Brothers Grimm

The Brothers Grimm, famous for their classic collections of fairytales, were two German brothers, Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm, who were born in the early 19th century. The brothers are best known for writing and collecting some of the most beloved and recognizable fairy tales, including “Rapunzel,” “Cinderella,” and “Hansel and Gretel.” Despite their fame, the Brothers Grimm have often been overlooked in favor of other more prominent figures in literature, including writers like Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky.

The brothers were born in Hanau, Germany in 1785 and 1786, respectively, to a law-abiding middle-class family. Jakob and Wilhelm were very close and had a strong interest in the language and culture of the region in which they grew up. They began creating their own stories around the age of 16 when they began collecting tales from orally transmitted traditional stories and popular superstitions.

It was during their college studies in the late 18th century where the two brothers began to compile an impressive collection of stories and poems. Their collected works inspired a lifelong passion for literature and eventually culminated in the publication of their first book, "Children's and Household Tales," in 1812. This volume contained 80 stories that had been largely echoed around the country for some time, but now were compiled into one book. These tales were originally intended to be educational, not entertaining, as they aimed to teach children a moral lesson through traditional folk stories.

The Brothers Grimm eventually published six editions of the book, with each version expanding their collection to over 200 stories. The initial reaction to the publication of their book was largely negative; however, over time, their stories gained wider audience and received much better reception. The stories quickly spread throughout Europe and eventually became well-known around the world, paving the way for the prolific fairytale genre in the modern era.

The Brothers Grimm’s works have been translated into many languages and inspired countless adaptations, ranging from theatrical plays to feature-length films. Despite their place among the most beloved fairytales, some of the brothers’ more overlooked works are rich in symbolism and psychological depth. The Grimm’s legacy still lives to this day, having earned them numerous awards and honors, including the Brother Grimm Prize, given at the Berlin International Film Festival, and the prestigious “Hoffmann Prize”, awarded by the Swedish Academy of Literature.

The Brothers Grimm’s work continues to captivate readers of all ages, and the lasting impact of their fairytales on the cultural imagination cannot be overstated.

It is clear that the Brothers Grimm’s contributions to literature—and to the world—are incomparable. What began as a childhood interest in Collecting oral stories evolved into a massive body of work that has been inspired, adapted, and reworked across various mediums for centuries. Through their fairytales, the Brothers Grimm remain iconic figures in the literary canon, and serve as a fitting reminder of the power of imagination and creative expression.