Rapunzel facts for kids
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Illustration of Rapunzel and the Witch on a 1978 East German stamp
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| Author | Unknown but collected by The Grimm Brothers |
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Publication date
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1812 |
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_1978,_MiNr_2383.jpg)
"Rapunzel" is a classic German fairy tale. It was first shared with the world in 1812. This happened when it became part of a famous collection called Grimms' Fairy Tales. Many people know the story for its famous line: "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair."
Contents
The Story of Rapunzel
The tale begins with a couple who wished very much for a child. They lived next to a garden that was surrounded by a high wall. This garden belonged to a powerful witch.
Rapunzel's Birth and the Witch
One day, the woman was expecting a baby. She saw some delicious rapunzel plants in the witch's garden. She wanted them so badly that her husband had to sneak in and get some. The witch, named Dame Gothel, caught him. She agreed to let him take the plants, but only if he gave her their baby when it was born. The husband agreed, and when the baby girl arrived, Dame Gothel took her. The witch named the baby "Rapunzel" after the plant.
Life in the Tower
When Rapunzel turned twelve years old, Dame Gothel took her to a tall tower. This tower had no doors or stairs, only one window at the very top. The witch would visit Rapunzel by calling out: "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair." Rapunzel had very long, magical hair. She would let it down, and the witch would climb up it.
The Prince's Discovery
One day, a prince was riding by the tower. He heard Rapunzel singing beautifully. He was curious and found a way to watch her. He saw how Dame Gothel climbed the tower using Rapunzel's hair. The prince decided to try it himself. He called out the same words, and Rapunzel let down her hair. The prince climbed up and met her. He asked her to marry him, and Rapunzel agreed.
Different Versions of the Tale
There are many different ways the story of "Rapunzel" has been told over the years. Some versions have different endings or small changes in the plot. However, the main idea of the girl with long hair in a tower, the witch, and the prince remains the same.
Images for kids
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Illustration by Paul Hey, created around 1910
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Florence Harrison's illustration for Rapunzel in a collection of early poems by William Morris
See also
In Spanish: Rapunzel para niños
