The Nix of the Mill-Pond
A miller's daughter is forced to make a deal with the devil after he tricks her father into promising him her firstborn child. The devil demands that she give him the child on his seventh name-day, and in exchange, he gives her a magical spinning wheel that produces gold thread. However, the thread comes at a terrible cost: every time it is used, someone dies.
By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1815 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore · 2,466 words
First lines
There was once upon a time, a miller who lived with his wife in great contentment. They had money and land, and their prosperity increased year by year more and more. But ill-luck comes like a thief in the night, as their wealth had increased so did it again decrease, year by year.
At last the miller could hardly call the mill in which he lived his own. He was in great distress, and when he lay down after his day's work, found no rest, but full of care, tossed about in his bed.
What this Textopian page supports
The Nix of the Mill-Pond 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, Romance, Adventure
- Length: 2,466 words
- Structure: 1 section, 39 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Nix of the Mill-Pond by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Nix of the Mill-Pond?
- 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 Nix Of The Millpond by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Three Apprentices by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Spindle The Shuttle And The Needle by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Water Nix by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- Old Rinkrank by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Skilful Huntsman by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, such as the Nix, and follows a traditional fairy tale structure with moral lessons.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical creatures and events, such as the Nix and magical transformations.
- Folklore — The tale is rooted in cultural folklore, reflecting traditional beliefs and motifs.
- Romance — The story centers on the love and reunion of the huntsman and his wife.
Tags
Fairy Tale · German Folklore · Water Spirit · Nature Mythology · Environmentalism · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Mystery · Fantasy · Adventure · Quest Narrative · Symbolism