God's Food (Children's Legends)

Name: God's Food (Children's Legends)
Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

This collection of children's legends features stories that explore the relationship between humans and nature, often with a focus on the consequences of human actions. The tales frequently involve supernatural elements, such as magical creatures and divine intervention, which serve to illustrate moral lessons or cautionary tales. The stories are set in a rural environment, where the characters live in close proximity to the natural world. This setting allows for exploration of themes related to the human condition, including greed, gluttony, and the consequences of playing with forces beyond one's control. Throughout the collection, the Grimm brothers employ a range of narrative techniques, including symbolism, metaphor, and allegory, to convey their messages. The stories often feature simple, direct language, which belies their complexity and depth. The legends in this collection are meant to be instructive, rather than entertaining. They aim to teach children important lessons about the world around them, as well as about themselves.

By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1819 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Folklore, Tragedy · 280 words

First lines

There were once upon a time two sisters, one of whom had no children and was rich, and the other had five and was a widow, and so poor that she no longer had food enough to satisfy herself and her children. In her need, therefore, she went to her sister, and said, "My children and I are suffering the greatest hunger; thou art rich, give me a mouthful of bread. " The very rich sister was as hard as a stone, and said, "I myself have nothing in the house," and drove away the poor creature with harsh words. After some time the husband of the rich sister came home, and was just going to cut himself a piece of bread, but when he made the first cut into the loaf, out flowed red blood. When the woman saw that she was terrified and told him what had occurred. He hurried away to help the widow and her children, but when he entered her room, he found her praying. She had her two youngest children in her arms, and the three eldest were lying dead. He offered her food, but she answered, "For earthly food have we no longer any desire. God has already satisfied the hunger of three of us, and he will hearken to our supplications likewise. " Scarcely had she uttered these words than the two little ones drew their last breath, whereupon her heart broke, and she sank down dead.

What this Textopian page supports

God's Food (Children's Legends) is listed on Textopian as a fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, dated 1819 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Fable
Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
Date: 1819 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Folklore, Tragedy, Moral Tale, Religious Fiction
Length: 280 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The narrative follows a traditional fairy tale structure with moral lessons and supernatural elements.
Folklore — The story is rooted in cultural folklore, reflecting societal values and beliefs.
Tragedy — The plot involves the death of characters and evokes a sense of pity and sadness.
Moral Tale — The story conveys a moral lesson about generosity and the consequences of greed.