# Hansel and Gretel
1812 
Germany
# Story
Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled deep within a dense forest, lived a poor woodcutter and his two children, Hansel and Gretel. Times were tough, and the family struggled to put food on the table.
One day, unable to bear the burden of caring for his children, the woodcutter's wife, influenced by greed and desperation, convinced him to abandon Hansel and Gretel in the heart of the forest. Reluctantly, the woodcutter agreed, leading the siblings into the woods with a heavy heart.
Aware of their parents' plan, Hansel cleverly dropped white pebbles along the path as they ventured into the mysterious forest. When night fell, the moon's glow reflected off the pebbles, guiding Hansel and Gretel back home. The woodcutter's wife, shocked to see the children return, pretended to be relieved, but her greed and wickedness only grew stronger.
As days passed, hunger continued to plague the family. The woodcutter's wife, undeterred by their previous failed attempt, persuaded him to take Hansel and Gretel even deeper into the forest. This time, Hansel had no pebbles, so he devised a plan to leave a trail of breadcrumbs instead.
However, the forest was filled with cunning creatures, and the hungry birds swiftly devoured the breadcrumbs, leaving Hansel and Gretel lost and alone. Panic set in as they wandered deeper into the woods, desperately searching for a way back home.
Eventually, they stumbled upon a peculiar sight—a cottage made entirely of gingerbread and candy. Their hunger overriding caution, Hansel and Gretel approached the cottage and began to nibble on its walls and roof.
To their surprise, an old woman emerged, her appearance deceivingly sweet. She introduced herself as a witch and revealed her true intentions. The gingerbread cottage was a trap, and the witch intended to fatten up Hansel and Gretel before devouring them.
Faced with imminent danger, Hansel and Gretel used their wits to outsmart the witch. When the witch checked the oven to see if it was hot enough, Gretel pushed her in, slamming the door shut. The children, now free from the witch's clutches, discovered a treasure trove of jewels and riches hidden in the cottage.
With their pockets filled with jewels, Hansel and Gretel embarked on a journey to find their way home. Guided by the shimmering glow of the jewels, they navigated through the forest until they reached the safety of their humble cottage.
Reuniting with their remorseful father, the family embraced, grateful for the newfound wealth and, more importantly, the return of Hansel and Gretel. The woodcutter's wife, who had hoped to benefit from her children's misfortune, had vanished.
# History and Meaning
"Hansel and Gretel" is a classic fairy tale with origins that can be traced back to European folklore, primarily Germanic traditions.
# Brothers Grimm
The most well-known version of "Hansel and Gretel" was recorded by the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, in the early 19th century. Their collection, "Grimm's Fairy Tales," published in 1812, included this tale along with many others. The Brothers Grimm modified and adapted existing folktales to create a cohesive collection, contributing to the preservation and popularization of Germanic folklore.
# Symbolism and Meaning
Survival and Resourcefulness: Hansel and Gretel's story revolves around the theme of survival and resourcefulness. Abandoned in the forest by their parents, the siblings rely on their cleverness to navigate challenges and outwit the dangers they encounter, such as the witch.
Cautionary Tale: The tale serves as a cautionary lesson about the consequences of parental neglect and the dangers of succumbing to greed. The stepmother's influence over the woodcutter, leading to the decision to abandon the children, highlights the moral pitfalls associated with selfish desires.
Resilience and Sibling Bond: Hansel and Gretel's unwavering bond and mutual support showcase the importance of family ties. Their resilience in the face of adversity and their collaborative efforts to overcome challenges resonate with audiences, emphasizing the strength of familial relationships.
Good vs. Evil: The characters of the witch and the children represent the classic dichotomy of good versus evil. The witch embodies malevolence and deception, while Hansel and Gretel, despite their vulnerable situation, triumph through courage, intelligence, and teamwork.
Reward for Virtue: The discovery of a treasure trove of jewels and riches hidden in the witch's cottage can be seen as a reward for the virtue of Hansel and Gretel. Their escape from danger is followed by a positive outcome, reinforcing the idea that goodness is ultimately rewarded.