Hänsel und Gretel

Brothers Grimm

The Brothers Grimm, Jacob (1785–1863) and Wilhelm (1786–1859), were German academics, linguists, cultural researchers, and authors whose work in folklore, linguistics, and literary scholarship shaped the development of modern folkloristics and the study of the German language. Born in Hanau and raised in Steinau, they were educated in Kassel and at the University of Marburg, where they developed a lasting interest in medieval literature and German cultural history. The first collection of folk tales, Children's and Household Tales, was published in 1812. The Grimms are among the best-known story tellers of European folktales, and their work popularized such stories as "Cinderella", "The Frog Prince", "Hansel and Gretel", "Rapunzel", "Rumpelstiltskin" (Rumpelstilzchen), and "Snow White" (Schneewittchen).