Little One-Eye, Two-Eyes and Three-Eyes
The story revolves around three brothers who encounter a witch in the forest. She offers them shelter from a storm but demands that they kill and bring back her eyes in exchange for food and lodging. The first brother, Little One-Eye, kills an ox and returns with one of its eyes. The second brother, Two-Eyes, kills a goat and brings back two of its eyes. The third brother, Three-Eyes, kills the witch's son and returns with three of his eyes.
By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1812 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore · 2,969 words
First lines
Once upon a time there was a Woman, who had three daughters, the eldest of whom was named One-Eye, because she had but a single eye, and that placed in the middle of her forehead; the second was called Two-Eyes, because she was like other mortals; and the third, Three-Eyes, because she had three eyes, and one of them in the centre of her forehead, like her eldest sister. But, because her second sister had nothing out of the common in her appearance, she was looked down upon by her sisters, and despised by her mother. "You are no better than common folk," they would say to her; "you do not belong to us"; and then they would push her about, give her coarse clothing, and nothing to eat but their leavings, besides numerous other insults as occasion offered.
What this Textopian page supports
Little One-Eye, Two-Eyes and Three-Eyes is listed on Textopian as a fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, dated 1812 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: 1812 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore, Children's Literature, Moral Tale
- Length: 2,969 words
- Structure: 1 section, 38 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Little One-Eye, Two-Eyes and Three-Eyes by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Little One-Eye, Two-Eyes and Three-Eyes?
- How does this fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Knapsack The Hat And The Horn by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Griffin by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Four Skilful Brothers by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Lazy Spinner by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- Little Tuk by Hans Christian Andersen
- The Boots Of Buffalo Leather by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, moral lessons, and archetypal characters typical of fairy tales.
- Fantasy — Incorporates fantastical elements such as a magical goat and a tree with silver leaves and golden fruit.
- Folklore — Reflects traditional folklore themes, including sibling rivalry and magical intervention.
- Children's Literature — Written in a style accessible to children, with simple language and clear moral lessons.
Tags
Fairy Tale · German Folklore · Brothers Grimm · Fantasy · Adventure · Magic · Good vs Evil · Quest · Coming of Age · Transformation · Friendship · Loyalty