The Twelve Apostles (Children's Legends)
This collection of children's legends features a series of stories that are meant to teach moral lessons and convey the values of the time period. The tales often feature supernatural elements and fantastical creatures, but their primary purpose is to educate and entertain young readers. The stories in this collection include "The Twelve Apostles", which tells the tale of twelve brothers who are turned into birds by a wicked stepmother. Another story, "The Fisherman and his Wife", warns against greed and the dangers of making wishes. The collection also includes "The Town Musicians of Bremen", which teaches children about the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Throughout the book, the stories are presented in a way that is meant to be both entertaining and instructive. They often feature clever wordplay, witty characters, and exciting plot twists, but they also convey important moral lessons and values.
By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1819 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Religious Fiction, Children's Literature · 470 words
First lines
Three hundred years before the birth of the Lord Christ, there lived a mother who had twelve sons, but was so poor and needy that she no longer knew how she was to keep them alive at all. She prayed to God daily that he would grant that all her sons might be on the earth with the Redeemer who was promised. When her necessity became still greater she sent one of them after the other out into the world to seek bread for her. The eldest was called Peter, and he went out and had already walked a long way, a whole day's journey, when he came into a great forest. He sought for a way out, but could find none, and went farther and farther astray, and at the same time felt such great hunger that he could scarcely stand. At length he became so weak that he was forced to lie down, and he believed death to be at hand. Suddenly there stood beside him a small boy who shone with brightness, and was as beautiful and kind as an angel. The child smote his little hands together, until Peter was forced to look up and saw him. Then the child said, "Why art thou sitting there in such trouble? " "Alas! " answered Peter, "I am going about the world seeking bread, that I may yet see the dear Saviour who is promised, that is my greatest desire. " The child said, "Come with me, and thy wish shall be fulfilled. " He took poor Peter by the hand, and led him between some cliffs to a great cavern. When they entered it, everything was shining with gold, silver, and crystal, and in the midst of it twelve cradles were standing side by side. Then said the little angel, "Lie down in the first, and sleep a while, I will rock thee."
What this Textopian page supports
The Twelve Apostles (Children's Legends) 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, Religious Fiction, Children's Literature, Legend
- Length: 470 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Twelve Apostles (Children's Legends) 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 Twelve Apostles (Children's Legends)?
- 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 Hazel Branch Childrens Legends by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- Our Ladys Little Glass Childrens Legends by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Three Green Twigs Childrens Legends by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- St Joseph In The Forest Childrens Legends by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Heavenly Wedding Childrens Legends by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Bishop Of Boerglum And His Warriors by Hans Christian Andersen
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The narrative structure, magical elements, and moral lessons align with traditional fairy tales.
- Religious Fiction — The story incorporates religious themes and figures, such as the apostles and the birth of Christ.
- Children's Literature — The simple language and moral focus make it suitable for a young audience.
- Legend — The story presents a legendary account of the apostles' origins, blending myth with historical elements.
Tags
Fairy Tale · German Folklore · Children's Literature · Mythology · Legends · Christianity · Bible · Apostles · Jesus Christ · Religion · Spirituality · Morality