewarded.

Summary of the plot

In the fairy tale „The Gnome“ by the Brothers Grimm, a King has three daughters and a special tree with apples he cherishes. When the daughters eat the apples, they are transported underground. The King announces that whoever finds his daughters can marry one of them. Three huntsmen, including the youngest, Hans, embark on this quest.

The huntsmen find a mysterious castle with no inhabitants, and they decide to stay. While two of the huntsmen go out searching for the princesses, the youngest remains in the castle. A mannikin visits each of the huntsmen on separate days, asking for bread. The first two give him bread, but when the mannikin drops it, they pick it up for him and suffer a beating. When Hans encounters the mannikin, he refuses to pick up the dropped bread, leading to a scuffle, during which the mannikin reveals the princesses‘ location and warns Hans against his brothers.

Hans finds the princesses underground, guarded by dragons. After slaying the dragons, Hans sends the princesses up in a basket, but his brothers betray him and leave him behind. The brothers take credit for saving the princesses and demand their hands in marriage.

Meanwhile, Hans finds a flute in the underground chambers and plays it, summoning a group of elves who help him return to the surface. He arrives at the palace during a wedding celebration for one of the princesses, but is imprisoned when the King assumes he has harmed his daughters. The princesses revive and plead for Hans‘ release, and the King orders them to reveal their story to a stove, which he eavesdrops on. The King then has the two deceitful brothers executed and marries Hans to his youngest daughter.

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