Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
The complete collection of Grimm fairy tales, free to read online.
297 stories in this collection
A riddling tale
All-kinds-of-fur (Allerleirauh)
Even in the darkest circumstances, one's true worth and beauty cannot be hidden forever, and evil in...
ASH-MAIDEN
Goodness and piety are eventually rewarded, while wickedness and deceit lead to punishment.
Bearskin
True worth and love are found in character and kindness, not in outward appearance or material wealt...
BIRD-FOUND
True loyalty and quick thinking can overcome even the gravest dangers.
Bluebeard
Disobedience and unchecked curiosity can lead to dire consequences, especially when trust is violate...
Brides on their trial
Careful observation and practical wisdom are essential for making important life decisions, especial...
Brother Lustig
Cat and mouse in partnership
Trusting those who flatter you and are driven by self-interest can lead to your downfall.
Cinderella
True goodness and piety are eventually rewarded, while wickedness and deceit lead to suffering and p...
Clever Else
Overthinking and unfounded fears can lead to inaction and self-deception, ultimately causing one to ...
CLEVER ELSIE
Extreme literal-mindedness and a lack of practical sense can lead to absurd and self-defeating outco...
Clever Grethel
null
Clever Hans
CLEVER HANS
Death and the goose herder
Those who live simply and accept their fate will find peace and reward in the afterlife, while the g...
Death's messengers
Death is an inescapable part of life, and its messengers, such as sickness and old age, are always p...
Doctor Know-all
Sometimes, ignorance and a bit of luck can be mistaken for wisdom and skill, leading to unexpected s...
DOCTOR KNOWALL
Sometimes, a reputation, even if undeserved, can lead to unexpected success, and fear can make peopl...
Domestic servants
Donkey cabbages
Even when wronged, compassion and forgiveness can lead to a happier outcome than pure vengeance.
Envoi
Authorship can be a blend of original inspiration and adaptation, with credit due to all contributor...
Eve's various children
Every role in society, from the highest to the lowest, is necessary and divinely ordained for the fu...
Fair Katrinelje and Pif-Paf-Poltrie
Ferdinand the faithful
Good deeds and loyalty are eventually rewarded, while treachery leads to downfall.
Fitcher's Bird
Unchecked curiosity can lead to ruin, but cleverness and courage can overcome even the most dangerou...
Frau Trude
Disobedience and unchecked curiosity can lead to terrible consequences.
Frederick and Catherine
Fundevogel (Bird-foundling)
Loyalty and quick thinking can overcome even the most determined evil.
Gambling Hansel
Unchecked vice can lead to eternal restlessness and a disruptive existence, even beyond life.
God's food
Those who deny help to the needy will face divine retribution, and God provides for the suffering, e...
Godfather Death
No one can escape death, and attempting to cheat it will only hasten one's own demise.
Going a-travelling
Words have power, and one must learn to speak appropriately for the situation, or suffer the consequ...
Gossip wolf and the fox (The fox and his cousin)
Beware of those who offer help with ulterior motives, especially when they flatter you.
GRIMM’S FAIRY TALES
True worth and beauty are often hidden and may take time to be recognized.
HAENSEL AND GRETHEL
Even in the face of extreme adversity and betrayal, cleverness and courage can lead to triumph and a...
Hans Dumm
Hans in luck
True happiness and freedom often come from shedding material possessions and expectations, rather th...
Hans married
Deception, even with good intentions, can lead to unexpected outcomes, and appearances can be mislea...
Hans my hedgehog
True worth and love can transform even the most outwardly unappealing, and promises, once made, must...
Hansel and Gretel
Resourcefulness and courage can overcome even the direst circumstances, and evil often meets its jus...
Herr Korbes
Evil deeds will eventually be met with unexpected and collective retribution.
How a Beauty was Waked
The sleeping partner foots the bill.
How a Cat Was Annoyed and
An editor is difficult to suit, and sometimes the man who fashions rhymes is a rascal.
How a Fair One no Hope to
People from different cultures may misunderstand each other, especially when it comes to social cust...
How a Fisherman Corked
When you've escaped danger, always move forward and never return to a vulnerable position.
How a Girl was too Reckless
In one's language one conservative should be: Speech is silver, and it never should be free!
How a Princess Was Wooed
True love, even in its most melancholic and sincere form, can achieve what deliberate attempts at hu...
How Beauty Contrived to Get
Predicaments often are found that beautiful duty is apt to get round, but greedy extortioners better...
How children played slaughter with each other
Children's play can have unforeseen and tragic consequences, especially when imitating adult actions...
How Fair Cinderella Disposed
Girls often overestimate their own worth, especially in terms of material value.
How Hop O’ My Thumb Got
Parents should be careful not to be outsmarted by their own children, especially if they try to aban...
How Jack Found that Beans
The moral is that gardeners pine whene'er no pods adorn the vine. Of all sad words experience gleans...
How Jack Made the Giants
Excessive pressure and strict upbringing can lead to resentment and rebellion, often resulting in a ...
How Little Red Riding Hood
There’s nothing much glummer Than children whose talents appall: One much prefers those who are dumb...
How Much Fortunatus Could
Unchecked freedom, even with magical means, often comes with its own set of domestic responsibilitie...
How Rudeness and Kindness
Kindness is rewarded, and rudeness is punished, though the story playfully subverts this with a cyni...
How Rumplestilz Held Out
There's nothing new beneath the sun, and sometimes a title reveals what the author cannot rhyme.
HOW SIX MEN GOT ON IN THE WORLD
With cleverness and the right team, even the most powerful can be outsmarted and overcome.
How the Babes in the Wood
If you deeply long to punish one who’s done you wrong, though in your lifetime fail you may, where t...
How the Fatuous Wish of a
Consider the full implications of your actions before you make a wish or decision.
How the Helpmate of Blue-Beard
Wives who do not obey their husbands will learn a stern and dreadful lesson.
How the Peaceful Aladdin
Beware of the risks of collecting stamps, especially if it leads to having your face stepped on.
How Thomas a Maid from
Discretion is the better part of valets, implying that cleverness and timing can be more effective t...
Hurleburlebutz
Iron John
True worth and nobility are often hidden beneath humble appearances, and loyalty to one's benefactor...
IRON JOHN
True worth and noble character will eventually be recognized, and perseverance through trials leads ...
Jorinda and Joringel
True love and unwavering determination can overcome even the most powerful enchantments.
JORINDA AND JORINGEL
True love and unwavering determination can break even the strongest enchantments.
King Thrushbeard
Pride and haughtiness can lead to suffering, and true love often requires humility and understanding...
KING THRUSHBEARD
Pride and scorn can lead to suffering, but humility and acceptance can lead to true happiness and lo...
Knoist and his three sons
Lazy Harry
Excessive laziness and a desire to avoid all effort can lead to foolish decisions and the destructio...
Lean Lisa
Unchecked greed and planning for future wealth can lead to conflict and unhappiness in the present, ...
LITTLE BRIAR-ROSE
Even the most carefully planned precautions cannot always avert a predetermined fate, but love and p...
LITTLE BROTHER AND LITTLE SISTER
True love and loyalty can overcome even the darkest magic and most wicked intentions, leading to jus...
Little Red Riding Hood
Children should obey their parents and not stray from the path or speak to strangers, as doing so ca...
LITTLE RED-CAP
Always obey your parents and do not stray from the path or talk to strangers, as danger can lurk whe...
LITTLE SNOW-WHITE
Envy and vanity can lead to destruction, while true goodness and purity are ultimately rewarded.
LITTLE TABLE SET THYSELF, GOLD-ASS, AND CUDGEL OUT OF THE SACK
Deception and injustice will eventually be exposed and punished, while perseverance and honesty are ...
Maid Maleen
True love and virtue will ultimately triumph over adversity and deception.
MAID MALEEN
True love and virtue will ultimately triumph over adversity and deceit, and those who commit evil wi...
Master Pfriem (Master Cobbler's Awl)
Constant, unwarranted criticism and an inability to see beyond one's own limited perspective can lea...
MOTHER HOLLE
Diligence and kindness are rewarded, while laziness and selfishness are punished.
Mother Hulda
Diligence and kindness are rewarded, while laziness and selfishness lead to unpleasant consequences.
Odds and ends
Diligence and industry are rewarded, while idleness and negligence lead to loss.
Of the napkin, the knapsack, the Cannon guarding flax, and the Horn
Old Hildebrand
Deception, especially in matters of fidelity, often leads to public humiliation and swift consequenc...
Old Rinkrank
Even in dire circumstances, ingenuity and patience can lead to freedom and justice.
Old Sultan
Loyalty to one's master is paramount, and true friends will help each other even in difficult situat...
One-eye, two-eyes, and three-eyes
Cruelty and envy lead to ruin, while kindness and resilience are ultimately rewarded.
ONE-EYE, TWO-EYES, AND THREE-EYES
Cruelty and envy lead to ruin, while kindness and perseverance are rewarded.
Our Lady's Child
Disobedience and deceit lead to suffering, but true repentance and confession can bring forgiveness ...
Our lady's little glass
Even small acts of kindness can be rewarded with miraculous assistance.
Poverty and humility lead to heaven
True spiritual salvation and entry into heaven are achieved through humility, poverty, and patient e...
Princess Mouseskin
True love and value are often expressed in unexpected ways, and one should not dismiss what seems in...
Puss in Boots
Cleverness and resourcefulness can lead to greater success than inherited wealth or status.
Rapunzel
True love and perseverance can overcome even the most dire circumstances and cruelest enchantments.
RAPUNZEL
True love and perseverance can overcome even the most formidable obstacles and cruelest enchantments...
Roland
True love, though tested by magic and forgetfulness, will ultimately prevail.
Rumpelstiltskin
Be careful what you promise in desperation, and never underestimate the power of knowledge.
RUMPELSTILTSKIN
Be careful what promises you make in desperation, and never underestimate the power of knowing someo...
Sharing joy and sorrow
Justice will eventually be served to those who abuse and deceive, even if they try to twist the trut...
Simeli mountain
Greed and envy can lead to ruin, while moderation and contentment can bring lasting prosperity.
Six soldiers of fortune
United by extraordinary talents, even the seemingly powerless can overcome formidable adversaries an...
Sleeping Beauty (Little Briar Rose)
Snow-white
Evil and vanity ultimately lead to one's downfall, while goodness and purity are rewarded.
Snow-White and Rose-Red
Kindness and compassion are rewarded, while greed and malice lead to ruin.
SNOW-WHITE AND ROSE-RED
Kindness and compassion are rewarded, while greed and malice lead to downfall.
St. Joseph in the forest
Kindness, generosity, and humility are rewarded, while selfishness, greed, and unkindness are punish...
Stories about snakes
Interfering with nature's trust or acting out of greed can lead to tragic and irreversible consequen...
Straw, coal, and bean
Acting impulsively or without foresight can lead to disaster, and even those who are careful can suf...
Strong Hans
Physical strength combined with courage and a sense of justice can overcome great obstacles and wick...
Sweet porridge
Knowledge and control are necessary to manage even the greatest blessings, lest they become a burden...
SWEET PORRIDGE
Knowledge and understanding are crucial, especially when dealing with powerful tools or gifts, as ig...
The aged mother
Sometimes, what seems like a great loss is a hidden blessing, and divine wisdom surpasses human unde...
The almond tree
Evil deeds will eventually be revealed and punished, while kindness and innocence are rewarded.
The beam
Even those who expose deception can be deceived themselves, especially when pride or vulnerability c...
The bittern and the hoopoe
Moderation in all things is essential for success and well-being.
The blue light
Those who are unjustly treated may find unexpected power to turn the tables on their oppressors.
THE BLUE LIGHT
Those who are unjustly treated may find unexpected power to turn the tables on their oppressors.
The boots of buffalo-leather
True courage and resourcefulness, even in the face of adversity, can lead to unexpected rewards and ...
The Bremen town musicians
Even when old and discarded, one can find new purpose and strength in unity and cleverness.
THE BREMEN TOWN-MUSICIANS
Even those considered old and useless can find new purpose and strength when they work together.
The bright sun brings it to light
Truth, especially concerning grave misdeeds, will eventually come to light, no matter how long it is...
The brother and sister
Goodness and loyalty will ultimately triumph over wickedness and jealousy, and true love can break e...
The Contents
The crumbs on the table
Disobeying rules, even when encouraged by others, leads to negative consequences.
The crystal ball
Courage, perseverance, and brotherly love can overcome even the most formidable enchantments and inj...
The cunning little tailor
Intelligence and cunning can overcome brute force and social barriers.
The death of the little hen
Selfishness can lead to tragic consequences, and grief can consume even the most resilient.
The devil and his grandmother
Even the most powerful adversaries can be outsmarted with cleverness and the right help.
The devil with the three golden hairs
Good fortune and perseverance can overcome malevolent intentions, and greed often leads to one's dow...
The Devil's sooty brother
Even in the most dire circumstances, one can find fortune and rise above their station through unexp...
The Ditmarsch tale of wonders
The dog and the sparrow
Cruelty and injustice, especially towards the innocent, will inevitably lead to severe and inescapab...
The donkey
True worth and nobility are not determined by outward appearance, and perseverance can lead to overc...
THE DONKEY CABBAGES
Even when wronged, forgiveness and mercy can lead to a happier outcome than prolonged vengeance.
The drummer
True love and loyalty can overcome obstacles, even forgetfulness induced by magic.
The duration of life
Human life, though seemingly long, is composed of distinct phases, each mirroring the burdens and ch...
The ear of corn
Ungratefulness and wastefulness can lead to the loss of blessings, but mercy can temper severe judgm...
The elves
Good deeds and industriousness can be rewarded by unseen forces, but sometimes supernatural interact...
THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER
Kindness and gratitude are rewarded, and good deeds, even when unseen, lead to lasting prosperity.
The fisherman and his wife
Unchecked greed and insatiable desires lead to the loss of all that was gained, returning one to the...
THE FISHERMAN AND HIS WIFE
Unchecked greed and insatiable ambition lead to ruin and loss, as true happiness lies in contentment...
The flail from heaven
The four skilful brothers
Diverse individual skills, when combined, can overcome great challenges, but determining who deserve...
The fox and the cat
One useful skill is better than a hundred useless ones, and arrogance can lead to downfall.
The fox and the geese
Even in dire situations, cleverness and quick thinking can outwit a stronger adversary.
The fox and the horse
Even the old and seemingly useless can prove their worth through cleverness and help from unexpected...
The frog king or Iron Henry
One must honor their promises, even when inconvenient or unpleasant, as true worth may be hidden ben...
THE FROG-KING; OR, IRON HENRY
One must honor their promises, even when inconvenient or unpleasant, as true worth may be hidden ben...
The giant and the tailor
Even the physically weakest can overcome the strongest through wit and cunning.
The girl without hands
Unwavering faith and goodness can overcome even the most profound suffering and evil, leading to div...
The glass coffin
Good fortune often comes to those who are brave and kind, and true love can break the most powerful ...
The gnome
True virtue and courage will be rewarded, while deceit and malice will ultimately be exposed and pun...
The godfather
Do not pry into the affairs of powerful, mysterious beings, especially those associated with death, ...
The gold-children
Be content with what you have, and do not let curiosity or greed lead you to betray trust, for true ...
THE GOLD-CHILDREN
Revealing secrets, even to loved ones, can lead to loss, but loyalty and courage can overcome misfor...
The golden bird
Listening to good counsel, even from unexpected sources, and showing kindness and loyalty, ultimatel...
THE GOLDEN BIRD
Obedience, kindness, and perseverance are rewarded, while greed, disobedience, and malice lead to ru...
The golden goose
Kindness and generosity, even with little to offer, will be richly rewarded, while selfishness leads...
THE GOLDEN GOOSE
Kindness and generosity, even with little to give, are rewarded, while selfishness and greed lead to...
The golden key
The good bargain
Sometimes, through a combination of foolishness and unexpected wit, one can stumble into good fortun...
The goose girl
Deception and cruelty will ultimately be exposed and punished, while truth and virtue will be reward...
THE GOOSE-GIRL
Truth and virtue will ultimately prevail over deceit and wickedness, and those who commit evil will ...
The goose-girl at the well
True worth and purity of heart are more valuable than outward appearance or social status, and unjus...
THE GOOSE-GIRL AT THE WELL
True worth and beauty are often hidden and revealed through hardship and patience, while superficial...
The grave-mound
Even the most hardened heart can be softened by a single act of kindness, and a clever, fearless spi...
The griffin
Kindness, perseverance, and a good heart will ultimately lead to success and reward, while greed and...
The hand with the knife
Cruelty and greed can destroy even the most innocent and helpful relationships, leading to irreversi...
The hare and the hedgehog
No one, however great, should jest at those beneath them, and one should choose a partner of similar...
The hazel-branch
Divine intervention can imbue natural objects with protective qualities for the benefit of humanity.
The heavenly wedding
Purity of heart and unwavering faith, even in simplicity, can lead to divine grace and eternal rewar...
THE HEDGE-KING
Cunning and wit can sometimes overcome brute strength or traditional qualifications, but such victor...
The hut in the forest
True kindness, especially towards the vulnerable, is rewarded, while selfishness and neglect lead to...
The iron stove
True love and unwavering loyalty will overcome all obstacles and lead to happiness.
THE IRON STOVE
True love and perseverance will overcome all obstacles, and promises must be kept.
The jew among thorns
Honesty and generosity are ultimately rewarded, while greed and deceit lead to ruin.
The king of the golden mountain
Promises, once made, carry significant weight and can have unforeseen consequences, but perseverance...
The king's son who feared nothing
True courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to endure suffering without complaint for a...
The knapsack, the hat, and the horn
Unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power can lead to destruction, even for those who initially so...
The lambkin and the little fish
Kindness and compassion can overcome evil, and true love endures even through hardship.
The lazy spinner
null
The little folks' presents
Greed leads to ruin, while contentment brings lasting happiness and reward.
THE LITTLE HOUSE IN THE WOOD
True kindness, especially towards the vulnerable, is rewarded, while selfishness and neglect lead to...
The little peasant
Cunning and quick wit can overcome adversity and injustice, often at the expense of the foolish and ...
The Lord's animals and the Devil's
Evil deeds and creations ultimately lead to trouble and can be outsmarted by good.
The louse and the flea
The maid of Brakel
null
The master-thief
Cunning and wit can overcome power and status, but a life of crime, even 'masterful' crime, carries ...
The moon
The natural order of things, once disrupted by human interference and greed, will eventually be rest...
The mouse, the bird, and the sausage
Disrupting a well-functioning system out of envy or discontent can lead to disaster for everyone inv...
The nail
Small oversights can lead to significant misfortunes, and haste often leads to delay.
The Nightingale and the Blindworm
Betrayal of trust leads to lasting enmity and suffering for future generations.
The nix of the mill-pond
Rash promises can lead to unforeseen and dire consequences, but perseverance and true love can overc...
THE NIX OF THE MILL-POND
Promises made in desperation can have unforeseen and tragic consequences, but true love and persever...
The Okerlo
The old beggar-woman
Indifference to suffering, even when unintentional, can lead to tragic consequences and is morally r...
The old man and his grandson
Treat your elders with kindness and respect, for how you treat them may be how your children learn t...
The old man made young again
Attempting to imitate divine power or a miracle without true understanding or ability can lead to di...
The old woman in the wood
Obedience to benevolent guidance, even when mysterious, can lead to unexpected rewards and break evi...
The owl
Unfounded fear and ignorance can lead to irrational and destructive actions.
The pack of ragamuffins
Those who take advantage of others or are inhospitable may find themselves outsmarted and suffer the...
The peasant and the devil
Cleverness and foresight can outwit even the most powerful adversaries.
The peasant in heaven
True worth and piety are valued in heaven, regardless of earthly status, and rarity can sometimes be...
The peasant's wise daughter
True wisdom and cleverness are more valuable than material possessions or social status, and can lea...
The pink
Evil deeds will eventually be exposed and punished, while faith and innocence may be rewarded, thoug...
The poor boy in the grave
Cruelty and neglect, even if seemingly unpunished in life, can lead to tragic consequences and ultim...
The poor man and the rich man
True happiness and blessings come from generosity and kindness, while greed and selfishness lead to ...
The poor miller's boy and the cat
True worth and kindness, even in the humble, will eventually be recognized and rewarded, while super...
THE POOR MILLER’S BOY AND THE CAT
True worth and kindness are eventually recognized and rewarded, often in unexpected ways, while supe...
The queen bee
Kindness and compassion towards all creatures, no matter how small, will be rewarded in unexpected w...
THE QUEEN BEE
Kindness and compassion, even to the smallest creatures, will be rewarded in unexpected ways.
The rabbit's bride
The raven
Rash words can have dire consequences, and true love and perseverance can overcome even the most for...
The riddle
Cleverness and quick thinking can overcome great dangers and lead to success.
The robber bridegroom
Trust your instincts, for evil often hides behind a pleasant facade, and truth will ultimately be re...
The rose
The sea-hare
Kindness and cleverness can overcome even the most formidable obstacles, and arrogance often leads t...
The seven ravens
True love and self-sacrifice can break even the most powerful curses and restore what was lost.
THE SEVEN RAVENS
True love and self-sacrifice can break even the most powerful curses and restore what was lost.
The seven Swabians
Fools rushing in, especially when led by fear and misunderstanding, often meet a disastrous end.
The shepherd boy
True wisdom is not about knowing exact answers, but about understanding the nature of unanswerable q...
The shoes that were danced to pieces
Truth, even when hidden, will eventually come to light, and perseverance can lead to unexpected rewa...
THE SHOES THAT WERE DANCED TO PIECES
Truth will always come to light, and honesty is rewarded while deception is punished.
The shroud
Excessive grief can disturb the peace of the departed, and true love sometimes means letting go.
The singing bone
Evil deeds, no matter how carefully hidden, will eventually come to light and be punished.
THE SINGING, SOARING LARK
True love and unwavering devotion can overcome the most formidable enchantments and obstacles.
The singing, springing lark
True love and unwavering loyalty can overcome even the most powerful enchantments and obstacles.
The six servants
True love and perseverance can overcome any obstacle, and even the proudest heart can learn humility...
The six swans
True love and unwavering dedication can break even the most powerful curses and overcome severe inju...
THE SIX SWANS
True love and unwavering dedication can break even the most powerful enchantments and overcome malic...
The skilful huntsman
Truth and skill will ultimately prevail over deceit and false claims, leading to rightful reward.
The sole
Envy and malicious words can lead to lasting, unpleasant consequences.
The sparrow and his four children
True safety and peace come from faith in God's providence, rather than relying solely on worldly cun...
The spindle, the shuttle, and the needle
Diligence, piety, and humility are virtues that will be divinely rewarded, even leading to unexpecte...
THE SPINDLE, THE SHUTTLE, AND THE NEEDLE
True worth and virtue, even in poverty, will be recognized and rewarded, especially when blessed by ...
The spirit in the glass bottle
Quick wit and cleverness can overcome brute force and even turn misfortune into great fortune.
The star-money
True generosity and piety, even in destitution, will be divinely rewarded.
THE STAR-MONEY
Acts of selfless generosity, even when one has little, will be abundantly rewarded by divine provide...
The stolen farthings
Even small acts of selfishness can disturb one's peace, and restitution is necessary for true rest.
The story of the youth who went forth to learn what fear was
Sometimes, what we seek most earnestly can only be found when we least expect it, often through the ...
The strange Inn (The Wonderly Guesting Manor)
The tailor in heaven
One should not be quick to judge others, especially when one is not without fault, and divine judgme...
The tale of Cockaigne
The thief and his master
Cunning and quick thinking can overcome even the most powerful adversaries, but sometimes at a great...
The three apprentices
Evil deeds will eventually be exposed and punished, often through unexpected means.
The three army-surgeons
Actions have unforeseen and often negative consequences, and attempting to deceive or replace what i...
The three black princesses
Misguided advice, even from loved ones, can lead to irreversible and tragic consequences.
The three brothers
True mastery and ingenuity are rewarded, but the greatest treasure is often found in unity and love.
THE THREE BROTHERS
True mastery and familial love can lead to shared prosperity and happiness, even in competition.
The three children of fortune
Value is relative and depends on context; what is common in one place can be priceless in another.
The three feathers
True worth and kindness will be rewarded, while arrogance and laziness lead to failure.
The three green twigs
Do not judge others, for only God sits in judgment, and even a single careless word can incur divine...
The three languages
True wisdom and value may not be recognized by conventional standards, and seemingly useless skills ...
The three little birds
Evil deeds will eventually be exposed and punished, while innocence and virtue will be rewarded.
The three little men in the wood
Kindness and virtue are rewarded, while malice and selfishness are punished.
THE THREE LITTLE MEN IN THE WOOD
Kindness and generosity are rewarded, while selfishness and malice lead to suffering and disgrace.
THE THREE LUCK-CHILDREN
What is considered worthless in one place can be invaluable in another, and true worth is often in t...
The three sluggards
Extreme laziness, even when detrimental, can be rewarded in unexpected ways, highlighting the arbitr...
The three snake-leaves
Betrayal and ingratitude, especially after receiving great kindness, will ultimately lead to a just ...
The three spinners
Sometimes, cleverness and a bit of deception can help you escape undesirable labor, but it often req...
The true bride
True love and virtue will eventually triumph over adversity and deceit.
The turnip
Generosity and humility are rewarded, while envy and greed lead to ruin and humiliation.
The twelve apostles
Faith and prayer can lead to divine intervention and the fulfillment of one's deepest desires, even ...
The twelve brothers
True love and unwavering sacrifice can overcome even the most dire curses and injustices.
The twelve huntsmen
True love and faithfulness will ultimately prevail, even against difficult circumstances and societa...
The twelve idle servants
The two brothers
Good fortune can be a double-edged sword, and true loyalty and kindness will ultimately prevail over...
The two kings' children
True love and loyalty will overcome all obstacles, even forgetfulness and malicious interference.
THE TWO TRAVELERS
Kindness, faith, and a good heart will ultimately be rewarded, while malice and cruelty will lead to...
The two travellers
Kindness and trust in a higher power will ultimately be rewarded, while malice and selfishness will ...
The ungrateful son
Those who are ungrateful and deny their parents will face a lasting and inescapable punishment.
The valiant little tailor
Cunning and wit can overcome brute strength and even lead to great fortune, especially when combined...
The water of life
Humility, kindness, and perseverance are rewarded, while pride, malice, and deceit lead to ruin.
The water-nix
With cleverness and persistence, one can escape even the most dire circumstances.
The wedding of Mrs. Fox
Deception, especially within a marriage, can lead to unexpected and often humorous consequences, and...
The white bride and the black one
Kindness and virtue are rewarded, while wickedness and deceit ultimately lead to just punishment.
The white snake
Acts of kindness, even small ones, will be repaid in unexpected ways, and true worth is not determin...
THE WHITE SNAKE
Acts of kindness, even small ones, will be repaid in unexpected ways, and true worth is not determin...
The wilful child
Disobedience to parents, especially to one's mother, can lead to divine displeasure and prevent even...
The willow-wren
Cunning and deceit can lead to temporary gains, but often result in lasting consequences and a loss ...
The willow-wren and the bear
Even the smallest and seemingly weakest creatures can achieve victory and demand respect when their ...
The wise servant
It is sometimes wiser to follow one's own judgment and desires than to blindly obey orders, even fro...
The Wishing-Table, the Gold-Ass, and the Cudgel in the Sack
Deception and injustice will eventually be exposed and punished, while perseverance and honesty can ...
The wolf and the fox
Unchecked greed and gluttony lead to one's downfall, while cunning and foresight can ensure survival...
The wolf and the man
Brute strength alone is no match for human ingenuity and preparedness, and it is foolish to underest...
THE WOLF AND THE SEVEN LITTLE KIDS
Disobedience to parental warnings can lead to danger, but cleverness and maternal love can overcome ...
The wolf and the seven young kids
Disobedience to parental warnings can lead to dire consequences, but cleverness and maternal love ca...
The wonderful musician
The young giant
Those who are greedy and try to exploit others will ultimately face a powerful and just retribution.
Thumbling as journeyman (Thumbling's Travels)
Even the smallest and most vulnerable can overcome great challenges through wit and determination.
Tom Thumb
Trusty John
True loyalty and sacrifice, though often misunderstood, will ultimately be rewarded, and sometimes t...
Wise folks
Foolishness can be exploited, and sometimes, cleverness is rewarded even if it's at the expense of o...
More Collections
Bedtime Stories for Kids
Short, gentle fairy tales perfect for reading aloud before sleep.
Fairy Tales with Morals
Classic stories that teach kindness, honesty, bravery, and more.
Short Fairy Tales
5-minute stories for busy families and quick classroom reads.
Hans Christian Andersen Stories
All of Andersen's fairy tales, from The Ugly Duckling to The Snow Queen.
Aesop's Fables
The complete collection of Aesop's fables with morals, free to read.
Japanese Fairy Tales
Traditional Japanese stories — from Momotaro to Kaguya-hime.