Rumpelstiltskin

Rumplestiltskin - Anne Anderson

Stamps of Germany (DDR) 1976, MiNr Kleinbogen 2187-2192

Rumpelstiltskin-Crane1886

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The heart of oak books (1906) (14750176241)

Rumpelstiltskin is a fairy tale popularly associated with Germany where it was known as Rumpelstilzchen. The tale was collected by the Brothers Grimm in the 1812 edition of Children's and Household Tales (Grimm's Fairy Tales). It is classified as ATU type 500, "The Name of the Helper".

Plot

The story is about a miller who lies to the king, claiming his daughter can spin straw into gold. The king calls for the girl, shuts her in a tower room filled with straw and a spinning wheel, and demands she spin the straw into gold by morning or be executed. She has given up all hope until an impish creature appears in the room and spins the straw into gold for her in return for her necklace. When next the king takes the girl to a larger room filled with straw to repeat the feat, the creature returns, now asking for her ring. On the third night, with no possessions left to give, the creature extracts a promise from her that she will give him her firstborn child.

The girl marries the king, and when their first child is born, the imp returns to claim his payment: "Now give me what you promised." The queen is horrified and offers him all the wealth she has if he will let her keep the child. The creature refuses but finally agrees to give up his claim to the child if the queen can guess his name within three days.

The queen dispatches messengers throughout the land to gather names, including unusual and exotic names. On the third day, a messenger returns with the name "Rumpelstiltskin," which he overheard the creature singing about in his home. When Rumpelstiltskin comes to collect, the queen reveals his name, and in his anger and frustration, Rumpelstiltskin destroys himself.

Themes and Analysis

Rumpelstiltskin explores themes of power, greed, and exploitation, with the miller's daughter caught in impossible situations created by the men around her. The tale also touches on the importance of names and identity, as knowing Rumpelstiltskin's name gives the queen power over him. The story has been interpreted in various ways, including as a cautionary tale about making promises that cannot be kept and the consequences of deceit.

Adaptations

Rumpelstiltskin has been adapted into various media, including theatre, film, television, and literature. These adaptations often explore the darker elements of the story or offer new interpretations of the characters' motivations and outcomes.

Cultural Impact

The story of Rumpelstiltskin is a staple of Western folklore and has been referenced in various aspects of popular culture. Its themes and characters continue to resonate, making it a timeless tale of cunning and resilience.