The beginning of the way
Jacob Ludwig Karl (born January 4, 1785, Hanau) and Wilhelm Karl (February 24, 1786, Kassel) were born in Germany, which determined the nationality of the Brothers Grimm. There were six children in a large family, among whom there was only one sister, and the future writers turned out to be the eldest. Their father, Philipp Wilhelm, worked first as a clerk in the Hanau bar, then as a judicial official in the city of Steinau. Together with the writers' grandfather, he was a minister of the Calvinist Reformed Church.
After graduating from the Kassel school, the brothers, following in their father’s footsteps, began studying law at the University of Marburg (1802−1806). Here they met outstanding representatives of science of their time, who had a decisive influence on life principles, creativity and choice of profession:
- Brilliant German writer, poet and teacher Clemens Brentano de la Roche.
- One of the founders of the historical school of jurisprudence, Friedrich Karl von Savigny.
- Philosopher Johann Gottfried Herder studied folk poetry.
In 1805, Jacob accompanied Savigny to Paris to conduct legal research related to medieval manuscripts. The following year he served as secretary of the military administration in Kassel, and during the period of the invasion of Napoleon's troops he became the private librarian of King Jerome in Westphalia.
After the defeat of the French army, J. Grimm returned to Hesse and periodically traveled to Paris with the aim of returning precious books and paintings taken by the invaders. He also took part in the Congress of Vienna, which took place in the post-war years. Meanwhile, due to poor health, Wilhelm remained unemployed for a long time and only in 1814 received a position as a secretary in the library of the Elector of Kassel. Two years later he joined Jacob.
Childhood and youth
Jacob Grimm was born on January 4, 1785, and a year later - on February 24, 1786 - Wilhelm Grimm was born. Their father Philipp Wilhelm Grimm worked as a lawyer at the Court of Justice of the city of Hanau. In 1791, he was appointed to the position of head of the Steinau district, where his entire family had to move. The man worked day and night, and as a result of fatigue and overwork, a common cold developed into pneumonia. He died in 1796, he was 44 years old.
Brothers Grimm
Of course, this was a tragedy for the Grimm family. Dorothea Grimm, the brothers' mother, was left alone with six children. At this time, their father’s sister, Charlotte Schlemmer, moved in with them; it was she who provided financial assistance to the family and saved them from eviction from the house.
But trouble came to Grimm again - Aunt Schlemmer suddenly fell ill and died suddenly. Jacob and Wilhelm were the eldest children, and they had to take on some of their mother's responsibilities. But Dorothea understood that the boys were smart and talented, and the only thing she could give them was an education.
Jacob Grimm
Her sister, Henriette Zimmer, lived in Kassel; the woman agreed to host her beloved nephews so that they could continue their studies at the highest level lyceum. Students studied at the gymnasium for 7-8 years. But the brothers were so hardworking and diligent that they managed to master the material many times faster than others. Therefore, they graduated from the lyceum after four years.
At school, boys studied natural science, geography, ethics, physics and philosophy, but the basis of teaching was philological and historical disciplines. Jacob still found school easier than his brother. It is possible that the reason for this was his good health. Wilhelm was diagnosed with asthma.
Wilhelm Grimm
In 1802, Jacob entered the University of Marburg to become a lawyer, but Wilhelm had to stay behind to undergo treatment. The following year, Jacob moved his brother to Marburg, and he also entered the university. True, he required regular medical supervision.
In their free time, the brothers loved to draw; one day their younger brother Ludwig Emil saw the paintings, and was so inspired by this work that he connected his future with the artistic craft, becoming a popular engraver and artist in Germany.
Keepers of Fairy Tales
By this time the brothers had definitely given up on pursuing legal careers in favor of literary and linguistic studies. In the following years, they work diligently and steadily, laying the foundation for further success. Their views largely stem from the social and political changes of their time, corresponding to the challenges of the era.
Jacob and Wilhelm did not succumb to the influence of the then fashionable “Gothic” romanticism, but, exploring the distant past, they discovered the traditions of oral folk art that laid the social foundation of society. They made great efforts to preserve the rich heritage of European mythology, including legends from Scandinavia, Spain, England, Serbia, the Netherlands and other countries in their works.
The brothers collected the first fairy tales for friends and like-minded people Brentano and Achim von Arnim, who by that time had already published a collection of folk lyrics. In addition, during this period, writers wrote critical essays about folklore, which, in their opinion, is the only expression of the eternal joys, sorrows, hopes and fears of humanity.
Encouraged by their success, Jacob and Wilhelm published a collection of “Children's and Household Tales,” implying that these stories were also intended for adults . In contrast to the extravagant romantic fantasy and poetic myths of the 19th century, the 86 stories in this collection (including Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty) are based on authentic folk art.
Most of the stories were taken from oral sources, and the merit of the authors is that they wrote fairy tales in a simple, readable form, without changing the original folklore character. The result exceeded all expectations: the collection was extremely popular and quickly sold out in Germany and beyond. In 1814, the publication expanded and, with additions, consisted of 156 fairy tales.
Another of the brothers, the artist and engraver Ludwig Emil, was directly involved in this work. He was a master illustrator who created magnificent drawings for publications, but was usually overshadowed by his famous relatives.
Scientists were among the first researchers who raised a whole layer of folk culture, so it is not surprising that at first they did not have to go far. Neighbors and acquaintances generously shared magical stories: the pharmacist's wife Frau Wild, the housekeeper Maria Müller and others. This is how the images appeared and portraits of the heroes of the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm were formed, the list of which includes the following famous works:
- Golden goose.
- Puss in Boots.
- Bremen street musicians.
- Rapunzel.
- King Thrushbeard.
- Thumb Boy.
- Satchel, hat and horn.
- Mrs. Metelitsa.
- Death in godfathers.
- Brave tailor.
- Belyanochka and Rosette.
Only for the beautiful fairy tales, even a brief summary of which takes up more than one page, the work of writers could be called the greatest contribution to world culture, which laid the foundation for modern folklore. In addition, they did a great deal of work in the field of historical linguistics and Germanic philology, becoming outstanding scientists of their time.
short biography
Role and place in literature
Outstanding scientists and philologists The Brothers Grimm made a huge contribution to the study of oral folk art and the development of the German language. They were very careful about ensuring that fairy tales reached the reader in their original form, without any distortions or modern adaptations.
Jacob was particularly meticulous, calling for strict adherence to folklore accuracy. In contrast, Wilhelm, who was more of a man of letters than a scientist, argued that text processing was necessary. Such differences of opinion turned out to be very useful: the world saw works that organically combined original style with scientific accuracy.
The brothers did not at all strive to preserve the storytellers' style verbatim. The composition, the plot of the tale, the order of the story and its spirit remained untouched. They developed their own style, which was distinguished by sincerity, simplicity, and often slyness. It was thanks to this approach that collections of their fairy tales constituted a completely unique phenomenon in German literature.
Origin and early years
The eldest of the brothers, Jacob Ludwig Karl, was born on January 4, 1785 in the city of Hanau. A year later, on February 24, 1786, his younger brother Wilhelm Karl was born. Both brothers were born in Germany and were the eldest sons of the head of a large family, Philip Wilhelm. The boys' father served as an official in the court and at the same time was a minister of the Reformed Church.
Göttingen years
The quiet life in Kassel ended, and for several years the brothers went their separate ways. Wilhelm focused on the study of medieval traditions, while Jacob specialized in philology, history and grammar of the German language. In 1829 they began working together again at the University of Göttingen. The official duties of librarians and teachers were successfully combined with research.
Here Jacob completed his work on the publication of the book “German Mythology,” which was of great importance for European culture. By studying collected poems, tales and other folkloric elements, he traced the pre-Christian beliefs and superstitions of the Germanic peoples in comparison with classical mythology and Christianity.
The work had many imitators and followers, but not everyone was as careful in their judgments as the author. Wilhelm at this time published an extraordinary edition of epigrams by poets of the 13th century. The situation changed when the Duke of Cumberland became the ruler of Hanover. He unceremoniously annulled the 1833 constitution, and the Grimms, along with five other professors, sent a protest. Dismissal followed immediately with an order to leave the kingdom.
Berlin period
In 1840, the brothers accepted the invitation of the King of Prussia, Frederick William IV, and went to Berlin, where they lectured at the university as members of the Royal Academy of Sciences. Here they began active work on the most ambitious project of their lives - a large German dictionary intended for the study of written and spoken language, as well as scientific and reference work.
The publication contained all known German literary words with their historical variants, features, etymology, semantic development, as well as use in everyday and specialized speech. The book was supplied with illustrations and references to idioms and proverbs. The great work, begun in 1838 as a source of income, was completed by other scientists more than a century later.
The dictionary turned out to be an example for similar publications in different countries. Philological research led Jacob to a work on the history of the German language, in which he attempted to combine this discipline with the study of early history. He was fascinated by research into names and dialects, as well as ways of writing words.
In Berlin, the brothers witnessed the revolution of 1848 and took an active part in the political strife of subsequent years. Despite their differences in beliefs, they maintained friendly relations with colleagues at home and abroad. Almost all European academies were proud to have writers among their members.
Wilhelm arranged his personal life by marrying Dorothea Wild from Kassel. The marriage produced four sons, one of whom became a writer and art historian. The brothers continued to teach and work on the dictionary, but on December 16, 1859, Wilhelm unexpectedly died from a transient infection, interrupting his work on a group of words starting with the letter D.
Jacob, who remained a bachelor, took care of his family. He continued to work until his last breath and died on September 20, 1863 from a stroke. Death found the scientist at his desk, stopping his hand on the description of the word “frucht” (fruit).
Heritage in modern Germany
The brothers are among the most important personalities in the cultural history of Germany and Europe. Their “Children's and Household Tales” over the past two centuries have been published in millions of copies and translated into 160 languages on all continents of the world, and in Germany they are revered on a par with the famous German book by Martin Luther.
In addition, Jacob and Wilhelm are considered the fathers of German studies for their fundamental research in the history of the national language. With their "German Dictionary" they initiated the largest lexicographical project in the history of the country, which was completed in 1971, 119 years after the first publication.
Modern Germany carefully preserves the cultural heritage of the Brothers Grimm. Interesting facts from their life and biography, as well as multifaceted creativity attract tourists from all over the country and the world:
- In the homeland of scientists, Hanau hosts an annual fairy tale festival. Over the past few years, the number of its visitors has exceeded 80 thousand people, and its international popularity is so great that the Japanese sister city of Tottori holds fairy tale performances in its own language. Moreover, Hanau authorities have applied for permission to add the official name "City of the Brothers Grimm" to the municipality. Unfortunately, historical sites associated with the writers were destroyed during World War II.
- Steinau has a tourism program that introduces visitors to the city to the family home and buildings that the brothers visited as children and later described in their memoirs. The office building where their father served as a bailiff has been preserved. Currently, the brothers' home houses a permanent exhibition located in 20 rooms. The young years and international significance of the work of storytellers are presented here. Visitors are offered quests based on works and thematic puppet theater performances.
- The Marburg State Archives holds the brothers' letters, manuscripts and property. The city regularly hosts concerts, lectures, exhibitions and other events dedicated to disseminating information about early German romanticism, as well as readings of fairy tales by Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm.
- The museum in Kassel contains more than 100 thousand exhibits and studies the life and work of writers. Authentic sites associated with the brothers' activities have been preserved here. Since 1897, the city has been the seat of the Brothers Grimm Society and offers a wealth of evidence. The most famous document in the world is considered to be a copy of "Children's and Household Tales", officially recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage of the past. Thanks to numerous funds, donations and acquisitions, the local museum's collections have become a center for international research into the work of writers.
A professorship has been created at the University of Marburg to scientifically evaluate the brothers' achievements. The state of Hesse has established the Grimm Prize, which is awarded once every two years for special achievements in disciplines related to the activities of Wilhelm and Jacob:
- philology;
- folkloristics;
- story;
- jurisprudence.
The names of the writers of the Brothers Grimm are forever inscribed in the history of world literature. Their scientific works made a huge contribution to the development of German and European linguistics, and wonderful fairy tales not only convey to children and adults the wisdom of previous generations, but serve as inspiration for creating images of their characters in films and on the theater stage.
Grimm Wilhelm and Jacob
The Brothers Grimm - Jacob (1785-1863) and Wilhelm (1786-1859) lived in Germany. Both were professors at the University of Berlin. They created a grammar and dictionary of the German language. From their pens came many scientific works on German literature and language, which scientists cannot do without in our time. Yet their fame was brought primarily by three small collections of German folk tales, which began to be published in 1812. These tales are known as the “Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm.”
But they themselves did not compose them, but only processed those that they wrote down, walking around villages and small towns, from the words of people who remembered and loved fairy tales. “The time has come,” said the Brothers Grimm, “to save ancient legends and fairy tales, so that they do not disappear forever in our restless days, like a spark in a well or dew under the hot sun.” The Brothers Grimm collected more than two hundred fairy tales in their collections, which they called “Children's and Family Tales.” And they really became children's and family, because it is rare to find a family where children are not read fairy tales “The Brave Little Tailor”, “The Golden Goose”, “The Snow Maiden”, “Cinderella”, “The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats”, “The Wolf and the Fox” ", "Musicians of Bremen" and many others. It is impossible to list them all. The heroes of these fairy tales: artisans, soldiers, peasants - boldly enter into the fight against dragons, fierce giants, witches, evil kings and always turn out to be more intelligent, dexterous and courageous than their opponents. And fate always rewards a simple girl, an unloved stepdaughter or a shepherd for being kind, honest and hardworking.
The heroes of the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm also include animals, birds, and insects. But they always ridicule human vices: laziness, greed, envy, stinginess, cowardice, arrogance, bragging...
The fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm are full of folk humor, which makes them especially attractive. For ten years, German scientists collected and published their fairy tales. And then a new life began for these works: they set off on a journey across all countries and continents. Fairy tales were translated into many languages, in different countries they were translated into their own way, and acted out in theaters. Many scientists and writers followed the example of the Brothers Grimm.
Collections of children's folk tales began to appear in Sweden and Africa, India and Vietnam... In Russia, the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm became known in the mid-19th century. In our country they were published hundreds of times in large editions. Cartoons have been created based on the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. Millions of children watch with great interest the adventures of the Bremen musicians and the brave little tailor on the screen and remember the wise, kind scientists who gave them joy.
