Is a renowned collection of over 200 German folk stories compiled by the Brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm and first published in 1812. Far from being solely for children, the Grimms’ original intention was to preserve German oral traditions and folklore, which they saw as a vital part of their cultural heritage.

The tales feature a wide array of classic characters and narratives, including well-known stories like “Cinderella,” “Rapunzel,” “Snow White,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” and “Sleeping Beauty,” among many others. While later editions were often edited to be more “child-friendly,” the original versions are often darker, more primal, and at times quite violent, reflecting the harsh realities and moral lessons of the era in which they originated. They explore universal themes of good versus evil, the journey from childhood to adulthood, perseverance, cunning, and the consequences of one’s actions, often incorporating elements of magic, talking animals, and supernatural intervention.