Reading Week 15: Grimm Brothers' Unit, Part B


This has got to be one of my favorite cute little stories.  It is precious and feels like a good story about the kindness of humanity.  The Elves themselves are precious little creatures, helping the Cobbler by finishing his shoes so that he is able to make a profitable income.  I really enjoy how, to repay the Elves, the wife and husband make them clothes and shoes.  It is a simple gesture, but it gives the Elves such joy and ability to continue on instead of continuing as Cobblers.

Here's a cute video of the Elves and their story with the Cobbler: The Elves and the Shoemaker.

This one differs slightly, but it still contains the same idea.  This story was fun and cute to read.  I really enjoyed it, especially the goodness in the hearts of the characters.  It is different from the other Grimm Brothers' stories that I have read or heard about, so it is interesting to see this included in their unit.  The Elves are my favorite part, so I think it would be fun to add their adventures after leaving the Cobbler.  Their trails, perhaps being chased by cats and trying to find safe places to rest, would be entertaining and valuable in furthering the message of kindness if one wanted.

Like the picture below, perhaps it could star just two elves: Thread and Needle.  They really only know how to make shoes, but it is an adventure to learn new things and about new people.  They go about the town/village, having a great fun and learning big lessons.

Image from Short Bedtime Stories

Story Source: The Grimm Brothers' Children's and Household Tales translated by D. L. Ashliman (1998-2013).

Comments

  1. UnknownMay 3, 2018 at 10:33 AM

    Hi, Lauren!

    Even though I read this story earlier this week, it did not strike me until reading you notes how much the story contrasts with the rest of the Grimms' work. in the story of the elves and the shoemaker, no one has ill intent toward another. In fact, everything the elves and the humans do is intended to help one another, which is actually really sweet!

    If you were to rewrite this story, I'm sure it would be so heartwarming and fun!

    ReplyDelete

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