Description
Germany, Democratic Republic (DDR) #1092a (1969) – Scenes from Jorinde and Joringel by the Brothers Grimm
Sheet of 6: #1087-1092
“Jorinde and Joringel” is a German fairy tale that was included in the collection of folktales assembled by the Brothers Grimm. The story was first published in the second edition of Grimm’s Fairy Tales in 1815. It’s a tale of love, enchantment, and the triumph of good over evil.
The narrative goes something like this:
Summary of “Jorinde and Joringel”:
Plot Overview:
- Jorinde and Joringel are a young couple deeply in love. They live in a beautiful region near a castle owned by an evil sorceress.
The Enchantment:
- One day, while wandering in the forest, they come across the sorceress’s castle. Unbeknownst to them, the sorceress has the power to turn people into birds. She casts a spell on Jorinde, transforming her into a nightingale, and imprisons her in a cage in the castle.
Joringel’s Quest:
- Heartbroken, Joringel tries to rescue Jorinde. He returns to the castle but is unable to get close due to the sorceress’s magical defenses. He spends his days lamenting near the castle.
The Old Man’s Guidance:
- An old man advises Joringel on how to break the enchantment. He tells him to find and pick a blood-red flower growing in the castle’s courtyard, as it has the power to undo the sorceress’s spells.
Breaking the Spell:
- Joringel follows the advice, finds the flower, and uses it to break the enchantment. Jorinde is restored to her human form.
Defeating the Sorceress:
- With Jorinde free, the couple escapes from the sorceress’s domain. The old man, who is revealed to be a king’s son, reveals his true identity and confronts the sorceress. The sorceress, being evil, is ultimately defeated.
Happily Ever After:
- Jorinde and Joringel are reunited and live happily ever after.
Themes:
- The story explores themes of love, enchantment, and the triumph of good over evil. It also emphasizes the transformative power of love and the courage needed to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
“Jorinde and Joringel” is one of the many classic fairy tales collected by the Brothers Grimm, showcasing elements of German folklore and storytelling traditions.