Bearskin (German fairy tale) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bearskin |
|
|---|---|
1909 illustration by Otto Ubbelohde depicting the bear, the soldier and the Devil.
|
|
| Folk tale | |
| Name | Bearskin |
| Data | |
| Aarne–Thompson grouping | ATU 361 |
| Country | Germany |
| Published in | Grimm's Fairy Tales |
"Bearskin" (which is "Der Bärenhäuter" in German) is a famous fairy tale. It was collected by the well-known Brothers Grimm. They included it in their popular book, Grimms' Fairy Tales.
This story is about a soldier who makes a very unusual deal. He agrees to live in a strange way for seven years. In return, he hopes to become rich and find happiness. The tale is known around the world. It teaches about patience and keeping promises.
Contents
Where the Story Comes From
The story of "Bearskin" became popular thanks to the Brothers Grimm. They first published it in 1815. It was part of their book Kinder- und Hausmärchen. The Grimm brothers later updated the story in 1843.
Their version was based on older tales. One source was from the von Haxthausen family. Another was a story from 1670 by Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen.
The Soldier's Strange Deal
The story begins with a brave soldier. When a war ended, he had nowhere to go. His parents had passed away. His brothers could not help him.
Suddenly, a man in a green coat appeared. This man had a strange foot. He offered the soldier a deal. The soldier could become very rich. But he had to agree to some rules for seven years.
- He could not cut his hair.
- He could not clip his nails.
- He could not bathe.
- He could not pray.
- He had to wear a special coat and cloak.
If he survived these seven years, he would be rich and free. If he died during this time, the green-coated man would claim him. The soldier was desperate, so he agreed. The man gave him a green coat. Its pockets were always full of money. He also gave him a bearskin. The soldier had to sleep in it. From then on, people called him "Bearskin."
Bearskin's Journey
Bearskin started his strange journey. He gave a lot of money to poor people. He asked them to pray for him. He hoped their prayers would help him survive the seven years.
After a few years, Bearskin looked terrible. He was so dirty and messy. People found him very disgusting. He had to pay a lot of money to find any shelter. Most people did not want him near them.
In the fourth year, Bearskin heard an old man crying. He asked the man what was wrong. The old man had lost all his money. He could not provide for his daughters. He also owed money to an innkeeper. He was afraid of going to jail.
Bearskin paid the innkeeper for the old man. He also gave the old man a purse full of gold.
Finding a Bride
The old man was very grateful. He offered Bearskin one of his daughters to marry. The oldest daughter saw Bearskin and screamed. She ran away in fear.
The middle daughter said he was worse than a bear. She could not imagine marrying him. But the youngest daughter was different. She agreed to marry Bearskin. She wanted to keep her father's promise.
Bearskin gave her half of a ring. He promised to return in three years. Her sisters made fun of her often. They could not believe she would marry such a person.
The End of the Pact
Finally, the seven years ended. Bearskin found the green-coated man again. He demanded that the man fulfill his promise. The green-coated man then helped Bearskin. He bathed him, clipped his nails, and cut his hair. Bearskin looked clean and new again.
Bearskin then asked the green-coated man to say the Lord's Prayer. The man warned Bearskin not to push his luck. He said Bearskin had already won their deal. Then, the green-coated man disappeared.
Clean and with his money, Bearskin dressed like a fine gentleman. He went to the old man's house. The two older sisters served him. They did not recognize him. His bride, dressed in black, showed no reaction.
Bearskin told the old man he wanted to marry one of his daughters. The two older sisters quickly went to dress up. Bearskin then dropped his half of the ring into a wine cup. He gave the cup to his bride. She drank it and saw the ring. She realized he was her promised groom.
