Lessons from Grimm: Mothers

Just in time for Mother’s Day, the set of stories this week provides us with another story about a mother and a stolen child. What are the mothers like in Grimm’s fairy tales? So far in our readings, we have been introduced to evil stepmothers, barren mothers, and...

Lessons from Grimm: Royal Dishonesty

One of the reasons there are so many royal characters in a fairy tales is that they symbolize themes like ultimate power and goodness. We expect the king to be a wise ruler, honest and fair in his dealings. Likewise, the queen should embody the best of the feminine...

Lessons from Grimm: Palace Intrigue

The most popular fairy tales seem to involve royalty and romance with a good dose of palace intrigue. (Think of the most famous tales: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White) This week, two of the Grimm’s Fairy tales we read are firmly set in this royalty genre:...