Reading time for children: 15 min
There was once a King who had a son who asked in marriage the daughter of a mighty King. She was called Maid Maleen, and was very beautiful. As her father wished to give her to another, the prince was rejected; but as they both loved each other with all their hearts, they would not give each other up, and Maid Maleen said to her father, „I can and will take no other for my husband.“ Then the King flew into a passion, and ordered a dark tower to be built, into which no ray of sunlight or moonlight should enter. When it was finished, he said, „Therein shalt thou be imprisoned for seven years, and then I will come and see if thy perverse spirit is broken.“ Meat and drink for the seven years were carried into the tower, and then she and her waiting-woman were led into it and walled up, and thus cut off from the sky and from the earth.
Image: Paul Hey (1867 – 1952)There they sat in the darkness, and knew not when day or night began. The King’s son often went round and round the tower, and called their names, but no sound from without pierced through the thick walls. What else could they do but lament and complain? Meanwhile the time passed, and by the diminution of the food and drink they knew that the seven years were coming to an end. They thought the moment of their deliverance was come; but no stroke of the hammer was heard, no stone fell out of the wall, and it seemed to Maid Maleen that her father had forgotten her. As they only had food for a short time longer, and saw a miserable death awaiting them, Maid Maleen said, „We must try our last chance, and see if we can break through the wall.“ She took the bread-knife, and picked and bored at the mortar of a stone, and when she was tired, the waiting-maid took her turn. With great labour they succeeded in getting out one stone, and then a second, and a third, and when three days were over the first ray of light fell on their darkness, and at last the opening was so large that they could look out. The sky was blue, and a fresh breeze played on their faces; but how melancholy everything looked all around! Her father’s castle lay in ruins, the town and the villages were, so far as could be seen, destroyed by fire, the fields far and wide laid to waste, and no human being was visible. When the opening in the wall was large enough for them to slip through, the waiting-maid sprang down first, and then Maid Maleen followed. But where were they to go? The enemy had ravaged the whole kingdom, driven away the King, and slain all the inhabitants. They wandered forth to seek another country, but nowhere did they find a shelter, or a human being to give them a mouthful of bread, and their need was so great that they were forced to appease their hunger with nettles. When, after long journeying, they came into another country, they tried to get work everywhere; but wherever they knocked they were turned away, and no one would have pity on them. At last they arrived in a large city and went to the royal palace. There also they were ordered to go away, but at last the cook said that they might stay in the kitchen and be scullions. The son of the King in whose kingdom they were, was, however, the very man who had been betrothed to Maid Maleen. His father had chosen another bride for him, whose face was as ugly as her heart was wicked. The wedding was fixed, and the maiden had already arrived; but because of her great ugliness, however, she shut herself in her room, and allowed no one to see her, and Maid Maleen had to take her her meals from the kitchen. When the day came for the bride and the bridegroom to go to church, she was ashamed of her ugliness, and afraid that if she showed herself in the streets, she would be mocked and laughed at by the people.
Image: Paul Hey (1867 – 1952)Then said she to Maid Maleen, „A great piece of luck has befallen thee. I have sprained my foot, and cannot well walk through the streets; thou shalt put on my wedding-clothes and take my place; a greater honour than that thou canst not have!“ Maid Maleen, however, refused it, and said, „I wish for no honour which is not suitable for me.“ It was in vain, too, that the bride offered her gold. At last she said angrily, „If thou dost not obey me, it shall cost thee thy life. I have but to speak the word, and thy head will lie at thy feet.“ Then she was forced to obey, and put on the bride’s magnificent clothes and all her jewels. When she entered the royal hall, every one was amazed at her great beauty, and the King said to his son, „This is the bride whom I have chosen for thee, and whom thou must lead to church.“ The bridegroom was astonished, and thought, „She is like my Maid Maleen, and I should believe that it was she herself, but she has long been shut up in the tower, or dead.“ He took her by the hand and led her to church. On the way was a nettle-plant, and she said,
„Oh, nettle-plant,
Little nettle-plant,
What dost thou here alone? I have known the time
When I ate thee unboiled,
When I ate thee unroasted.“
„What art thou saying?“ asked the King’s son. „Nothing,“ she replied, „I was only thinking of Maid Maleen.“ He was surprised that she knew about her, but kept silence. When they came to the foot-plank into the churchyard, she said:
„Foot-bridge, do not break,
I am not the true bride.“
„What art thou saying there?“ asked the King’s son. „Nothing,“ she replied, „I was only thinking of Maid Maleen.“ – „Dost thou know Maid Maleen?“ – „No,“ she answered, „how should I know her. I have only heard of her.“ When they came to the church-door, she said once more,
„Church-door, break not,
I am not the true bride.“
„What art thou saying there?“ asked he. „Ah,“ she answered, „I was only thinking of Maid Maleen.“ Then he took out a precious chain, put it round her neck, and fastened the clasp. Thereupon they entered the church, and the priest joined their hands together before the altar, and married them. He led her home, but she did not speak a single word the whole way. When they got back to the royal palace, she hurried into the bride’s chamber, put off the magnificent clothes and the jewels, dressed herself in her gray gown, and kept nothing but the jewel on her neck, which she had received from the bridegroom. When the night came, and the bride was to be led into the prince’s apartment, she let her veil fall over her face, that he might not observe the deception. As soon as every one had gone away, he said to her, „What didst thou say to the nettle-plant which was growing by the wayside?“
„To which nettle-plant?“ asked she; „I don’t talk to nettle-plants.“ – „If thou didst not do it, then thou art not the true bride,“ said he. So she bethought herself, and said,
„I must go out unto my maid,
Who keeps my thoughts for me.“
She went out and sought Maid Maleen. „Girl, what hast thou been saying to the nettle?“ – „I said nothing but,
„Oh, nettle-plant,
Little nettle-plant,
What dost thou here alone? I have known the time
When I ate thee unboiled,
When I ate thee unroasted.“
The bride ran back into the chamber, and said, „I know now what I said to the nettle,“ and she repeated the words which she had just heard. „But what didst thou say to the foot-bridge when we went over it?“ asked the King’s son. „To the foot-bridge?“ she answered. „I don’t talk to foot-bridges.“ – „Then thou art not the true bride.“
She again said,
„I must go out unto my maid, Who keeps my thoughts for me,“ And ran out and found Maid Maleen, „Girl, what didst thou say to the foot-bridge?“
„I said nothing but,
„Foot-bridge, do not break,
I am not the true bride.“
„That costs thee thy life!“ cried the bride, but she hurried into the room, and said, „I know now what I said to the foot-bridge,“ and she repeated the words. „But what didst thou say to the church-door?“ – „To the church-door?“ she replied; „I don’t talk to church-doors.“ – „Then thou art not the true bride.“
She went out and found Maid Maleen, and said, „Girl, what didst thou say to the church-door?“
„I said nothing but,
„Church-door, break not,
I am not the true bride.“
„That will break thy neck for thee!“ cried the bride, and flew into a terrible passion, but she hastened back into the room, and said, „I know now what I said to the church-door,“ and she repeated the words. „But where hast thou the jewel which I gave thee at the church-door?“ – „What jewel?“ she answered; „thou didst not give me any jewel.“ – „I myself put it round thy neck, and I myself fastened it. If thou dost not know that, thou art not the true bride.“ He drew the veil from her face, and when he saw her immeasurable ugliness, he sprang back terrified, and said, „How comest thou here? Who art thou?“ – „I am thy betrothed bride, but because I feared lest the people should mock me when they saw me out of doors, I commanded the scullery-maid to dress herself in my clothes, and to go to church instead of me.“ – „Where is the girl?“ said he; „I want to see her, go and bring her here.“ She went out and told the servants that the scullery-maid was an impostor, and that they must take her out into the court-yard and strike off her head. The servants laid hold of Maid Maleen and wanted to drag her out, but she screamed so loudly for help, that the King’s son heard her voice, hurried out of his chamber and ordered them to set the maiden free instantly.
Image: Paul Hey (1867 – 1952)Lights were brought, and then he saw on her neck the gold chain which he had given her at the church-door. „Thou art the true bride, said he, „who went with me to the church; come with me now to my room.“ When they were both alone, he said, „On the way to church thou didst name Maid Maleen, who was my betrothed bride. If I could believe it possible, I should think she was standing before me thou art like her in every respect.“ She answered, „I am Maid Maleen, who for thy sake was imprisoned seven years in the darkness, who suffered hunger and thirst, and has lived so long in want and poverty. To-day, however, the sun is shining on me once more. I was married to thee in the church, and I am thy lawful wife.“ Then they kissed each other, and were happy all the days of their lives. The false bride was rewarded for what she had done by having her head cut off. The tower in which Maid Maleen had been imprisoned remained standing for a long time, and when the children passed by it they sang,
„Kling, klang, gloria. Who sits within this tower? A King’s daughter, she sits within, A sight of her I cannot win, The wall it will not break, The stone cannot be pierced. Little Hans, with your coat so gay, Follow me, follow me, fast as you may.“
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Interpretations
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Summary
Linguistics
„Maid Maleen“ is a lesser-known fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm in their famous anthology, „Grimms‘ Fairy Tales.“ The story, also known as „Jungfrau Maleen,“ was first published in the 19th century as part of the brothers‘ efforts to collect and preserve German folklore and oral traditions. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were German scholars and linguists who aimed to capture the essence of traditional Germanic culture through their collection of tales.
„Maid Maleen“ tells the story of a princess who defies her father’s wishes and remains loyal to her true love, a prince from another kingdom. Her father punishes her by imprisoning her in a tower for seven years. Despite the many obstacles they face, including Maid Maleen’s imprisonment and the prince’s forced marriage to a false bride, the two lovers remain devoted to one another. Eventually, they are reunited, and justice is served when the false bride is punished for her deception.
The tale shares elements with other well-known fairy tales, such as „Rapunzel,“ where a young woman is also imprisoned in a tower. However, „Maid Maleen“ differs in its focus on themes like perseverance, loyalty, and the consequences of deception. Additionally, unlike many other fairy tales, the protagonist in „Maid Maleen“ demonstrates agency and determination, overcoming her challenges through her own efforts rather than relying on external rescue.
As a part of the Grimms‘ collection, „Maid Maleen“ has contributed to the rich tapestry of fairy tales that continue to entertain and teach moral lessons to readers of all ages.
„Maid Maleen“ can be interpreted in several ways, touching upon themes such as love, perseverance, loyalty, deception, and justice.
True love conquers all: The love between Maid Maleen and the prince withstands numerous trials and tribulations, including her imprisonment and the destruction of her kingdom. Their love remains strong despite the passage of time, and they eventually reunite and live happily ever after. This theme showcases the power of true love and its ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
The value of perseverance: Maid Maleen and her waiting-maid endure seven years of darkness and isolation in the tower. They display great determination and courage by breaking through the tower’s walls and surviving in a ruined land. Their perseverance pays off when they finally reunite with the prince and find happiness.
Loyalty and devotion: Both Maid Maleen and the prince remain loyal to each other despite their separation and the challenges they face. Maid Maleen’s unwavering devotion to her love leads her to reject her father’s wishes, while the prince’s loyalty prompts him to question the identity of the woman he marries, ultimately leading to their reunion.
Deception and its consequences: The false bride’s deception in forcing Maid Maleen to take her place at the wedding ultimately leads to her downfall. Her lies and manipulations are uncovered, resulting in her execution. This theme illustrates the consequences of deceit and the importance of honesty and integrity.
Justice and retribution: In the end, justice is served when Maid Maleen and the prince are reunited, and the false bride is punished for her actions. This theme emphasizes the importance of fairness and the idea that wrongdoings will eventually be punished.
Overall, „Maid Maleen“ is a tale that demonstrates the power of love, loyalty, and perseverance, while also highlighting the consequences of deception and the importance of justice.
The fairy tale „Maid Maleen“ from the Brothers Grimm has been adapted in various forms, including:
Literature: The story has been adapted in various works of literature, including „The Maiden in the Tower“ by Charles Perrault and „The Enchanted Princess“ by Madame d’Aulnoy.
Film: The story has been adapted into films, including the German silent film „Maid Maleen“ in 1919 and the animated film „Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper“ in 2004.
Theater: The story has been adapted into theatrical productions, including an adaptation by the National Theater in London in 2018.
Television: The story has been adapted for television shows, including an episode of the TV series „Grimm“ in 2016.
Music: The story has been adapted into operas, including the German opera „Maid Maleen“ by Johann Friedrich Reichardt in 1798.
These adaptations often modify the original story to suit different audiences and cultural contexts. However, they often retain the central themes of female empowerment, loyalty, and the struggle for personal freedom that are present in the original fairy tale.
„Maid Maleen“ is a Brothers Grimm fairy tale about a beautiful princess named Maid Maleen who falls in love with a prince from a neighboring kingdom. Despite their love for each other, Maid Maleen’s father disapproves and wants her to marry someone else. As a result, the King imprisons Maid Maleen and her waiting-maid in a dark tower for seven years, hoping to break her spirit. They survive in the darkness, with food and drink provided for the duration of their imprisonment.
When the seven years come to an end, no one comes to release them, so they decide to break through the tower’s walls themselves. Upon their escape, they discover their kingdom in ruins and the inhabitants gone. They wander through the desolate land, eventually arriving in another kingdom where they find work as scullions in the royal kitchen.
Unbeknownst to them, the prince whom Maid Maleen loves is the son of the King of this kingdom. He is set to marry an ugly and wicked bride who is ashamed of her appearance. On their wedding day, the bride forces Maid Maleen to take her place at the ceremony. The prince is astonished by her resemblance to his beloved Maid Maleen, but believes her to be dead.
During the ceremony, Maid Maleen speaks cryptic verses to a nettle-plant, a foot-bridge, and the church door, which the prince questions her about later. She initially denies saying anything, but the false bride forces her to reveal the words. The prince realizes that she is his true bride when he sees the gold chain he gave her at the church.
Maid Maleen is eventually recognized as the prince’s true bride, and they live happily ever after. The false bride is executed for her deception. The tower where Maid Maleen was imprisoned remains standing, and children sing a song about it as they pass by.
The fairy tale „Maid Maleen“ by the Brothers Grimm is a story rich with themes of love, fidelity, transformation, and social class, and it uses various linguistic techniques to convey these themes. A linguistic analysis can reveal how language is used to develop characters, evoke emotions, and push the narrative forward.
Dialogue and Direct Speech: Throughout the story, direct speech is used to express the emotions and thoughts of the characters. The dialogue between Maid Maleen and her father, and between Maleen and the false bride, highlights themes of defiance and conflict. The repetition in the exchanges between Maid Maleen and the King’s son during the wedding procession serves as a narrative device to gradually reveal her true identity.
Symbolism and Metaphors: The tale uses various symbols, such as the dark tower, which represents oppression and entrapment. Additionally, the nettle-plant that Maid Maleen speaks to symbolizes her past suffering and resilience. The tower, broken down and decayed, reflects the downfall of her father’s kingdom and patriarchal control.
Repetition: The repeated phrases that Maleen says to the nettle-plant, footbridge, and church-door („I am not the true bride“) serve both as foreshadowing and tension-building devices. They emphasize Maid Maleen’s identity and serve as clues for the King’s son to recognize her.
Language of Power and Subjugation: The king’s speech when he orders Maid Maleen to be imprisoned demonstrates authority and power. Subsequently, the false bride’s threats towards Maid Maleen display hierarchical social dynamics, reflecting the theme of class disparity.
Imagery: Vivid descriptions of stark contrasts, from the dark, sunless tower to the radiant beauty of Maid Maleen in the bridal attire, create powerful imagery. This contrast highlights themes of transformation and liberation.
Nursery Rhyme Structure: The song at the end sung by children contains the rhythm and rhyme of a nursery rhyme, creating a haunting reminder of Maid Maleen’s imprisonment. The use of such a structure evokes a timeless and oral tradition, linking the fate of Maid Maleen to folktales and legends.
Characterization through Speech: The language attributed to each character, such as the King’s authoritative declarations, Maid Maleen’s determined refusal, and the false bride’s deceitful commands, helps define their personalities and roles within the story.
In summary, the linguistics of „Maid Maleen“ enhance its narrative by using direct speech, symbolism, repetition, and characterization, weaving a tale that is as much about social commentary and personal struggle as it is about love and eventual triumph. These elements work together to underscore themes of perseverance, identity, and justice.
Information for scientific analysis
Fairy tale statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Number | KHM 198 |
| Aarne-Thompson-Uther-Index | ATU Typ 870 |
| Translations | DE, EN, ES, FR, PT, IT, JA, NL, PL, RU, TR, VI, ZH |
| Readability Index by Björnsson | 26.6 |
| Flesch-Reading-Ease Index | 86.4 |
| Flesch–Kincaid Grade-Level | 5.3 |
| Gunning Fog Index | 8.2 |
| Coleman–Liau Index | 7.7 |
| SMOG Index | 7.8 |
| Automated Readability Index | 5.7 |
| Character Count | 10.592 |
| Letter Count | 8.028 |
| Sentence Count | 121 |
| Word Count | 2.012 |
| Average Words per Sentence | 16,63 |
| Words with more than 6 letters | 201 |
| Percentage of long words | 10% |
| Number of Syllables | 2.464 |
| Average Syllables per Word | 1,22 |
| Words with three Syllables | 77 |
| Percentage Words with three Syllables | 3.8% |
