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The Water of Life: A Tale from the Brothers Grimm
Three princes set off to find the Water of Life to cure their dying father. In an enchanted castle, the youngest brother finds the water and a lovely princess, but earns the treachery of his brothers.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1812
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 5, 2024
داستان نود و هفتم از همخوانی برادران گریم
اینقدر تو اون زمان و مکان با غریبهها بد رفتار میکردند که فقط کافی بوده با موجودات عجیب و غریبی که تو مسیر میبینی خوب رفتار کنی و حوابشون رو بدی تا پاداش های عجیب و غریب بگیری. البته اگه خواهر برادر نداشته باشی. چون تو دنیاشون قطعا اونا دنبال بدبخت کردنت هستند.
اینقدر تو اون زمان و مکان با غریبهها بد رفتار میکردند که فقط کافی بوده با موجودات عجیب و غریبی که تو مسیر میبینی خوب رفتار کنی و حوابشون رو بدی تا پاداش های عجیب و غریب بگیری. البته اگه خواهر برادر نداشته باشی. چون تو دنیاشون قطعا اونا دنبال بدبخت کردنت هستند.
January 15, 2019
This has a very similar plot as Ruth Sanderson's The Enchanted Wood, who probably got inspired by this Grimms tale, unless it's another from the same tale type. I liked the artwork a lot and would rate it 5 stars, but the story wasn't as captivating and I liked Sanderson's rendition and changes much better.
September 4, 2015
Now, I have read many stories from the Brothers Grimm and I had enjoyed every single one of them! So, imagine my surprise when I finally came upon one of the Brothers Grimm’s stories being put into a singular children’s book called “The Water of Life” retold by Barbara Rogasky along with illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman and enjoying it immensely!
The story starts off with the king becoming extremely ill and everyone thought that the king might die since there was no cure to be found. One day however, while the king’s three sons were grieving over their father’s illness, a little old man told the sons of the Water of Life and that it might cure their father. The oldest son then decided to seek the Water of Life; merely because he wanted to inherit his father’s kingdom and he goes on a journey to find the Water of Life. Along the way, the oldest son meets a small dwarf who asked him where he was going and the oldest son rudely shoved the dwarf away. The dwarf then angrily cursed the oldest son to remain trap in a ravine between two mountains for a long period of time. When the oldest son did not return, the second son decided to search for the Water of Life and he also met the small dwarf along the way and treated the dwarf rudely when the dwarf asked the second son where he was going. The second son then ended up in the same fate as the older brother for being too prideful towards the dwarf. Finally, the youngest son went to search for the Water of Life himself and he actually showed kindness towards the dwarf by telling him that he was searching for the Water of Life. The dwarf then eagerly tells the youngest son how to find the Water of Life and the trials he must overcome to get the water.
Will the youngest son be able to get the Water of Life?
Read this book to find out!
Wow! This book was amazing! I have always loved the Brothers Grimm’s tales and it was great seeing one of their stories showing up in a picture book format! Barbara Rogasky’s writing is truly fantastic as Barbara Rogasky really captures the medieval spirit of this tale and I really loved the fact that the youngest son is shown to have a kind heart and that he is rewarded for his kindness. I like the fact that the story teaches readers that having a kind heart will give you your own rewards in life. I also really enjoyed the magical aspect of this story as we have a dwarf who curses people for being arrogant and a jug of water that can cure any kind of illness inflicted on people as they make me wonder about whether or not such magical abilities should be allowed in the real world and how they would help the world become a better place to live in. Trina Schart Hyman’s artwork is truly gorgeous as they really capture the Medieval times the story takes place in and I enjoyed seeing images of castles and magical creatures occupy this magical world. I also loved the fact that the characters are drawn realistically as it gives the story a mature yet mesmerizing atmosphere and also make the characters stand out.
Overall, “The Water of Life” is a truly fantastic tale about true kindness that every fan of the Brothers Grimm should definitely check out!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
April 19, 2019
Not the absolute best by Hyman, but still wonderful; the characters do look like real people and the details of setting, animals, and costumes are breathtaking. I'm not familiar with this story but I can say that I like Rogasky's retelling anyway. I like how it defines and explains everything, not assuming the reader is familiar with the ancient culture- and genre-specific tropes. But the writing style is still clear and enjoyable, not heavy or preachy of overly 'telling.'
Ah, I'm not saying it right. To sum, if you liked Hyman & Hodges collaborations like Saint George and the Dragon, try this too.
Ah, I'm not saying it right. To sum, if you liked Hyman & Hodges collaborations like Saint George and the Dragon, try this too.
February 23, 2020
With a story from the Brothers Grimm (retold by Barbara Rogasky), and artwork from Trina Schart Hyman, what's not to love? The tale of a dying king, and his three sons, who each set out, in their turn, to discover the magical Water of Life that will restore their father to youth and health, this fairy-tale offers a study of differing character, and of the nature of love. For, as it turns out (and as readers of the genre will no doubt be expecting), the two older brothers are not motivated by love alone, but also by worldly concerns, in the form of a desire to inherit, while the youngest son - not too proud to speak to the dwarf whose path he crosses, trusting of his elder brothers, and forgiving of their faults - is motivated by pure love. It is that purity that allows him, in the end, not only to restore his father to health, but to avoid the destruction set in motion by his brothers' wicked schemes, and to win a beautiful princess (and her kingdom) as his own.
Rogasky's retelling of The Water of Life is engaging enough, but it is Hyman's gorgeous artwork that truly makes this title stand out! Wonderfully expressive (I loved the expressions on the various characters' faces), beautiful, but with an undercurrent of menace - it has a sharp, sometimes quirky quality that raises it above the "pretty" - Hyman's illustrations linger in the memory, and are instantly recognizable, as her creations. All in all, this is a lovely fairy-tale title, one I would recommend to readers of the genre, or to Trina Schart Hyman fans, and one which I thank my friend Chandra for recommending to me!
Rogasky's retelling of The Water of Life is engaging enough, but it is Hyman's gorgeous artwork that truly makes this title stand out! Wonderfully expressive (I loved the expressions on the various characters' faces), beautiful, but with an undercurrent of menace - it has a sharp, sometimes quirky quality that raises it above the "pretty" - Hyman's illustrations linger in the memory, and are instantly recognizable, as her creations. All in all, this is a lovely fairy-tale title, one I would recommend to readers of the genre, or to Trina Schart Hyman fans, and one which I thank my friend Chandra for recommending to me!
April 12, 2018
Trina Schart Hymen is an amazing artist, I always enjoy the stories she chooses to illustrate. It's not everyday you read about a helpful goblin/troll. I really enjoyed this story about a valiant prince and a imprisoned princess.
July 5, 2008
You just can't go wrong with the team of Barbara Rogasky as writer and Trina Schart Hyman as illustrator!
July 4, 2015
Wow, what a story! Spans much time and geography. Treachery, bravery, the virtues of honesty, sacrifice, true love... it's all covered here. Just the perfect medieval tale... Dreamy :)
August 12, 2015
Very wonderful story telling. A keeper.
September 28, 2017
The Water of Life is a story with a similar theme to Snowdrop (Snow White), but I came to find that I quite enjoyed it. The repeating themes and tropes in the Brothers Grimm's works has been rather annoying as of late - which I assume is because I'm so tired recently - but this one was sweet.
Betrayal, the faking of a death, and things all eventually turning right - without anyone dying? This was a piece of art, truly, and I wish there were a few more Brothers Grimm just like this one. I had a large smile on my face reading this, and truly, it went by much too quickly. I'll definitely be reading this one again some time. Very enjoyable.
Betrayal, the faking of a death, and things all eventually turning right - without anyone dying? This was a piece of art, truly, and I wish there were a few more Brothers Grimm just like this one. I had a large smile on my face reading this, and truly, it went by much too quickly. I'll definitely be reading this one again some time. Very enjoyable.
December 12, 2015
A beautiful and faithful retelling of one of the more obscure tales from Brothers Grimm. Hyman's illustrations are particularly wonderful, with many lovely little details on every one. Even on the pages with text there are inset pictures, perhaps moving the story, perhaps just touching up the setting.
November 16, 2015
Picked this up almost entirely because it's illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman (my favorite illustrator!). Her illustrations were lovely. I can barely remember the story.
January 13, 2019
This is one of my all-time favorite fairy tales. Kids really liked this one and led to good discussions about intentions and actions.
September 23, 2024
This beautifully illustrated picture book is a retelling of a little-known fairy tale (Wasser des Lenens) by the Brothers Grimm, "The Water of Life." It is retold by Barbara Rogasky and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Copyrighted 1986 for texts and illustrations, it was first published by Holiday House, New York and then first published in the UK by Oxford University Press in 1988.
Like many fairy tales, this is a story of three brothers, the youngest being the hero. There is a king who became so sick everyone believed he would die. His three sons were very sad, and while weeping in the garden were approached by a little old man who told them there is a cure, the Water of Life, but it is very hard to find.
The oldest son asks his father's permission to search for it, but his love wasn't pure - he secretly thought if he did this then he would inherit the kingdom. He sets off on his journey and when asked where he is going by a dwarf he disrespects the dwarf and so is cursed to be stuck in a ravine. Repeat this plot for son number 2. Then son 3 asks to leave, with no secret thoughts of inheritance, and is polite to the dwarf, who then tells him how to successfully find the Water of Life. He will go to a castle but must leave by the time the clock strikes twelve.
The story takes on some weird aspects from here that are not explained - in the castle he finds a feasting table of enchanted princes and steals all their rings (?why?); he also finds a beautiful princess, falls in love instantly, and she says he has set her free (?how?) and if he comes back in a year they will marry and her kingdom will be his. Despite stopping for a nap, he manages to get the water and escape in time, also taking a sword and a loaf of bread he found.
The dwarf meets him again and exp0lains that the sword can defeat entire armies and the loaf of bread will never grow smaller. The prince asks if the dwarf knows what became of his brothers and the dwarf frees them, but says to beware of them as they have evil hearts.
There is then a very long journey home (which kept amazing me as their father was at death's door but somehow he survives through all this!), and the youngest prince saves 3 kingdoms from war and famine with his sword and bread. But the brothers are indeed evil. They want to win their father's kingdom and the one the princess promised their brother, so while they are at sea they swap out the water of life with seawater. When they arrive home, the youngest son gives their father what he thinks is the water of life but is bitter seawater. The brothers say he was trying to kill their father and give him the water of life they had stolen. They threaten to kill the brother if he speaks the truth.
The father believes his youngest son tried to kill him so orders a huntsman to kill him in the wood (à la Snow White). The Huntsman doesn't wish to do this and is willing to swap clothes with the prince (presumably because these are worth money, although this is not explained) and the prince escapes into the woods. Meanwhile, the three kingdoms the youngest prince saved send wagons of gold and jewels in gratitude and the prince's father begins to wonder if his son was actually a good man and was innocent. When he wishes he were still alive the Huntsman confesses that he is and a proclamation is given to bring him home.
Also meanwhile, the princess has her servants build a road of pure shining gold leading to her castle gate. Only the man who rides straight down it is to enter. Each of the brothers approach alongside, considering it too beautiful to ride upon, and so are turned away, but the youngest brother is so eager to be with the princess he loves he did not even notice the road was made of gold and road straight down it. Again she greets him as her 'saviour' (?) and they are married. The prince also unites with his father and explains about his brothers' trick but they have already sailed away over the sea.
Despite some of the inexplicable features, this is an interesting fairy tale, with beautiful illustrations by Trina Schart-Hyman. The illustrations are in frames (sometimes panels), the frame also shared by the text. The colour palette is brown and green with occasional deep red and other pale colours - blue, pink, dusty yellow. The huntsman with his gun disrupts the otherwise medieval setting. There is energy in the artwork - movement, wind, humour, sorrow. The movement of the seasons is hinted at through frames of fruit and pine cones, and the brothers' evil is accompanied by toadstools. The longer I pored over the pictures, the more details I found. I liked how one of the princess's guards was black, and one female. 3 stars on a first read through, increasing to 4 as I wrote this review!
Like many fairy tales, this is a story of three brothers, the youngest being the hero. There is a king who became so sick everyone believed he would die. His three sons were very sad, and while weeping in the garden were approached by a little old man who told them there is a cure, the Water of Life, but it is very hard to find.
The oldest son asks his father's permission to search for it, but his love wasn't pure - he secretly thought if he did this then he would inherit the kingdom. He sets off on his journey and when asked where he is going by a dwarf he disrespects the dwarf and so is cursed to be stuck in a ravine. Repeat this plot for son number 2. Then son 3 asks to leave, with no secret thoughts of inheritance, and is polite to the dwarf, who then tells him how to successfully find the Water of Life. He will go to a castle but must leave by the time the clock strikes twelve.
The story takes on some weird aspects from here that are not explained - in the castle he finds a feasting table of enchanted princes and steals all their rings (?why?); he also finds a beautiful princess, falls in love instantly, and she says he has set her free (?how?) and if he comes back in a year they will marry and her kingdom will be his. Despite stopping for a nap, he manages to get the water and escape in time, also taking a sword and a loaf of bread he found.
The dwarf meets him again and exp0lains that the sword can defeat entire armies and the loaf of bread will never grow smaller. The prince asks if the dwarf knows what became of his brothers and the dwarf frees them, but says to beware of them as they have evil hearts.
There is then a very long journey home (which kept amazing me as their father was at death's door but somehow he survives through all this!), and the youngest prince saves 3 kingdoms from war and famine with his sword and bread. But the brothers are indeed evil. They want to win their father's kingdom and the one the princess promised their brother, so while they are at sea they swap out the water of life with seawater. When they arrive home, the youngest son gives their father what he thinks is the water of life but is bitter seawater. The brothers say he was trying to kill their father and give him the water of life they had stolen. They threaten to kill the brother if he speaks the truth.
The father believes his youngest son tried to kill him so orders a huntsman to kill him in the wood (à la Snow White). The Huntsman doesn't wish to do this and is willing to swap clothes with the prince (presumably because these are worth money, although this is not explained) and the prince escapes into the woods. Meanwhile, the three kingdoms the youngest prince saved send wagons of gold and jewels in gratitude and the prince's father begins to wonder if his son was actually a good man and was innocent. When he wishes he were still alive the Huntsman confesses that he is and a proclamation is given to bring him home.
Also meanwhile, the princess has her servants build a road of pure shining gold leading to her castle gate. Only the man who rides straight down it is to enter. Each of the brothers approach alongside, considering it too beautiful to ride upon, and so are turned away, but the youngest brother is so eager to be with the princess he loves he did not even notice the road was made of gold and road straight down it. Again she greets him as her 'saviour' (?) and they are married. The prince also unites with his father and explains about his brothers' trick but they have already sailed away over the sea.
Despite some of the inexplicable features, this is an interesting fairy tale, with beautiful illustrations by Trina Schart-Hyman. The illustrations are in frames (sometimes panels), the frame also shared by the text. The colour palette is brown and green with occasional deep red and other pale colours - blue, pink, dusty yellow. The huntsman with his gun disrupts the otherwise medieval setting. There is energy in the artwork - movement, wind, humour, sorrow. The movement of the seasons is hinted at through frames of fruit and pine cones, and the brothers' evil is accompanied by toadstools. The longer I pored over the pictures, the more details I found. I liked how one of the princess's guards was black, and one female. 3 stars on a first read through, increasing to 4 as I wrote this review!
May 28, 2019
This fairy tale is a lovely story where good triumphs over evil, and it is a good example of the love of money (or inheritance) being the root of evil. I loved that the curse of the dwarf on the prideful brothers caused them to get stuck in the ravine where each could not go forward or backward. What an insightful punishment for pride in which one is not able to progress in maturity or the spiritual life because one will not admit mistakes or make amends for past wrongs. (An unwillingness to look back and an inability to move forward.) Pride keeps one stuck. The hero in the Water of Life is true in love to his father, more loyal to his brothers than they deserve, and true to the princess he saves. Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations are delightful with so much detail. One of my favorite pictures is on the last page with the reconciliation of the father and son. Look at the expressions of the dogs and the lion. I just wish that I had read this book to my own children more often. I pray that one day I have grandchildren who enjoy having books read to them. The Water Of life would be a book I would be willing to read aloud over and over. I highly recommend it!
July 12, 2021
This traditional tale, originally told by the Grimm brothers, confronts the important truths of life.
The story begins with the sick king who is need of the Water of Life, which his sons set out to find. The first two search for the potion for all the wrong reasons, hoping to obtain the crown if they save their father. Due to their selfish and arrogant ways, the two brothers find themselves in various predicaments, facing large obstacles from the Elf, and ultimately they meet their downfall due to their wicked ways.
On the other hand, the youngest brother who searches for the water on the sole motive to cure the father that he loves, creates good relations with the Elf who in turn helps him on his journey. Although the good son faces much unfair treatment from his brothers, his good acts comitted in sheer innocence enable him to live happily ever after with his healthy, proud father, his new wife and new friends that he made along his journey.
This is very much a cautionary and educational tale as most fairy tales are.....
The story begins with the sick king who is need of the Water of Life, which his sons set out to find. The first two search for the potion for all the wrong reasons, hoping to obtain the crown if they save their father. Due to their selfish and arrogant ways, the two brothers find themselves in various predicaments, facing large obstacles from the Elf, and ultimately they meet their downfall due to their wicked ways.
On the other hand, the youngest brother who searches for the water on the sole motive to cure the father that he loves, creates good relations with the Elf who in turn helps him on his journey. Although the good son faces much unfair treatment from his brothers, his good acts comitted in sheer innocence enable him to live happily ever after with his healthy, proud father, his new wife and new friends that he made along his journey.
This is very much a cautionary and educational tale as most fairy tales are.....
March 14, 2022
I liked this story and was surprised that it did not become more popular. Many virtues can be found in the third prince and he is contrasted with his two older brothers quite well. He suffers their betrayal and his father's anger but still managed to live happily ever after.
The story did not have any random moments like some of the others. The king did not simply change his mind about his youngest son. Other kings praised him and the king reconsidered things and lamented his order to kill the prince. The other kings did not just randomly praise him. They had reason.
It is too bad that we did not get to see the entire adventure play out. The prince stopped at these three kingdoms, plus the princess' kingdom. This is a story with a lot more scope that some of the other fairy tales. There is even the mountains where the two older brothers were trapped by the dwarf. The Grimms could have turned this story into an entire novel.
The story did not have any random moments like some of the others. The king did not simply change his mind about his youngest son. Other kings praised him and the king reconsidered things and lamented his order to kill the prince. The other kings did not just randomly praise him. They had reason.
It is too bad that we did not get to see the entire adventure play out. The prince stopped at these three kingdoms, plus the princess' kingdom. This is a story with a lot more scope that some of the other fairy tales. There is even the mountains where the two older brothers were trapped by the dwarf. The Grimms could have turned this story into an entire novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2024
Jacob Grimm, alongside his brother Wilhelm, is renowned for compiling "Grimm's Fairy Tales," a collection of German folktales. This book is a captivating journey into the heart of folklore, presenting a mixture of enchanting and sometimes dark stories that have fascinated readers for generations. Grimm's work is not just a mere collection of tales; it's a profound exploration of the human condition, morals, and the cultural heritage of Germany. The stories range from the well-loved "Cinderella" and "Snow White" to the less known but equally intriguing tales. Each story is a masterpiece of fantasy, imbued with timeless themes and moral lessons, making this book a valuable treasure for both young and adult readers. Jacob Grimm's contribution through this compilation has left an indelible mark on literature and continues to inspire the imagination of readers worldwide.
July 3, 2024
FULL REVIEW ON MY WEBSITE
https://thebookcornerchronicles.com/2...
The original tale is much better but also darker then the version kids see.
It is different but not that different from what you might remember from first hearing this tale as a kid.
The plot here are very good but also dark which is the mix which I personally like a lot.
The writing style here was very old and you could feel the vibe of old the Europe which was amazing for me.
https://thebookcornerchronicles.com/2...
The original tale is much better but also darker then the version kids see.
It is different but not that different from what you might remember from first hearing this tale as a kid.
The plot here are very good but also dark which is the mix which I personally like a lot.
The writing style here was very old and you could feel the vibe of old the Europe which was amazing for me.
February 14, 2019
The Water/ Well of Life. A theme picked upon by many story tellers for 100’s of years. A great way to create a different and unique theme for this story. We then see the kindness of one brother for his own kin, only to be returned by fear, jealous and greed.
January 26, 2024
A great deal of fun in this one. Liked the moral of not being too proud to ask for help nor being rude to strangers. Liked especially the line about the brothers who made their escape and went somewhere where 'nobody knew and nobody cared'. Hilarious.
January 9, 2025
I love this Grimm tale... because it has the evil brothers who robbed the youngest son (who saved them) going off to a place Nobody Knows or Cares! I like that we move on an Ignore those imbecils who've upset us with there bad deeds... we need that right now in DC.
December 18, 2017
A beautifully illustrated retelling of a traditional tale, full of romance, adventure, and the righting of wrongs. Upper elementary.
March 7, 2019
This was an interesting short fairy tale.
May 28, 2019
A typical "happily ever after" story whereby the good prince wins the princess and the kingdom while his evil brothers get exiled. But just a but too much good vs bad, even for a fairytale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2021
I would rather the words "stupid" and "idiot" not be in a children's book, but overall this is a great story with beautiful illustrations. Good triumphs in the end!
November 14, 2021
Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations, as always, are lush and beautiful. I love her style so much! Odd story, but it's worth reading for the illustrations alone.
October 6, 2023
I love Trina Schart Hyman’s book illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews