The Singing, Springing Lark

Name: The Singing, Springing Lark
Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

A young girl is forced to marry a man she has never met. She is sent away from her family and must adapt to her new life with him. The story explores themes of love, duty, and the challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies.

By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1819 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure · 2,750 words

First lines

There was once on a time a man who was about to set out on a long journey, and on parting he asked his three daughters what he should bring back with him for them. Whereupon the eldest wished for pearls, the second wished for diamonds, but the third said, "Dear father, I should like a singing, soaring lark. " The father said, "Yes, if I can get it, you shall have it," kissed all three, and set out. Now when the time had come for him to be on his way home again, he had brought pearls and diamonds for the two eldest, but he had sought everywhere in vain for a singing, soaring lark for the youngest, and he was very unhappy about it, for she was his favorite child. Then his road lay through a forest, and in the midst of it was a splendid castle, and near the castle stood a tree, but quite on the top of the tree, he saw a singing, soaring lark. "Aha, you come just at the right moment! " he said, quite delighted, and called to his servant to climb up and catch the little creature. But as he approached the tree, a lion leapt from beneath it, shook himself, and roared till the leaves on the trees trembled. "He who tries to steal my singing, soaring lark," he cried, "will I devour. " Then the man said, "I did not know that the bird belonged to thee. I will make amends for the wrong I have done and ransom myself with a large sum of money, only spare my life. " The lion said, "Nothing can save thee, unless thou wilt promise to give me for mine own what first meets thee on thy return home; and if thou wilt do that, I will grant thee thy life, and thou shalt have the bird for thy daughter, into the bargain. " But the man hesitated and said, "That might be my youngest daughter, she loves me best, and always runs to meet me on my return home."

What this Textopian page supports

The Singing, Springing Lark is listed on Textopian as a fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, dated 1819 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: 1819 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Mythology
Length: 2,750 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The Singing, Springing Lark by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
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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?
Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, enchanted creatures, and a moral lesson, typical of fairy tales.
Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical elements such as enchanted princes, talking animals, and magical transformations.
Adventure — The plot involves a journey with challenges and quests, including the protagonist's search for her husband.
Romance — The central theme revolves around love and the reunion of separated lovers.