Michael Ende
Michael Ende, sometimes called "the modern Aesop”, is one of the most beloved children's literature authors of all time. His works have spanned several genres and have become classics of modern kids’ literature. Best known for his imaginative and moralistic plotlines, Ende’s most well-known works include The Neverending Story, Momo, and Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver.
Michael Andreas Helmuth Ende was born on November 12, 1929 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. His father, Hermann Ende, was a sculptor and art professor, and his mother, Marianne Ende, was a playwright and poet. Their creative influences greatly influenced Michael’s imagination. Ende began writing for his own amusement during his childhood, even at the tender age of six. He was heavily influenced by fantasy authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, classic literature, and his favorite comic books. Ende attended the University of Munich and graduated with a degree in Romance and Germanic philology. During his early adulthood, Ende served in the German Army, worked as a ghostwriter and editor, and authored several plays.
Ende is most famous for his book The Neverending Story, a captivating fairy tale which he finished writing in 1975. The book is a highly imaginative and magical story in which a young boy named Bastian discovers an old book that holds the secrets of an enchanted world called Fantasia. The narrative focuses on Bastian’s journey as he becomes involved in the struggles of the fantasy creatures and must ultimately restore peace and order to the kingdom. At its heart, The Neverending Story is a powerful tale about accepting and preserving creative power, bravery, love, and friendship throughout life’s adventures.
Ende wrote the novel Momo in 1973, which follows a young orphan girl who is able to bring hope and happiness to her friends and neighbors through her exceptional gift of listening. The novel encourages readers to fight against greed, time-starvation, and darkness by embracing ‘the joy of the moment.’ Though Ende disagreed with the film adaptation of the novel, Momo became an important classic in the genre of children’s books.
Ende's 1985 novel, Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver, tells the story of Jim Button’s search for his father, who he discovers is a Chinese prince. Together, Jim and Luke the Engine Driver set out on a journey to a strange and distant land of dragons and magic, discovering friendship and courage along the way. The novel dives back and forth between the parallel universes of Jim’s reality and the magical world, ultimately displaying a compelling and moral story of love and loyalty.
Michael Ende passed away on August 28, 1995 at the age of 66. To this day, his children’s books continue to be beloved and devoured by generations of young readers, and have often been translated into other languages. His works are widely considered some of the most influential books of modern children’s literature and have even been adapted into impressive stage and film versions in a multitude of countries. Ende also helped establish events like the Children’s Literature Days around Munich and the International Christmas Circus in Paris with the Royal Hanneford Circus. He is forever preserved in the literary tradition as one of the most influential authors of his time.
