The Message of German Fairy Tales

Book excerpt: There is much talk about spirituality in our days. Many then think of religion or Far Eastern traditions. But why staring into the distance, the good things are often so close?! We think our old German fairy tales do not need to hide their spiritual message. They are our cultural heritage, and they have a great potential that seems timeless and which can still touch the people from young to old. For this reason we have tried to write down some thoughts to inspire parents and grandparents, to read a book of fairy tales again. Maybe it is sometimes more beneficial for us to read the good fairy tales of old times, rather than the bad fairy tales of modern newspapers. You will find in this book the following fairy tales along with our comments and interpretations as well as many colored illustrations to express the symbolism: Jorinda and Joringel Iron John Rapunzel Hansel and Grethel Rumpelstiltskin Mother Holle Little Red-Cap Hans in Luck Godfather Death The Godfather The Story of the Youth who went forth to learn what Fear was One-Eye, Two-Eyes and Three-Eyes The Old Woman in the Wood Faithful John The Wonderful Musician The White Snake The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs The Girl Without Hands Briar-Rose (or Sleeping Beauty)