The Devil's Sooty Brother

Name: The Devil's Sooty Brother
Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

This collection of Germanic folk tales features a range of stories that explore the complexities of human nature and the consequences of one's actions. The narrative revolves around a young woman who marries a man with a dark past, only to discover his true identity as the devil. As she navigates this treacherous situation, she must confront her own morality and make difficult choices in order to protect herself and those she loves. Throughout the story, themes of love, loyalty, and redemption are explored, raising questions about the nature of good and evil and the consequences of one's actions.

By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1815 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore · 1,513 words

First lines

A disbanded soldier had nothing to live on, and did not know how to get on. So he went out into the forest and when he had walked for a short time, he met a little man who was, however, the Devil. The little man said to him, "What ails you, you seem so very sorrowful? " Then the soldier said, "I am hungry, but have no money. " The Devil said, "If you will hire yourself to me, and be my serving-man, you shall have enough for all your life. You shall serve me for seven years, and after that you shall again be free. But one thing I must tell you, and that is, you must not wash, comb, or trim yourself, or cut your hair or nails, or wipe the water from your eyes. " The soldier said, "All right, if there is no help for it," and went off with the little man, who straightway led him down into hell. Then he told him what he had to do. He was to poke the fire under the kettles wherein the hell-broth was stewing, keep the house clean, drive all the sweepings behind the doors, and see that everything was in order, but if he once peeped into the kettles, it would go ill with him. The soldier said, "Good, I will take care. " And then the old Devil went out again on his wanderings, and the soldier entered upon his new duties, made the fire, and swept the dirt well behind the doors, just as he had been bidden. When the old Devil came back again, he looked to see if all had been done, appeared satisfied, and went forth a second time. The soldier now took a good look on every side; the kettles were standing all round hell with a mighty fire below them, and inside they were boiling and sputtering.

What this Textopian page supports

The Devil's Sooty Brother is listed on Textopian as a fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, dated 1815 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: 1815 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore, Adventure, Moral Story
Length: 1,513 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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How does this fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The story features fantastical elements, moral lessons, and a narrative style typical of traditional fairy tales.
Fantasy — Involves supernatural characters like the Devil and magical transformations, such as sweepings turning into gold.
Folklore — Reflects cultural beliefs and motifs common in folklore, such as deals with the Devil and moral consequences.
Adventure — Follows the protagonist on a journey with challenges and encounters with supernatural beings.