The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders - Fairy Tale by the Brothers Grimm

Reading time for children: 2 min

I will tell you something. I saw two roasted fowls flying. They flew quickly and had their breasts turned to heaven and their backs to hell, and an anvil and a mill-stone swam across the Rhine prettily, slowly, and gently, and a frog sat on the ice at Whitsuntide and ate a ploughshare. Three fellows who wanted to catch a hare, went on crutches and stilts. One of them was deaf, the second blind, the third dumb, and the fourth could not stir a step. Do you want to know how it was done? First, the blind man saw the hare running across the field, the dumb one called to the lame one, and the lame one seized it by the neck.
There were certain men who wished to sail on dry land, and they set their sails in the wind, and sailed away over great fields. Then they sailed over a high mountain, and there they were miserably drowned. A crab was chasing a hare which was running away at full speed, and high up on the roof lay a cow which had climbed up there. In that country the flies are as big as the goats are here. Open the window, that the lies may fly out.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“

„The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ (also known as „Das Ditmarscher Wundermärchen“ in German) is a lesser-known fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm in their famous anthology „Grimms‘ Fairy Tales.“ The story is set in the region of Ditmarsch, which is located in the present-day German state of Schleswig-Holstein. This region has a rich history of folklore and oral storytelling, and the Brothers Grimm were known for collecting stories from various regions of Germany to include in their anthology.

The tale is a comical story that follows a sequence of absurd and exaggerated events. It centers around a group of peasants who live in a small village in Ditmarsch. One day, the village experiences a series of strange occurrences and mishaps, including a mare giving birth to a foal that lands on a roof, a priest who gets stuck in a tree, and various other bizarre events.

Throughout the story, the characters react to these extraordinary events with a mixture of wonder, confusion, and humor. The tale is primarily a humorous and satirical reflection on the everyday lives of the villagers and their peculiar reactions to the extraordinary events they witness. It provides a unique glimpse into the culture and folklore of the Ditmarsch region and serves as an entertaining example of the Brothers Grimm’s diverse collection of stories.

In summary, „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ is a comical and whimsical fairy tale that showcases the Brothers Grimm’s talent for collecting and preserving diverse regional stories. The tale is a lighthearted and amusing exploration of the unexpected and absurd in the lives of ordinary villagers.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“

„The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ is a humorous and absurd fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm, and while it may not have explicit moral lessons like some of their other tales, it still offers interesting interpretations and themes to consider:

Satire and humor: The story is a satirical take on the lives of villagers in the Ditmarsch region, highlighting the absurdity and humor that can be found in everyday life. It pokes fun at the characters‘ reactions to the strange events they witness, offering an entertaining and light-hearted look at human nature.

The extraordinary in the ordinary: The tale emphasizes how unexpected and extraordinary events can occur even in the most mundane settings. It reminds us that life is full of surprises and that there can be wonder and amusement in the most ordinary circumstances.

The power of storytelling: As a collection of bizarre events and unlikely occurrences, „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ showcases the power of storytelling to entertain and engage audiences. The Brothers Grimm excelled at capturing regional stories and transforming them into memorable and enduring fairy tales.

Social commentary: The story can be seen as a form of social commentary, reflecting the cultural quirks and customs of the Ditmarsch region. By presenting the characters‘ reactions to the strange events, the story invites readers to think about their own responses to the unexpected and the peculiarities of their own communities.

The role of chance and chaos: „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ highlights the unpredictable nature of life, as the villagers experience a series of bizarre and seemingly unrelated events. This theme serves as a reminder that chance and chaos can play a significant role in our lives, regardless of our attempts to control or predict the outcomes.

In summary, „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ offers a humorous and satirical exploration of the extraordinary in the ordinary, the power of storytelling, and the role of chance and chaos in our lives. While it may not have explicit moral lessons, the tale provides an entertaining and thought-provoking look at human nature and the unexpected surprises that life can bring.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“

„The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ is a lesser-known fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, and as such, it has not been adapted as extensively as some of their more popular tales. Nevertheless, the story has found its way into various forms of media and adaptations:

Literature: The tale has been included in various anthologies, short story collections, and books focused on lesser-known Grimm fairy tales or regional German folklore. These adaptations often use modern language, illustrations, or variations in the plot to make the story more engaging for contemporary readers.

Theater: Although not as frequently adapted for the stage as other Grimm tales, „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ may occasionally be included in theater productions that focus on multiple Grimm fairy tales or regional folklore. These adaptations could present the story as a short play or skit, emphasizing the humor and absurdity of the events that occur in the Ditmarsch village.

Audiobooks: There are audiobook versions of „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ available, both as standalone recordings or as part of larger Grimm fairy tale collections. These adaptations bring the story to life through voice acting and can be found on platforms like Audible or other audiobook services.

Art: „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ has inspired visual artists to create illustrations, paintings, and other works of art over the years. These artistic interpretations often depict scenes from the story, such as the bizarre events and the villagers‘ reactions.

Educational materials: The story of „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ has been included in various educational materials, such as lesson plans, study guides, or teaching resources focused on fairy tales and folklore. These materials often explore the themes, motifs, and interpretations of the story, helping students understand its cultural and historical significance.

While „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ may not have as many adaptations as other popular Grimm fairy tales, its humorous and absurd nature continues to inspire retellings and adaptations in different forms of media.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“

„The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ has not been adapted as frequently as some of the more well-known fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm collection. However, there have been a few adaptations in various forms of media:

Operetta: In 1901, the German composer Victor Hollaender wrote an operetta titled „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders,“ which was performed in Berlin. The operetta features music and lyrics that retell the story of Hans and the princess, along with a chorus and dancing.

Television: In 1957, the tale was adapted as an episode of the German television series „Die Märchen der Gebrüder Grimm“ („The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm“). The episode, titled „Das Wunderpferd“ („The Miracle Horse“), follows the basic plot of the original story but with some changes to the characters and events.

Children’s book: In 1989, the American children’s author Jane Yolen published a picture book titled „The Miracle Horse: A Tale from the Brothers Grimm.“ The book features illustrations by Italian artist Gennady Spirin and tells the story of Hans and the princess in a simplified and child-friendly way.

Stage production: In 2019, a stage adaptation of „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ was performed in Germany as part of the annual „Fairy Tale Festival“ in Hanau. The production featured a mixture of live actors and puppets and incorporated elements of traditional German folk music and dance.

Overall, while „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ has not been adapted as frequently as some other fairy tales, it continues to inspire new interpretations and adaptations in various forms of media.

Summary of the plot

„The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ is a humorous fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm set in the Ditmarsch region of present-day Germany. The story revolves around a series of bizarre and extraordinary events that occur in a small village.

The villagers experience a sequence of absurd happenings, including a mare giving birth to a foal that lands on a roof, a priest getting stuck in a tree, and various other unlikely incidents. As these strange events unfold, the villagers react with a mix of wonder, confusion, and humor.

The tale is primarily a satirical reflection on the everyday lives of the villagers and their peculiar reactions to the extraordinary events they witness. Through a series of humorous and absurd occurrences, the story explores themes such as the extraordinary in the ordinary, the power of storytelling, and the role of chance and chaos in our lives.

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Backgrounds to fairy tale „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“

„The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ is a lesser-known fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm, Jacob (1785-1863) and Wilhelm (1786-1859) Grimm. The brothers were German scholars, linguists, and authors who are best known for their collection of fairy tales called „Kinder- und Hausmärchen“ (Children’s and Household Tales), first published in 1812. The collection includes some of the most famous fairy tales, such as „Cinderella,“ „Snow White,“ „Rapunzel,“ and „Hansel and Gretel.“

The Brothers Grimm collected their stories from various sources, including oral traditions, written manuscripts, and other storytellers. The tales often contained elements of folklore, mythology, and cultural heritage, reflecting the beliefs, customs, and values of the people from whom they were collected. As linguists and scholars, the Grimms were also interested in preserving the German language and its rich oral and written traditions.

„The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ is unique among Grimm’s fairy tales, as it does not follow a traditional narrative structure or feature a clear moral lesson. Instead, it is a compilation of absurd and fantastical events that challenges the reader’s perception of reality and invites them to embrace the world of imagination. The tale is more of a humorous anecdote, showcasing the whimsical and playful side of the Brothers Grimm’s storytelling.

Ditmarsch (or Dithmarschen) is a region in the northern part of Germany, which was an independent peasant republic until 1559. The title of the tale suggests a connection to this region, possibly reflecting the local storytelling traditions or the unique sense of humor and folklore found in that area.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“

„The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ by Brothers Grimm can be interpreted in various ways. Here are a few possible interpretations:

The power of imagination: The fairy tale celebrates the limitless potential of human imagination, presenting a series of fantastical events that challenge the boundaries of reality. It encourages readers to embrace the wonder and creativity in their own lives.

The absurdity of life: The tale highlights the unpredictability and often nonsensical nature of life by presenting impossible situations. It serves as a reminder that not everything needs to have a logical explanation and that sometimes, accepting the absurdity of life can be a source of amusement.

The importance of storytelling: As the Brothers Grimm were renowned collectors and authors of fairy tales, this story could be seen as a tribute to the art of storytelling. The tale’s structure and content emphasize the power of stories to captivate, entertain, and transport the audience to a world of wonder and fantasy.

A critique of human folly: The impossible scenarios and illogical events in the story can also be interpreted as a satirical commentary on human foolishness. The characters in the tale engage in absurd actions, like attempting to sail on dry land, which ultimately leads to their demise. This could be seen as a warning against blind ambition and the dangers of not questioning the rationality of one’s actions.

A playful challenge to the reader: The story can be seen as a playful challenge to the reader, encouraging them to suspend their disbelief and immerse themselves in the fairy tale world. By concluding the tale with the request to open the window and let the „lies“ fly out, the Brothers Grimm acknowledge the fantastical nature of the story and invite the reader to engage with the tale’s whimsical spirit.

Summary of the plot

„The Ditmarsch Tale of Wonders“ by Brothers Grimm is a fairy tale that presents a series of absurd and impossible scenarios, showcasing the whimsical nature of the genre.

The tale begins with the narrator describing two roasted fowls that fly with their breasts facing heaven and their backs to hell. They witness an anvil and a millstone swimming gently across the Rhine River, while a frog sits on ice at Whitsuntide, eating a ploughshare. The story continues with three disabled men, one deaf, one blind, and one mute, attempting to catch a hare on crutches and stilts. Despite their impairments, they manage to do so through a chain of events: the blind man sees the hare, the mute man calls out to the lame man, and the lame man captures the hare.

Another bizarre situation occurs when a group of men decides to sail on dry land. They set their sails and glide across fields and over a mountain, only to be tragically drowned on land. Further strange events include a crab chasing a hare, a cow climbing onto a roof, and flies as large as goats. The tale concludes by urging the reader to open the window and let these „lies“ fly out, acknowledging the fantastical nature of the story.

Informations for scientific analysis

Image sources: © Andrea Danti / Shutterstock