Dwarf Nose facts for kids

Dwarf Nose is a classic fairy tale written by Wilhelm Hauff. It was first published in a collection of stories in 1826. The famous storyteller Andrew Lang later included it in his well-known book, Violet Fairy Book.

The Story of Jacob

This tale begins with a young boy named Jacob. He was the son of a cobbler and lived in a small German town. Jacob was twelve years old and known for his handsome face and good looks.

His mother, Hanne, worked hard selling fresh vegetables and fruit at the local market. Jacob often helped her. He would carry heavy bags home for their customers.

A Strange Customer

One day, an unusual old woman came to Hanne's market stall. She had a very long, crooked nose and a thin neck. This woman was later revealed to be a powerful fairy named Wise-herb.

The old woman started to mess up the herbs on display. She made such a mess that no one wanted to buy them anymore. Jacob saw this and got angry. He insulted her and made fun of her strange appearance.

In response, the old woman put a curse on Jacob. She wished for him to have a long nose and no neck, just like her. Despite this, she still bought some cabbages. She then asked Jacob to carry them to her house.

Jacob's Strange Dream

When Jacob arrived at the old woman's house, something very strange happened. The cabbages he carried turned into human heads! Inside the house, guinea pigs and squirrels lived and acted like humans. They even served the old woman.

She offered Jacob some soup. While he ate, she talked about a special herb he would never find. After finishing the soup, Jacob felt very sleepy. He fell into a deep sleep and began to dream.

In his dream, Jacob lived and worked as a squirrel in the old woman's house. He stayed there for seven years. During this time, he learned many things, especially how to cook. One day, while cooking, he found a special herb. He smelled it, and suddenly, he woke up!

A New Appearance

Jacob returned to his family, but no one recognized him. His own mother and father called him a hideous dwarf. They chased him away from their home.

The old woman's curse had come true. Jacob had turned into a real dwarf. He now had a long nose, no neck, a hump on his back, and brown hands.

Becoming Dwarf Nose

After being rejected by his family, Jacob decided to become a cook. He traveled to the land of "Frankistan" and visited the duke, who was known for loving good food. The duke was a gourmet, meaning someone who enjoys fine eating.

Jacob managed to impress the duke's head chef with his cooking skills. The duke also loved Jacob's food. He hired Jacob as his sous chef, which is a second-in-command cook. The duke gave him the new name, Dwarf Nose. Jacob became highly respected in the duke's kitchen.

Mimi the Goose

Two years later, Jacob bought three geese at the market. To his surprise, one of them started talking to him! The goose told him her name was Mimi. She explained that she was actually the daughter of a wizard named Weatherbuck from the island of Gotland.

Mimi also told Jacob that she had been cursed by a wicked sorceress. She knew a lot about magic herbs. Mimi explained that Jacob needed to find the herb that had transformed him to break his own curse.

The Special Pâté

The duke was expecting an important nobleman to visit. Jacob was asked to prepare a very fancy meal for them. The nobleman enjoyed the meal but then asked for a special dish: the "queen of all pâtés," called a Souzeraine. Jacob didn't know how to make it.

Luckily, Mimi did! With her help, Jacob baked the amazing pâté. However, the nobleman thought it was missing a special herb called "sneeze-with-pleasure." He ordered Jacob to find it and bake another pâté, or he would be beheaded!

Mimi helped Jacob once again. They searched together for the herb. When Jacob finally found it and smelled it, he instantly transformed back into his old self!

Happy Endings

To show his gratitude, Jacob took Mimi back to her father. The wizard Weatherbuck was able to lift Mimi's curse as well.

Everything turned out well for both Jacob and Mimi. However, the duke and his guest declared war on each other because of Jacob's curse. This "herbal war" could only be ended by a perfectly baked pâté, leading to a "pâté peace."