Sweetheart Roland
Sweetheart Roland is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm in their Grimm's Fairy Tales as tale number 56. The story follows the themes of evil witchcraft, true love, and the triumph of good over evil, common motifs in folklore and fairy tales.
Plot[edit | edit source]
The tale tells of a shepherd's daughter who falls in love with a boy named Roland. Unfortunately, the girl's stepmother is a wicked witch who disapproves of their love. The witch plans to kill the girl and instructs her own daughter to lie in the girl's bed to deceive her. However, the girl overhears their plan and escapes, taking with her three magical items from the witch's house.
The girl uses the magical items to create obstacles to delay the witch's pursuit: she throws a brush behind her that turns into a mountain of brushes; she throws a comb that becomes a mountain of combs; and finally, she throws a mirror that becomes a mountain of mirrors, which the witch cannot cross.
After escaping, the girl finds a house where she works as a maid. Meanwhile, Roland goes to war, promising to return for her. The girl waits for Roland, but when he does not return, she sets out to find him, dressed as a beggar. She discovers that Roland has fallen under the spell of an evil sorceress who plans to marry him. With the help of the magical items and her true love for Roland, the girl breaks the spell, and they escape together. The story ends with the defeat of the evil witch and sorceress, and Roland and the girl marry, living happily ever after.
Themes and Analysis[edit | edit source]
Sweetheart Roland explores themes of loyalty, bravery, and the power of true love. The protagonist's clever use of magical items to escape danger reflects the fairy tale motif of using one's wits to overcome adversity. The story also highlights the common folklore theme of the triumph of good over evil, as the heroine overcomes the malevolent forces aligned against her.
The tale is a classic example of the Aarne-Thompson-Uther (ATU) classification system type 1119, "Fleeing by Transforming," showcasing the motif of magical transformation as a means of escape. It also incorporates elements of ATU type 313, "The Magic Flight," which involves the hero or heroine using magical means to flee their pursuer.
Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]
Sweetheart Roland has been the subject of various adaptations and analyses, reflecting its enduring appeal in the canon of European fairy tales. Its themes of resilience in the face of evil and the redemptive power of love continue to resonate with audiences. The tale's incorporation of witchcraft and magic also reflects the broader cultural and historical fascination with these elements, which are prevalent in many folk and fairy tales.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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