Jorinde and Joringel - Fairy Tale by the Brothers Grimm

Reading time for children: 8 min

There was once an old castle in the midst of a large and thick forest, and in it an old woman who was a witch dwelt all alone. In the day-time she changed herself into a cat or a screech-owl, but in the evening she took her proper shape again as a human being. She could lure wild beasts and birds to her, and then she killed and boiled and roasted them.

If any one came within one hundred paces of the castle he was obliged to stand still, and could not stir from the place until she bade him be free. But whenever an innocent maiden came within this circle, she changed her into a bird, and shut her up in a wicker-work cage, and carried the cage into a room in the castle. She had about seven thousand cages of rare birds in the castle.

Now, there was once a maiden who was called Jorinda, who was fairer than all other girls. She and a handsome youth named Joringel had promised to marry each other. They were still in the days of betrothal, and their greatest happiness was being together. One day in order that they might be able to talk together in quiet they went for a walk in the forest. „Take care,“ said Joringel, „that you do not go too near the castle.“

It was a beautiful evening. The sun shone brightly between the trunks of the trees into the dark green of the forest, and the turtle-doves sang mournfully upon the young boughs of the birch-trees. Jorinda wept now and then: She sat down in the sunshine and was sorrowful. Joringel was sorrowful too. They were as sad as if they were about to die.

Image: Paul Hey (1867 – 1952)

Then they looked around them, and were quite at a loss, for they did not know by which way they should go home. The sun was still half above the mountain and half set. Joringel looked through the bushes, and saw the old walls of the castle close at hand. He was horror-stricken and filled with deadly fear. Jorinda was singing,

„My little bird, with the necklace red,
Sings sorrow, sorrow, sorrow,
He sings that the dove must soon be dead,
Sings sorrow, sor — jug, jug, jug.“

Joringel looked for Jorinda. She was changed into a nightingale, and sang, „jug, jug, jug.“ A screech-owl with glowing eyes flew three times round about her, and three times cried, „to-whoo, to-whoo, to-whoo!“ Joringel could not move: he stood there like a stone, and could neither weep nor speak, nor move hand or foot. The sun had now set.

The owl flew into the thicket, and directly afterwards there came out of it a crooked old woman, yellow and lean, with large red eyes and a hooked nose, the point of which reached to her chin. She muttered to herself, caught the nightingale, and took it away in her hand. Joringel could neither speak nor move from the spot. The nightingale was gone.

At last the woman came back, and said in a hollow voice, „Greet thee, Zachiel. If the moon shines on the cage, Zachiel, let him loose at once.“ Then Joringel was freed. He fell on his knees before the woman and begged that she would give him back his Jorinda, but she said that he should never have her again, and went away. He called, he wept, he lamented, but all in vain,“Ah, what is to become of me?“

Joringel went away, and at last came to a strange village. There he kept sheep for a long time. He often walked round and round the castle, but not too near to it. At last he dreamt one night that he found a blood-red flower, in the middle of which was a beautiful large pearl. That he picked the flower and went with it to the castle, and that everything he touched with the flower was freed from enchantment. He also dreamt that by means of it he recovered his Jorinda.

In the morning, when he awoke, he began to seek over hill and dale if he could find such a flower. He sought until the ninth day, and then, early in the morning, he found the blood-red flower. In the middle of it there was a large dew-drop, as big as the finest pearl. Day and night he journeyed with this flower to the castle. When he was within a hundred paces of it he was not held fast, but walked on to the door. Joringel was full of joy. He touched the door with the flower, and it sprang open.

He walked in through the courtyard, and listened for the sound of the birds. At last he heard it. He went on and found the room from whence it came, and there the witch was feeding the birds in the seven thousand cages. When she saw Joringel she was angry, very angry, and scolded and spat poison and gall at him, but she could not come within two paces of him.

He did not take any notice of her, but went and looked at the cages with the birds; but there were many hundred nightingales, how was he to find his Jorinda again? Just then he saw the old woman quietly take away a cage with a bird in it, and go towards the door. Swiftly he sprang towards her, touched the cage with the flower, and also the old woman. She could now no longer bewitch any one; and Jorinda was standing there, clasping him round the neck, and she was as beautiful as ever!

Read another short fairy tale (5 min)

The Three Brothers

The Princess and the Pea

The Three Little Pigs

Learn languages. Double-Tap on one word.Learn languages in context with Childstories.org and Deepl.com.

Backgrounds to fairy tale „Jorinde and Joringel“

„Jorinde and Joringel“ is a lesser-known fairy tale collected and published by the Brothers Grimm in their anthology of folktales, „Grimms‘ Fairy Tales.“ The story revolves around a young couple, Jorinde and Joringel, who must overcome the challenges posed by an evil witch.

The Brothers Grimm: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were German academics, linguists, and cultural researchers who collected and published European folktales in the 19th century. Their goal was to preserve the rich oral tradition of storytelling found throughout Europe. Their collection, „Grimms‘ Fairy Tales,“ is considered one of the most influential works in the field of folklore. Their work laid the foundation for the study of folklore and had a significant impact on the development of the modern fairy tale genre.

Origins and influences: „Jorinde and Joringel“ is believed to have originated from the German oral tradition, which was passed down through generations of storytelling. Like other tales in the Grimms‘ collection, this story shares themes and motifs with other folktales and fairy tales, such as the power of love, the struggle between good and evil, and the importance of resourcefulness. The Grimms‘ collection of fairy tales includes stories that were passed down orally from generation to generation, as well as those derived from existing literary sources. „Jorinde and Joringel“ is an example of a traditional oral tale that the brothers collected during their efforts to document the folk culture of Germany.

Structure and plot: The story follows a linear narrative structure, with Jorinde and Joringel encountering an evil witch who turns Jorinde into a nightingale and imprisons her in a castle. Joringel, determined to save his beloved, eventually finds a magical flower that grants him the power to break the witch’s spell and rescue Jorinde. The story is focused on the couple’s love and their struggle to overcome the challenges posed by the witch.

Themes and motifs: „Jorinde and Joringel“ explores several themes and motifs common to many fairy tales and folk stories. These include: The love between Jorinde and Joringel is the driving force of the story, emphasizing the strength and resilience of true love in the face of adversity. The tale illustrates the struggle between good and evil, with the evil witch attempting to cause harm and the couple working together to overcome her wickedness. The witch’s ability to transform Jorinde into a nightingale and Joringel’s quest to change her back are central elements of the story, highlighting the theme of transformation and the idea that love can overcome even the most powerful of spells. Joringel demonstrates both resourcefulness and bravery throughout the story, as he seeks a way to save Jorinde from the witch’s spell. This theme underscores the importance of determination and courage in overcoming obstacles.

Morals and lessons: „Jorinde and Joringel“ imparts valuable life lessons and morals to its readers. The story emphasizes the power of love, the importance of bravery, and the value of perseverance when faced with adversity. It also teaches that good can triumph over evil, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Like many other tales in the Grimms‘ collection, „Jorinde and Joringel“ has undergone various revisions and adaptations over time. The original version was darker and contained more mature themes, but later editions were modified to make the stories more suitable for a wider audience, particularly children. The tale, along with other stories from the Grimms‘ anthology, has been adapted into different formats, such as plays, films, and television shows, and has influenced the work of other authors and creators in the fantasy and fairy tale genres.

Interpretations to fairy tale „Jorinde and Joringel“

„Jorinde and Joringel“ can be interpreted in various ways, reflecting themes such as love, perseverance, the power of good over evil, and the importance of personal growth.

Love: The love between Jorinde and Joringel is central to the story. Their strong bond and commitment to one another enable them to overcome adversity and the witch’s dark magic. This theme suggests that love has the power to conquer even the most challenging obstacles. The story highlights the strength and resilience of true love in the face of adversity. Joringel’s unwavering love for Jorinde drives him to save her from the witch’s spell, suggesting that love can overcome even the most powerful obstacles.

Perseverance: Joringel’s determination to rescue Jorinda is another significant aspect of the story. His unwavering resolve to find the magical flower and save his beloved demonstrates the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity. This perseverance ultimately leads to their happy reunion.

Power of good over evil: The tale depicts the struggle between good and evil, represented by the innocent couple and the malevolent witch. The witch’s dark magic, which causes suffering and captures innocent maidens, is ultimately defeated by Joringel’s love, courage, and the power of the magical flower. This theme underscores the notion that good can triumph over evil in the end. The tale demonstrates the struggle between good and evil, with the evil witch attempting to harm Jorinde and Joringel. Their victory over the witch’s wickedness illustrates that goodness and love can ultimately triumph over evil forces.

Personal growth: Joringel’s journey from being helpless against the witch’s spell to finding the magical flower and rescuing Jorinda signifies personal growth and transformation. He evolves from a passive victim to an active hero who ultimately overcomes the witch’s power. This transformation highlights the importance of self-discovery and inner strength. Joringel’s journey to save Jorinde is a tale of personal growth and transformation. Through his courage, determination, and resourcefulness, he becomes a stronger person and eventually rescues his beloved. This interpretation emphasizes the importance of personal growth in overcoming challenges and achieving happiness.

Gender roles and expectations: The story presents traditional gender roles, with Jorinde portrayed as the passive and helpless victim, while Joringel takes on the role of the brave and resourceful hero. This interpretation invites readers to examine the portrayal of gender roles in the story and consider their implications and historical context.

The role of magic and supernatural forces: Magic plays a significant role in the story, as seen in the witch’s ability to transform Jorinde into a nightingale and the magical flower that empowers Joringel. This interpretation suggests that magic can be a force for both good and evil, depending on the intentions of the user.

The symbolism of the nightingale: The nightingale, a bird known for its beautiful song, could be seen as a symbol of Jorinde’s purity, innocence, and enchanting qualities. The transformation of Jorinde into a nightingale might represent the witch’s attempt to possess and control these qualities, while Joringel’s quest to save her symbolizes the power of love to overcome this control.

In summary, „Jorinde and Joringel“ offers various interpretations, each providing a different perspective on the story’s themes and lessons. The tale’s multifaceted nature allows for a rich and engaging reading experience, inviting readers to reflect on its themes and connect them to their own lives. „Jorinde and Joringel“ offers a rich tapestry of themes that can inspire readers to reflect on love, persistence, personal growth, and the power of good over evil.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „Jorinde and Joringel“

The fairy tale „Jorinde and Joringel“ from Brothers Grimm has been adapted and retold in various forms over the years, including:

Films: There have been several film adaptations of the story, including the 1935 German film „Jorinde und Joringel,“ and the 1986 Soviet animated film „Jorinde and Joringel.“ In 1986, the German-Czechoslovakian film „Jorinde und Joringel“ was released, directed by Karola Hattop. The movie closely follows the story of Jorinde and Joringel, bringing the fairy tale to life on the screen with a live-action adaptation.

Theater: The story has also been adapted for the stage, including a 2013 production by the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. Various theatrical adaptations of „Jorinde and Joringel“ have been performed, often as part of a larger production of Grimm’s fairy tales. These stage adaptations use storytelling, puppetry, music, and other theatrical techniques to bring the story to life for the audience.

Picture Books: Numerous picture books based on the story have been published, including „Jorinde and Joringel“ by illustrator Bernadette Watts.

Literature: The story has been retold and adapted in various literary forms, including the novel „Jorinda and Joringel: A Fairytale“ by Marianne Kaurin. Authors have sometimes incorporated elements of „Jorinde and Joringel“ into their own works, either as retellings or by incorporating themes and motifs from the story. One such example is the short story „The Witch’s Garden“ by Michael Cunningham, which is included in his collection „A Wild Swan and Other Tales.“ This story reimagines the tale with a modern twist.

TV: The fairy tale has been adapted as part of various animated series dedicated to the Brothers Grimm stories. One such example is the „Grimm’s Fairy Tale Classics“ series, produced by the Japanese company Nippon Animation. This animated series aired in the 1980s and included an adaptation of „Jorinde and Joringel.“

Musical Adaptations: There have been several musical adaptations of the story, including the musical „Jorinde & Joringel“ by Dutch composer Herman van Veen. In 2004, the BBC Radio 4 aired a dramatization of „Jorinde and Joringel“ as part of their „Grimm Tales“ series. The radio play, adapted by Lucy Catherine and directed by Claire Grove, featured voice acting, music, and sound effects, offering an engaging and immersive listening experience. The story has been adapted into operas, including „Jorinde and Joringel,“ composed by Swedish composer Adolf Fredrik Lindblad in 1825.

Art and illustrations: Various illustrators have created artwork for different editions of „Grimms‘ Fairy Tales“ or standalone books featuring „Jorinde and Joringel.“ These illustrations often capture the key moments, characters, and themes of the story, adding a visual dimension to the narrative.

Though „Jorinde and Joringel“ may not have as many adaptations as some of the more popular Grimm tales, these examples show that the story continues to inspire artists and storytellers. The fairy tale’s themes of love, courage, and the struggle between good and evil remain relevant and continue to resonate with audiences today. „Jorinde and Joringel“ remains a beloved and enduring fairy tale that continues to inspire artists and creators across different mediums.

Summary of the plot

„Jorinde and Joringel“ is a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm about a young couple who fall victim to an evil witch. The witch lives in an old castle surrounded by a dense forest, where she turns herself into a cat or screech-owl during the day, while at night she resumes her human form. She has the power to freeze people within a hundred paces of her castle and turn innocent maidens into birds, which she keeps in cages.

Jorinde, a beautiful maiden, and Joringel, a handsome youth, are engaged to be married. One day, they take a walk in the forest, eventually losing their way and wandering too close to the witch’s castle. The witch turns Jorinde into a nightingale and captures her, leaving Joringel paralyzed by a spell. When the witch releases him, Joringel becomes a shepherd in a distant village, longing to rescue Jorinde.

He dreams of a blood-red flower with a large pearl that can break enchantments, prompting him to search for it. On the ninth day, he finds the flower and heads to the castle. The flower’s power allows him to enter the castle, where he discovers the witch feeding her caged birds, including Jorinda. Joringel follows the witch as she takes a cage and touches both the cage and the witch with the flower, breaking the enchantments. Jorinda is restored to her human form, and the couple is happily reunited.

Abstract

„Jorinde and Joringel“ is a fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm about a young couple, Jorinde and Joringel, who must overcome the challenges posed by an evil witch. Jorinde and Joringel are deeply in love and plan to marry. One day, they venture into a forest and accidentally get too close to the castle of an evil witch. The witch casts a spell on Jorinde, transforming her into a nightingale, and imprisons her in the castle along with numerous other enchanted birds.

Joringel, heartbroken and desperate to save Jorinde, has a dream in which he finds a magical flower that grants him the power to break the witch’s spell. He searches for the flower and, after finding it, returns to the witch’s castle. When he touches the castle wall with the magical flower, the wall crumbles, allowing him to enter. Inside the castle, Joringel discovers the room where Jorinde and the other enchanted birds are kept in cages.

He uses the magical flower to break the witch’s spell, transforming Jorinde back into a human and releasing the other birds from their enchantment. The witch is then stripped of her power, and the couple returns home to live happily ever after. The story of „Jorinde and Joringel“ emphasizes themes such as the power of love, the struggle between good and evil, and the importance of courage and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.

Informations for scientific analysis