Description

An evil enchantress, an imprisoned girl, and a dashing prince—these are the elements that make up Rapunzel, the timeless fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. The story begins with an old, childless couple, who are elated to discover that they are finally pregnant. During her pregnancy, the mother craves the Rapunzel plant, which grows in the enchantress’ enclosed garden next door. The husband sneaks over to steal the plant for his wife, but when he is caught, the sorceress demands that he promise her his unborn child in exchange for leniency. The husband agrees, and the girl is given to the enchantress, who names her Rapunzel and imprisons her in a tower in order to keep her to herself. When the sorceress wants to visit her ward, she calls on Rapunzel to let down her long hair, which the sorceress then climbs. One day, however, a young prince wanders by the tower and hears Rapunzel’s beautiful voice as she sings to herself. He immediately falls in love with her, and after seeing how the sorceress ascends the tower, the next night he calls on Rapunzel to let down her hair. The couple embark on a secret romance, but their fragile happiness is threatened by the jealousy and rage of the sorceress, who refuses to let anyone come between her and Rapunzel.

About the Author

Jakob (1785-1863) and Wilhelm (1786-1859) Grimm were born into a comfortable German family, enjoying a genteel rural lifestyle in their earliest years. When their father suddenly died, however, the Grimm children and their mother were forced to leave their home and move into a smaller house in the city. Overcoming their family's hardships, the brothers went on to attend the University of Marlburg, where both studied law. It was during this phase of their lives that the Grimms began a project to amass ancient folk legends and stories of Germany. This singular endeavor would become the Grimms' beloved multi-volume set of Fairy Tales. Having established a solid reputation with these collected tales, both brothers became university professors, pursuing work in the field of linguistics. In addition to their most famous work, the brothers Grimm were also well known in their day for their passionate interest in politics and loyal devotion to the German democratic movement.

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Opening Lines (Experimental)

There were once a man and a woman who had long in vain wished for a child. At length the woman hoped that God was about to grant her desire. These people had a little window at the back of their house from which a splendid garden could be seen, which was full of the most beautiful flowers and ...