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Fairy Tales

A Missouri Southern State University subject guide on fairy tales.

The Story of Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel

"Hansel and Gretel" by perpetualplum is licensed under CC BY 2.0

You can read Grimm's version of Hansel and Gretel on the SurLaLune website.

Elements of the Story

As explained in the 'Conventions of fairy tales' section, a fairy story always includes a number of important elements.

When reading through this section, keep in mind the Brothers Grimm version of the story which you can read here-

HANSEL AND GRETEL

In the story of Hansel and Gretel, these include: 

 

GOOD CHARACTERS

In the Hansel and Gretel story the good characters are Hansel and Gretel.

Hansel und Gretel

"Hansel und Gretel" by janwillemsen is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

 

THE BADDY

The obvious bad character in this story is the witch who captures Hansel and Gretel.

Hansel and Gretel antique postcard - lithograph - Gera (Reuss) - 1902

"Hansel and Gretel antique postcard - lithograph - Gera (Reuss) - 1902" by Lynn (Gracie's mom) is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

 

 

SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

Can you think of any supporting characters in this story?

 

MAGIC

One of the main features of this story is the magical house made of cake and candy.

Hansel and Gretel

"Hansel and Gretel" by Jeroen Kransen is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

 

OBSTACLE OR TASK

A fairy tale usually includes an obstacle or task which the characters must tackle with to reach their happy ending.  Can you think of the obstacles which Hansel and Gretel have to overcome and any tasks they perform?

 

 

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

The children manage to get away and return to their father, the wood cutter, who is delighted to see them and they all live happily ever after...

 

 

History of Hansel and Gretel

Margaret Tarrant - 'Hansel and Gretel'

"Margaret Tarrant - 'Hansel and Gretel'" by sofi01 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

The Sur La Lune website includes lots of information about Hansel and Gretel, including details of the history of the story.

You may find useful information here for your Hansel and Gretel timeline.

Hansel and Gretel Theatre Production

An image from the Missouri Southern State University theatre production of "Hansel and Gretel"

Hansel & Gretel Retold

2013 Hansel and Gretel Film

A 2013 film adaptation of the Hansel and Gretel story

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