The Boots of Buffalo-Leather

Name: The Boots of Buffalo-Leather
Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

A young man buys a pair of boots from an old cobbler. The boots are made of buffalo leather and have a peculiar smell. As he wears them, the boots begin to change shape, becoming more worn and tattered. Eventually, they fall apart completely, revealing that they were actually a pair of human feet.

By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1815 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Adventure, Fantasy · 1,766 words

First lines

A soldier who is afraid of nothing, troubles himself about nothing. One of this kind had received his discharge, and as he had learnt no trade and could earn nothing, he travelled about and begged alms of kind people. He had an old waterproof on his back, and a pair of riding-boots of buffalo-leather which were still left to him. One day he was walking he knew not where, straight out into the open country, and at length came to a forest. He did not know where he was, but saw sitting on the trunk of a tree, which had been cut down, a man who was well dressed and wore a green shooting-coat. The soldier shook hands with him, sat down on the grass by his side, and stretched out his legs. "I see thou hast good boots on, which are well blacked," said he to the huntsman; "but if thou hadst to travel about as I have, they would not last long. Look at mine, they are of buffalo-leather, and have been worn for a long time, but in them I can go through thick and thin. " After a while the soldier got up and said, "I can stay no longer, hunger drives me onwards; but, Brother Bright-boots, where does this road lead to? " "I don't know that myself," answered the huntsman, "I have lost my way in the forest. " "Then thou art in the same plight as I," said the soldier; "birds of a feather flock together, let us remain together, and seek our way. " The huntsman smiled a little, and they walked on further and further, until night fell. "We do not get out of the forest," said the soldier, "but there in the distance I see a light shining, which will help us to something to eat. " They found a stone house, knocked at the door, and an old woman opened it. "We are looking for quarters for the night," said the soldier, "and some lining for our stomachs, for mine is as empty as an old knapsack. " "You cannot stay here," answered the old woman; "this is a robber's house, and you would do wisely to get away before they come home, or you will be lost."

What this Textopian page supports

The Boots of Buffalo-Leather is listed on Textopian as a fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, dated 1815 CE.

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Work type: Fable
Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
Date: 1815 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Adventure, Fantasy, Folklore, Humor
Length: 1,766 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The Boots of Buffalo-Leather by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The narrative follows a traditional fairy tale structure with elements of magic, adventure, and moral lessons.
Adventure — The story involves a journey through a forest, encounters with robbers, and a quest for survival.
Fantasy — The plot includes fantastical elements such as the magical immobilization of robbers.
Folklore — The tale is rooted in folklore traditions, featuring archetypal characters like the brave soldier and the disguised king.