Rapunzel

1812 Germany

Story

Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a couple who were expecting a baby. The woman had a strange craving for a plant called rapunzel that grew in a witch's garden. Unable to resist the urge, the man sneaked into the garden to get some for his wife.

Caught by the witch, he pleaded for mercy, explaining the reason behind his actions. The witch agreed to spare him if he gave her the baby when it was born. In fear, the man agreed. When the baby, a girl with golden hair, was born, the witch named her Rapunzel and took her away.

As Rapunzel grew, she became a beautiful young woman with long, flowing hair. The witch, keeping her hidden away, would climb up Rapunzel's hair to visit her in the tall tower where she was locked.

One day, a prince passing by heard Rapunzel singing. Mesmerized by her voice, he discovered the tower and watched as the witch climbed up Rapunzel's hair. Determined to meet Rapunzel, the prince learned the song and used it to visit her.

The two fell in love, and the prince asked Rapunzel to marry him. They made a plan for Rapunzel to escape, but their secret was discovered. In anger, the witch cut off Rapunzel's beautiful hair and sent her far away.

Heartbroken, Rapunzel wandered the wilderness until she found the prince, who was now blind and lost without her. Her tears magically healed his eyes, and they joyfully reunited.

Together, Rapunzel and the prince returned to his kingdom, where they lived happily ever after.

History and Meaning

"Rapunzel" is a fairy tale with a complex history that has evolved over centuries. The earliest known version of the tale can be traced back to an Italian story, "Petrosinella," written by Giambattista Basile in the early 17th century. Basile's version features a young girl named Parsley, and elements of the story parallel those found in later versions of "Rapunzel."

The more famous rendition of "Rapunzel" comes from the German Brothers Grimm, who included it in their collection of folktales titled "Grimm's Fairy Tales," published in the early 19th century. In the Grimm version, Rapunzel is taken by a witch and locked away in a tower with no door or stairs, accessible only by the witch climbing up her long hair.

The Grimms' adaptation was influenced by earlier French versions of the tale, such as Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force's "Persinette" (1698), where the maiden is named Persinette, and her hair plays a key role in the narrative. Additionally, the Grimms added some darker elements, such as Rapunzel's unplanned pregnancy, which contrasts with the more romanticized versions that came later.

The theme of a maiden with long, magical hair locked in a tower is not unique to European folklore. Similar stories exist in various cultures around the world, reflecting the universal motif of captivity and rescue. The Persian tale of "Rudāba," found in the epic poem "Shahnameh," features a princess with extraordinarily long hair who is trapped in a tower.

Over time, "Rapunzel" has become a well loved fairy tale, inspiring adaptations in literature, art, theater, and film - including Disney's animated film "Tangled" in 2010.