The Gold-Children
A family of seven children are cursed to be ugly and poor after their stepmother's jealousy is revealed. The father trades the eldest child for a golden coin, but it turns out to be a trick. The second child is traded for another golden coin, which also turns out to be a trick. This continues until only the youngest child remains.
By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1812 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore · 2,310 words
First lines
There was once a poor man and a poor woman who had nothing but a little cottage. They earned their bread by fishing, and always lived from hand to mouth.
But it came to pass one day, when the man was sitting by the waterside and casting his net, that he drew out a fish entirely of gold.
What this Textopian page supports
The Gold-Children 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, Adventure, Moral Story
- Length: 2,310 words
- Structure: 1 section, 67 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Gold-Children 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 The Gold-Children?
- 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 Three Luck Children by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The White Bride And The Black One by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Jew Among Thorns by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Two Brothers by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Iron Stove by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Devil And His Grandmother by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, moral lessons, and fantastical events typical of fairy tales.
- Fantasy — Incorporates fantastical creatures and events, such as a talking gold fish and children made of gold.
- Folklore — Reflects traditional beliefs and cultural narratives, often passed down orally.
- Adventure — Includes journeys and quests, such as the brothers traveling and encountering challenges.
Tags
Fairy Tale · German Folklore · Magic Realism · Coming-of-Age · Family Drama · Sibling Rivalry · Jealousy · Envy · Deception · Revenge · Morality Play · Social Hierarchy