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The Willow-Wren and the Bear
Grimm Märchen

The Willow-Wren and the Bear - Fairy Tale by the Brothers Grimm

Reading time for children: 7 min

Once in summer-time the bear and the wolf were walking in the forest, and the bear heard a bird singing so beautifully that he said, „Brother wolf, what bird is it that sings so well?“ – „That is the King of birds,“ said the wolf, „before whom we must bow down.“ It was, however, in reality the willow-wren (Zaunkönig). „If that’s the case,“ said the bear, „I should very much like to see his royal palace; come, take me thither.“ – „That is not done quite as you seem to think,“ said the wolf; „you must wait until the Queen comes.“ Soon afterwards, the Queen arrived with some food in her beak, and the lord King came too, and they began to feed their young ones. The bear would have liked to go at once, but the wolf held him back by the sleeve, and said, „No, you must wait until the lord and lady Queen have gone away again.“ So they observed the hole in which was the nest, and trotted away. The bear, however, could not rest until he had seen the royal palace, and when a short time had passed, again went to it. The King and Queen had just flown out, so he peeped in and saw five or six young ones lying in it. „Is that the royal palace?“ cried the bear; „it is a wretched palace, and you are not King’s children, you are disreputable children!“ When the young wrens heard that, they were frightfully angry, and screamed, „No, that we are not! Our parents are honest people! Bear, thou wilt have to pay for that!“

The bear and the wolf grew uneasy, and turned back and went into their holes. The young willow-wrens, however, continued to cry and scream, and when their parents again brought food they said, „We will not so much as touch one fly’s leg, no, not if we were dying of hunger, until you have settled whether we are respectable children or not. The bear has been here and has insulted us!“ Then the old King said, „Be easy, he shall be punished,“ and he at once flew with the Queen to the bear’s cave, and called in, „Old Growler, why hast thou insulted my children? Thou shalt suffer for it we will punish thee by a bloody war.“ Thus war was announced to the Bear, and all four-footed animals were summoned to take part in it, oxen, asses, cows, deer, and every other animal the earth contained. And the willow-wren summoned everything which flew in the air, not only birds, large and small, but midges, and hornets, bees and flies had to come.

When the time came for the war to begin, the willow-wren sent out spies to discover who was the enemy’s commander-in-chief. The gnat, who was the most crafty, flew into the forest where the enemy was assembled, and hid herself beneath a leaf of the tree where the watchword was to be given. There stood the bear, and he called the fox before him and said, „Fox, thou art the most cunning of all animals, thou shalt be general and lead us.“ – „Good,“ said the fox, „but what signal shall we agree upon?“ No one knew that, so the fox said, „I have a fine long bushy tail, which almost looks like a plume of red feathers. When I lift my tail up quite high, all is going well, and you must charge; but if I let it hang down, run away as fast as you can.“ When the gnat had heard that, she flew away again, and revealed everything, with the greatest minuteness, to the willow-wren. When day broke, and the battle was to begin, all the four-footed animals came running up with such a noise that the earth trembled. The willow-wren also came flying through the air with his army with such a humming, and whirring, and swarming that every one was uneasy and afraid, and on both sides they advanced against each other. But the willow-wren sent down the hornet, with orders to get beneath the fox’s tail, and sting with all his might. When the fox felt the first sting, he started so that he drew up one leg, with the pain, but he bore it, and still kept his tail high in the air; at the second sting, he was forced to put it down for a moment; at the third, he could hold out no longer, and screamed out and put his tail between his legs. When the animals saw that, they thought all was lost, and began to fly, each into his hole and the birds had won the battle.

Then the King and Queen flew home to their children and cried, „Children, rejoice, eat and drink to your heart’s content, we have won the battle!“ But the young wrens said, „We will not eat yet, the bear must come to the nest, and beg for pardon and say that we are honorable children, before we will do that.“ Then the willow-wren flew to the bear’s hole and cried, „Growler, thou art to come to the nest to my children, and beg their pardon, or else every rib of thy body shall be broken.“ So the bear crept thither in the greatest fear, and begged their pardon. And now at last the young wrens were satisfied, and sat down together and ate and drank, and made merry till quite late into the night.

Backgrounds to fairy tale „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“

„The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm and published in their famous collection, „Kinder- und Hausmärchen“ (Children’s and Household Tales). The story, also known as „Der Zaunkönig und der Bär,“ appears as tale number 102 in the collection.

This fairy tale is a classic example of an animal tale in which different animals exhibit human-like characteristics, engage in conversation, and work together to resolve conflicts. The story revolves around the conflict between the willow-wren, who is proclaimed the king of the birds, and the bear, who challenges the willow-wren’s authority.

Like many other stories in the Brothers Grimm collection, „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ has its roots in the European oral storytelling tradition. The Grimm brothers collected tales from various sources, including friends, acquaintances, and family members, who shared stories they had heard or knew from their own cultural heritage. The tales often underwent revisions and refinements as the brothers sought to compile a comprehensive collection of German folktales.

„The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ explores themes such as power, authority, cooperation, and the importance of wisdom and cleverness. The story serves as an allegorical representation of human society, with the animals playing the roles of various social classes and individuals working together to resolve conflicts and maintain order.

While „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ might not be as popular or widely adapted as some other Grimm fairy tales, it offers valuable insights into human nature, power dynamics, and the importance of wisdom and cooperation in resolving conflicts.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“

„The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ is a lesser-known fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm that offers several interpretations and insights into themes such as power dynamics, cooperation, and the importance of wisdom and cleverness. Here are some possible interpretations of the story:

Power dynamics and authority: The story explores the dynamics of power and authority, with the bear challenging the willow-wren’s status as the king of the birds. The conflict between the two characters represents the tension that can arise when one’s authority is questioned, and the resolution of the conflict highlights the importance of cooperation and diplomacy in maintaining order.

The value of teamwork and cooperation: The animals in the story work together to defeat the bear, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and unity in overcoming challenges. This interpretation emphasizes the power of teamwork and the need for individuals to put aside their differences in order to achieve a common goal.

Wisdom and cleverness: The willow-wren uses its wit and cunning to outsmart the bear, showcasing the importance of intelligence and resourcefulness in resolving conflicts. This interpretation highlights the value of wisdom and cleverness in navigating difficult situations and maintaining one’s position of authority.

Allegory of human society: The animal characters in the story can be seen as allegorical representations of different social classes and individuals in human society. The interactions between the animals, their roles, and the resolution of the conflict provide a reflection on the complexities of human relationships and power dynamics.

The importance of humility: The bear’s arrogance and assumption of superiority lead to its defeat, while the willow-wren’s wisdom and humility allow it to maintain its position as king of the birds. This interpretation underscores the importance of humility and the dangers of arrogance in navigating conflicts and power dynamics.

Overall, „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ offers various interpretations and valuable insights into the nature of power dynamics, the importance of cooperation, and the value of wisdom and cleverness in resolving conflicts. The story serves as an allegorical representation of human society, providing readers with a thought-provoking and entertaining tale.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“

„The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ is a lesser-known fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, and as such, it has not been adapted as frequently as some of their more famous tales. However, there are still a few adaptations and retellings of this story in various forms of media:

Literature: „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ has been included in various fairy tale collections and anthologies, sometimes under different names or translations. These retellings may adapt the story slightly to make it more accessible to modern audiences or to emphasize certain themes or morals.

Theater and puppet shows: The story has been adapted for the stage as part of larger productions featuring multiple Grimm fairy tales or as stand-alone plays. The animal characters and the conflict between the willow-wren and the bear provide a visually engaging and entertaining story for audiences, particularly children.

Storytelling and oral performances: Due to its roots in the oral storytelling tradition, „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ can be adapted and shared through live storytelling performances. Professional storytellers and performers may use their skills to bring the story to life and engage audiences with its themes of power dynamics, cooperation, and cleverness.

Animation and film: Although there are no specific examples of film or animation adaptations of „The Willow-Wren and the Bear,“ the story’s themes and animal characters would lend themselves well to a visual medium, making it a potential candidate for future adaptations.

Educational materials: The story’s themes of power dynamics, cooperation, and wisdom can be used in educational contexts to teach children about problem-solving, teamwork, and diplomacy. „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ can be included in lesson plans, study materials, or discussion prompts to encourage reflection and critical thinking.

While specific examples of adaptations of „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ may be limited due to its lesser-known status, the story’s themes and engaging animal characters make it a fitting candidate for retellings and reinterpretations across various forms of media.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“

„The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ has been adapted in various forms over the years, including:

Children’s Books: The tale has been adapted into many children’s books, with colorful illustrations and simplified language to make it accessible to young readers.

Animated Films: Several animated adaptations of the tale have been produced, including a 1951 Soviet film called „The Bear and the Little Bird,“ and a 1968 British cartoon called „The Willow Wren and the Bear.“

Stage Productions: The story has been adapted for the stage, including a puppet play version performed at the Salzburg Marionette Theater in Austria.

Literary Adaptations: The tale has also been adapted into various literary works, such as a retelling by Anne Sexton in her book „Transformations,“ and a chapter in Roald Dahl’s book „Revolting Rhymes.“

Musical Adaptations: The tale has been adapted into musicals, including „The Willow Wren and the Bear“ by Scottish composer Alan Fleming-Baird.

Video Games: The tale has been adapted into video games, including a puzzle game called „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ released for iOS and Android devices in 2018.

Overall, „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ has proven to be a popular and versatile tale that has inspired many creative adaptations across different media.

Summary of the plot

„The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ is a lesser-known fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm that tells the story of a conflict between the willow-wren, who is proclaimed the king of the birds, and the bear, who challenges the willow-wren’s authority.

The story begins when the birds of the forest gather together to choose a king. They decide that the bird that can fly the highest will be their ruler, and after a competition, the willow-wren emerges as the winner. The willow-wren becomes the king of the birds, and all the birds celebrate and pledge their loyalty to their new king.

However, the bear, who lives in the same forest, is not happy with the willow-wren’s newfound authority. The bear refuses to acknowledge the willow-wren as the king and challenges the willow-wren to a battle to determine the true ruler of the forest. The willow-wren agrees to the challenge and sets out to gather its subjects, the birds, to fight against the bear and its allies, which include other animals like the fox, the wolf, and the hare.

The day of the battle arrives, and the two sides face off. The willow-wren demonstrates its wisdom and cleverness by devising a plan to defeat the bear. The birds fly high into the air and swoop down on the bear and its allies, pecking and attacking them from above. The bear and its allies are unable to defend themselves effectively against the birds‘ coordinated attack.

Eventually, the bear and its allies are defeated and forced to surrender. The willow-wren emerges victorious, securing its position as the king of the birds and maintaining order in the forest. The story concludes with the birds celebrating their victory and the wisdom of their leader, the willow-wren.

„The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ explores themes such as power dynamics, cooperation, and the importance of wisdom and cleverness in resolving conflicts. The story serves as an allegorical representation of human society, with the animals playing the roles of different social classes and individuals working together to resolve conflicts and maintain order.

————–

Backgrounds to fairy tale „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“

„The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, in their anthology „Grimms‘ Fairy Tales“ (also known as „Children’s and Household Tales“ or „Kinder- und Hausmärchen“). The Brothers Grimm were German scholars, linguists, and authors who lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Their collection of fairy tales has become one of the most famous and influential works of folklore in the Western world.

The Grimm brothers collected and published hundreds of stories, many of which were based on traditional folk tales that had been passed down orally for generations. They aimed to preserve these stories in written form, often editing and adapting them to align with the literary tastes and cultural values of their time. In addition to fairy tales, the Grimm brothers were also interested in preserving German language and culture, and they contributed to the development of the modern study of folklore.

„The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ is one of the lesser-known stories from the Grimm brothers‘ collection, but it shares many common themes and motifs with other well-known fairy tales, such as the triumph of the underdog, the importance of teamwork and unity, and the consequences of arrogance and pride. Like many of the other stories collected by the Brothers Grimm, this tale has been passed down through generations and continues to be enjoyed by readers worldwide.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The Willow-Wren and the Bear“

„The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ offers several interpretations and themes that can be drawn from the story:

Unity and teamwork: The story highlights the power of unity and teamwork, as the wrens and their diverse group of flying allies work together to defeat the larger and seemingly more powerful bear and his army. The victory demonstrates that even small creatures can achieve great things when they band together.

The underdog’s triumph: The tale portrays the willow-wren and its family as underdogs, underestimated by the bear and the four-footed animals. The victory of the birds symbolizes the triumph of the underdog, a common theme in many fairy tales and folklore, reminding readers that size and strength are not the only factors determining success.

The consequences of pride and arrogance: The bear’s arrogance and mockery of the wren family’s humble nest set the events of the story in motion. His refusal to apologize ultimately leads to war and his own humiliation. This theme teaches readers about the importance of humility and the consequences of pride.

Cunning and intelligence over brute strength: The wrens‘ victory is achieved through cunning and intelligence rather than brute strength. The gnat’s spying, the hornet’s targeted attack, and the willow-wren’s strategy all play significant roles in overcoming the bear and his army, emphasizing the value of wit and wisdom in difficult situations.

The importance of honor and respect: The young wrens demand an apology from the bear for his insult, showing that they value honor and respect. The story emphasizes the significance of recognizing and respecting the dignity and worth of others, regardless of their size or status.

Summary of the plot

„The Willow-Wren and the Bear“ by the Brothers Grimm is a fairy tale about a bear who, upon hearing a bird’s beautiful song, discovers the willow-wren and his family. The bear mocks the wren family’s simple nest, prompting the young wrens to demand retribution.

When the bear refuses to apologize, the wrens and their animal friends wage war against the bear and his army of four-footed animals. The crafty gnat, sent as a spy by the willow-wren, discovers the fox’s battle signal plan and informs the wren. On the day of the battle, the wrens send the hornet to sting the fox’s tail, causing the fox to lower it in pain, signaling retreat. The four-footed animals flee in defeat, and the birds are victorious.

After their victory, the young wrens demand the bear to come and apologize before they celebrate. The willow-wren forces the bear to beg for forgiveness, and the satisfied wrens eat, drink, and celebrate their victory.

Informations for scientific analysis


Fairy tale statistics
Value
NumberKHM 102
Aarne-Thompson-Uther-IndexATU Typ 222
Translations DE, EN, EL, DA, ES, FR, PT, FI, HU, IT, JA, NL, PL, RU, TR, VI, ZH,
Readability Index by Björnsson32.5
Flesch-Reading-Ease Index78.2
Flesch–Kincaid Grade-Level8.2
Gunning Fog Index11
Coleman–Liau Index7.6
SMOG Index8.8
Automated Readability Index9.2
Character Count4.835
Letter Count3.684
Sentence Count39
Word Count926
Average Words per Sentence23,74
Words with more than 6 letters81
Percentage of long words8.7%
Number of Syllables1.144
Average Syllables per Word1,24
Words with three Syllables36
Percentage Words with three Syllables3.9%

Image sources: © Andrea Danti / Shutterstock

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