Rumpelstiltskin - And Other Angry Imps with Rather Unusual Names

Origins of Fairy Tales from Around the World #7

by Amelia Carruthers

Rumpelstiltskin - Origins of the Fairy Tale from around the World' contains seven different versions of the 'Rumpelstiltskin' story. It includes an in-depth introduction to the fairy tale genre itself, as well as the provenance of 'Rumpelstiltskin'. It encompasses 'The Seven Bits of Bacon Rind' by Giambattista Basile, 'Rumpelstiltskin' by the Brothers Grimm, 'Tom Tit Tot' by Joseph Jacobs, the Scottish tale of 'Whuppity Stoorie' and the Mongolian narrative of 'The Use of Magic Language'. What is a fairy tale? The 'Origins of Fairy Tales from around the World' series helps to answer this question, by showcasing the amazing breath and diversity involved in classic fairy tales. It focuses on the unusual phenomenon that the same tales, with only minor variations, appear again and again in different cultures - across time and geographical space. Traditionally told as short stories for children, and for adults too, these popular fairy tales will be sure to delight both young and old. Beautifully illustrated, these story books combine the best story-telling, with the best art-work, in order that the two may be fully appreciated.

110 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2015

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for the introductory essay. This was my favorite analysis of the series so far; any meaning or allegory behind the tale of Rumpelstiltzken had been lost on me until now. I was especially intrigued by the interpretation of the story as sexual innuendo: the maiden is visited by the imp every night to “make gold,” and thus owes him her firstborn child (which may well be his) until she can “name” (claim, identify, own knowledge of) that with which she is consorting. In either interpretation—and there are several—any magical gift or solution comes at a price. Is it a price worth paying? A fascinating introduction!