Germany, Democratic Republic (DDR) #1181a (1970) – Scenes from Little Brother and Sister by the Brothers Grimm

Description

Germany, Democratic Republic (DDR) #1181a (1970) – Scenes from Little Brother and Sister by the Brothers Grimm

Sheet of 6: #1176-1181

“Little Sister and Little Brother” is a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, featured in their collection of German folktales. The tale is often known by various titles, including “Little Sister and Little Brother” (“Brüderchen und Schwesterchen” in German) and “Brother and Sister.”

Summary of “Little Sister and Little Brother”:

The Siblings:

• The story revolves around a brother and sister who are very close to each other. The sister is named Little Sister, and the brother is named Little Brother.

The Wicked Stepmother:

• The siblings’ mother dies, and their father remarries a wicked woman who has a daughter of her own. The stepmother is envious of Little Sister and Little Brother because of their beauty and plots against them.

Transformation and Flight:

• The stepmother transforms Little Sister into a deer and sends her into the wild. Little Brother, unwilling to be separated from his sister, follows her into the forest.

Magical Helpers:

• In the forest, the siblings encounter various magical beings, including a little man and an oven bird, who provide them with assistance and guidance.

The Journey:

• Little Brother and Little Sister face challenges and adventures on their journey, including a river of tears, a mountain of glass, and a hedge of thorns. The magical helpers aid them in overcoming these obstacles.

Reunion:

• Eventually, the siblings reach a castle where they find happiness and live together. However, a wicked sorceress intervenes, and Little Sister is forced to flee.

Transformation and Resolution:

• Little Sister is transformed back into a human, and with the help of her magical friends, the siblings overcome the sorceress. The story concludes with the siblings living happily ever after.

Themes:

• The fairy tale explores themes of sibling love, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil. It also incorporates magical elements, transformations, and the presence of helpful beings that aid the protagonists in their journey.

“Little Sister and Little Brother” is one of the many enchanting tales collected by the Brothers Grimm that has captivated readers and listeners for generations.