Grimm Reading: Recent Episodes
Adam Field & Matt Hughes
We've had to have a last-minute change of date - join us on the 8th August for our series 8 quiz!
YouTube QUIZ LINK
Join via the above link or sign up in advance.
7 pm BST
8 pm CET
2 pm EDT
11 am PDT
3:30 am ACST
11:30 pm IST
The eighth season of tales is done and dusted. But which story got the most points? And which was left lagging at the bottom?
We reveal the winners and losers of the series, hear what listeners have to say, and share an exclusive extra clip from Jack and the Beanstalk that didn't make the final cut - a deleted scene, if you will.
QUIZ! Saturday 11th July 7 pm (BST)
Link to the Series 8 Live Quiz so you can subscribe and join in the fun.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Dvořák's String Quintet No. 3 in E-flat Major // Dvořák's Humoresque
Fee fi fo fum, it’s time for a famous one... Join us as we read and review Jack And The Beanstalk.
When a strange old man sells Jack some magic beans, his angry mother throws them out the window and sends Jack to bed.
But the next morning, a giant beanstalk stretches up into the clouds. What will Jack find up there? Will it end well for Jacky boy and his mum? And how many beans make five?
Find out as we explore the origins of this endless iconic English fairy tale. Discover the historical roots of the tale, and the strange journey of the stock character Jack as he travelled the world.
Thank you so much for listening to another series. It’s been a blast.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Grieg's The Holberg Suite, V. Rigaudon, Oslo Camerata, Stephan Barratt-Due, conductor // Massenet's Toccata, performed by Jean Dube // 04 Schubert's Sonata in B Flat Major, D. 960 - IV. Allegro ma non troppo, performed by Paul Pittman
From the origin of hominids to The Fountain of Youth, join us on a mad romp with the Grimms' story, 'The Old Man Made Young Again.'
When God shows off his skills to a blacksmith, the latter gets delusions of grandeur and tries to perform his own miracle - with predictably disastrous results. But just when he thought things couldn't get worse, his wife then suffers a peculiar and unexpected fate.
After the story, we explore the themes of hubris, life giving waters, time travel, and the origin of apes. Discover how an unlikely 16th-century conquistador sparked a legend and why Florida is the place to go if you're long in the tooth.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Mozart's Piano Sonata No.11 in A Major III Alla Turca, performed by Bernd Krueger
An opportunistic onlooker robs a gang of their stolen loot. But when his brother demands to know where he got his riches, this new life of wealth starts to look precarious.
Will the gang discover the true thief? And will any escape alive? Find out as we read The Brothers Grimm’s Semsi Mountain.
After the story, we address the elephant in the room and dive straight in to a very famous similar story, the wonderful Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
Join our Patreon to hear our special episode on Ali Baba, or purchase a direct MP3 download here.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade, Op.35, The Kalendar Prince, performed by University of Chicago Orchestra // Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata Op. 27 No.2 - III. Presto performed by Paul Pitman
How much porridge is too much porridge? Find out as we read the Brothers Grimm's tale 'Sweet Porridge'.
From Tom Cruise to giant Vikings, Great Flood myths to perpetual motion machines - this one is truly a wild ride.
We discuss Goethe, Disney, Bob Hoskins, Asbjørnsen and Moe, and much besides as we look at the many influences and obscure connections to this piece of narrative, folkloric fiction.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Chopin's Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 // Chopin's Fantaisie Impromptu, Op. 66.1 // Dvořák's String Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 97
Witches, siblings, memory games, and magic - join us as we read and review 'The Lambkin And The Little Fish' from The Grimms' Fairy Tales. An evil stepmother turns two siblings into a lamb and a fish. When she orders her cook to slaughter the lamb sister, how can the fish brother save her? And will they ever regain their human form? In this episode, we discuss the Grimms' obsession with sibling adventure tales and hear another version of this folk tale type from Ottoman Turkey. Finally, we pick the next batch of stories that will lead us to the end of Series 8. ...
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Mendelssohn's Lieder ohne Wortev (performed by Benjamin Moser, piano) // Chopin's Valse No. 6 in D flat major, Op. 64, No. 1 ('Minute' Waltz)
Four animals negotiate their time on Earth with God. Who will emerge with the most years? And is there a twist awaiting the victor? Join us as we read the Grimm fairy tale, “The Duration Of Life”.
After the story, we discuss ideas of ‘the stages of life’ and ‘the ages of mankind’ from throughout history. Plus, we hear from a grumpy Sphinx and Matt reads his first Shakespeare soliloquy in a desperate attempt to win an Olivier Award.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Johannes Brahms' Op. 81 performed by Musopen Symphony // Johannes Brahms' Hungraian Dance No. 3 - Allegretto in F Major performed by Luis Sarro // Johannes Brahms' Hungraian Dance No. 7 - Allegretto in F Major performed by Andreas Pfaul
Things get weird as we read one of the most tantalisingly titled stories in the Brothers Grimm collection, 'One-Eye, Two-Eyes, and Three-Eyes'. A young girl suffers at the hands of her mother and sisters. Will a magical goat be able to save her? And if not, can a passing knight offer the help she needs?
Join us as we read a most peculiar Grimm tale, before debuting a new segment, "Eye Stories of Ancient Religions," where we try to make sense of the Grimms annotations and see where this all started....
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's sonata No. 7 in C minor, Op. 30, No. 2 (Corey Cerovsek, violin; Paavali Jumppanen, piano) // Dvořák's Serenade for Strings Op.22 3 Scherzo // Maria Szymanowska's Polonaise No. 3 (Alexander Kostritsa, piano)
After a vicious attack on the family nest, four young sparrows are left to fend for themselves. When they return home, their anxious father enquires how they fared in the wide world. As each recounts their harrowing tale, we learn a valuable lesson in how to stay safe in a dangerous world. Join us as we read the Grimms' tale, The Sparrow And His Four Children! More a sermon than a story, we discuss the origins of the tale, from the bible through to the Grimms, before hearing an Indian sparrow story about violent retribution - much more familiar ground. ...
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Sonata no. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 no. 2 - III. Allegretto performed by Paul Pitman // Motzart's Sonata No. 13 In B Flat Major, K.333 - I. Allegro performed by Brendan Kinsella // Beethoven's 12 German Dances performed by Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra
After an ill-advised street brawl, Death gets back on his feet thanks to a helping hand from a passing young man. As a reward, Death promises to send his messengers before claiming the man himself. Will this newfound freedom cause trouble? And what exactly are these messengers?
Yes, it's the return of the fan-favourite recurring character: Death! And as ever with Death, things are not quite as straightforward as they appear...
After the story, we chase the messengers of death around the world with the help of a centuries-old academic journal, and discover why this folktale has more to do with Buddhism than the German peasantry.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Camille Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre, Op. 40 (Marika Fältskogh, Marc Soustrot, Malmö Symphony Orchestra) // Chopin's Nocturne in B flat minor, Op. 9 no. 1
Come one, come all to this year’s Grimm Reading Christmas party! We engage in the usual frivolity with presents and festive cheer. And of course, we once more delve into the strange world of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker And The Mouse King. We also introduce a new segment - the Christmas monster of the year! We meet Jólakötturinn, aka The Yule Cat, a terrifying giant feline who roams Iceland on Christmas. Have a wonderful Christmas season, wherever you are and we’ll see you in the new year. ...
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" & "The Magical Castle in the Kingdom of Sweets" from The Nutcracker Suite from the music.org European Archive
Has Christmas always been wholesome? What did Halloween steal from Christmas? And what happens when you bump into a Krampus?
Join us for a special interview episode, where we talk to Sarah Clegg, author of "The Dead of Winter: The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of Christmas".
We discuss her run-ins with Christmas monsters, learn about the surprisingly unruly history of Christmas celebrations, and hear why Jacob Grimm may have a lot to answer for...
From wassailing to ghostly walks, this is Christmas in a whole new light.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
An industrious woman dreams big, but how will her husband, Long Laurence react when she reveals her plans?
An unexpectedly brutal tale leads to an exploration of 'air castles', from Aesop to Leo Tolstoy, and a man getting a faceful of rice gruel...
This episode is Certified Grimm for adult themes and may not be suitable for all listeners.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' Piano Trio No.2, Op.87 performed by Edwin Fischer, Wolfgang Schneiderhan, & Enrico Mainardi // Brahms' String Quintet No.1, Op.88 performed by Musicians from Marlboro // Brahms' 7 Fantasien, Op.116 performed by Ivan Ilić
Evil wizards, crying stags, sharp-shooting damsels – prepare for a wild tale as the Grimms go full Indiana Jones with "The Glass Coffin".
A poor tailor seeks shelter from a storm in a forest cabin; little does he know his life is about to change forever. When a violent stag abducts him, the tailor finds himself in a mysterious cave complete with two glass boxes. What will he find? And why did the Edwardians go mad for glass caskets?
Find out all this and more in our latest episode.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Sonata, La major, Op.69 - I. Allegro ma non tanto.1 // Chopin's Fantasy-Impromptu No. 4 in C sharp minor, Op. 66
It’s a 2-4-1 deal at Grimm Castle today as we read TWO Brothers Grimm tales: “The Hurds” and “Looking For A Bride”.
What’s the correct way to choose your spouse? What does ‘hurd’ mean? And what’s the best way to prep cheese? All this and more will be revealed as we explore two short, sweet and sexist tales from the master storytellers.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' 2 Rhapsodies, Op.79 performed by Luis Kolodin // Brahms' Hungarian Dance No.2 in D minor performed by Caroline Goulding & Shuai Wang // Brahms' String Sextet No.1, Op.18 performed by Musicians from Marlboro
Things are getting spooky at Castle Grimm as we celebrate Halloween with the story “Koshchei the Deathless”, aka “Maria Morevna”.
Prepare to be whisked into a world of immortal evil wizards, battle-loving queens, and rivers of fire. There may even feature a brief cameo from an old friend…
Happy Halloween all!
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Aram Khachaturian's Masquerade Waltz // Liszt's Totentanz (Dance of the Dead) S. 126/2
We’re back for series 8!
Magic beds, secret raves, invisible soldiers - we kick things off with "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" aka "The Shoes That Were Danced To Pieces".
It’s a somewhat famous story and surprisingly magical and romantic for the Grimms, albeit overtly violent and deeply problematic.
So join us as we once more delve into the world of the Brothers Grimm, and chase this folk tale from ancient Babylon through Victorian England (via the story "Kate Crackernuts"), and ending unexpectedly at Barbie.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Strauss's Wiener Blut Op.354 Waltz // Tchaikovsky's Waltz in F sharp minor, no. 9 from Op. 40
The series is over, but were you listening? Join us for a live quiz where we ask questions on Series 7 trivia, and three lucky winners receive prizes.
Series 8 is coming on October 12th!
You can watch the live quiz on YouTube via this link.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Season 7 is in the bag! But which stories were the best and worst of the bunch?
We reveal the winners and losers of the series, share some porridge updates, hear what listeners have to say, and set up the start of series 8.
QUIZ! Saturday 28th June 7pm (BST)
Link to the Series 7 Live Quiz so you can subscribe and join in the fun.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Dvořák's String Quintet No. 3 in E-flat Major // Dvořák's Humoresque
Three friendly bachelor bears decide to take a walk while their porridge cools. Little do they suspect that an opportunistic young lady called Goldilocks will break in and help herself to breakfast.
Will the bears catch her in the act or will she get away? What’s the best way to have porridge? And where do Aristotle and Stephen Hawking fit into all this?
Join us for the series seven finale as we read Goldilocks and the Three Bears - and then share the history of how the story developed.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Dvorak's Legends, Op.59 - 2. Molto moderato (G major) // Beethoven's Piano Sonata no.15 in D major op.28 Pastoral - IV. Rondo. Allegro ma non tropp, performed by Karine Gilanyan
Creepy villains, elderly princesses, troublesome beards - this is not your average fairy tale.
In Old Rinkrank, a princess gets imprisoned in a glass mountain by an evil creature and given an unpleasant new name. Will she be able to save herself? And will her fiancé have waited for her? Find out in the penultimate episode of the season!
After the story, we attempt to ascend our own glass mountain and identify the tale's place in the canon of folklore, leading us to Poland and Norway where things get, you guessed, nice and weird.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Piano Sonata no. 14 in C#m 'Moonlight', Op. 27 no. 2 - III. Presto // Beethoven's 13 Sonata No. 8 in C Minor Pathétique, Op. 13 - III. Rondo-Allegro
When a horned owl takes up residence in a barn, the townsfolk slowly lose their minds as they try to oust the intruder. Will the townsfolk come to their senses and the owl escape? Or is the owl to meet a grisly end?
From owls to algorithms, killer trains to Puerto Rican pirate vessels, this episode takes us on a wild ride through some of the stranger corners of history as we dig into what exactly this story means.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Camille Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33 - I. Allegro non troppo // Franz Schubert's Sonata in B Flat Major, D. 960 - IV. Allegro ma non troppo, performed by Paul Pittman
This is the full episode of our latest Grimmflix - a special Patreon series where we review grimmesque movies. We enjoyed it and wanted to share with everyone.
In this episode of Grimmflix, we review the 1987 cult classic movie, The Princess Bride.
Will Adam love it? Was it worth the wait? We share our thoughts on the movie before awarding our Grimms.
We then explore the making of the film and share some behind-the-scenes stories, thanks to Cary Elwes' memoir, As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride.
For more episodes of Grimmflix, and other special episodes and perks, check out our Patreon. And you can also join in on our Princess Bride book club too!
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Theme music: Also Sprach Zarathustra, by Richard Strauss
Other music: Chopin's Valse No. 6 in D flat major, Op. 64, No. 1 ('Minute' Waltz)
A king is dying. But which of his three sons shall inherit the kingdom? There’s only one way to decide…
Things get sluggardly and etymological in this episode as we read The Three Sluggards by The Brothers Grimm.
After the story, before we know what’s hit us we’re discussing everything from Sussex slang words, slugs, our old friend Straparola, and Kim Jong Un.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Duchess Anna Amalia of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel's Erwin and Elmire: Overture. Peter Gulke, conductor.
When a farmer grows a giant turnip and is rewarded by the king, his jealous brother plots to murder him. How will he escape his assassins? And does the titular turnip have anything to do with the plot?
Find out in this episode, where we read The Turnip by the Brothers Grimm!
After the story, we're led across a world of culture - from Pulp Fiction to Serbian hip-hop to the UK's obsession with giant vegetables.
If you want to grow your own giant veg along with us, check out giantvegseeds.com.
And here's a link to Rep Repa, for your listening pleasure.
Patrons, don't forget to vote for the series finale!
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Dvorak's String Quintet No. 3 in E-flat Major // Rokeri s Moravu's Rep Repa
Reynard is back in action and using his wits for good, unless you're a lion...
When an old horse is abandoned by its owner and given an impossible task, Raynard the fox summons all his wiles in aid of the horse's plight.
After the story, we explore several other fables of foxes and horses, taking us from the summit of French high literature to a humble stable in the Isle of Skye, Scotland, to see just how widespread this story once was.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: The second movement of Maurice Ravel's String Quartet, played by string players of the United States Army Band
Can a charlatan doctor solve a case of missing money? Join us for this week's story Dr Know-All, which somehow features crabs, an ABC book, a man in a stove, and some spectacular failing upwards...
This spins out into a discussion of other similar stories from around the world, culminating in the medieval Indian tale of Harrisaman (FKA Froggie)...
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' Trio in A Minor, Op. 114 - I. Allegro performed by Paul Pitman, Michael Arnold & Bang-Eun Lee // Brahms' 8 Piano Pieces, Op. 76 - 5. Capriccio. Agitato, ma non troppo Presto (C♯ minor) performed by Luis Sarro // Brahms' 4 Piano Pieces, Op. 119 - 2. Intermezzo in E minor performed by Peter Bradley-Fulgoni
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s a squadron of flying gnomes. Join us for this week’s story The Gnome - a tale of brotherly betrayal, multi-headed dragons, magic flutes, and cheeky little helpers.
After the story, we have a short history of gnomes, from Roman smut to Pink Floyd and beyond...
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 2: Finale, Bernd Glemser, piano, Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Antoni Wit, conductor // Tchaikovsky's Waltz in F sharp minor, no. 9 from Op. 40
Merry Christmas to one and all! Join us for another end of year party at Grimm Castle, where we delve deep into The Nutcracker And The Mouse King, almost completely losing our minds. We then sober up with a special surprise short story, featuring some unlikely characters…
So join us for a cracker, a mince pie, spiced wine, gifts, and merriment a-plenty at this year’s Grimm Reading Christmas party.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Tchaikovsky's" Dance Of The Flutes" and "Russian Dance" from The Nutcracker Suite from the music.org European Archive // Sergei Prokofiev - Lieutenant Kije Suite: Troika, performed by Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra // Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" from The Nutcracker Suite performed by Kevin Macleod
For one last time, the Devil's grandma is back.
After three soldiers desert the army, they make a bargain with the Devil for their souls. After seven fun-filled years, the Devil arrives to claim his debt. But perhaps Grandma can offer our unlikely heroes a helping hand...
Riddles, dragons and magic whips - join us for The Devil And His Grandmother.
We also talk dragons in the bible, and explore the fascinating legend of Faust and the Faustian pact, through Marlowe to Goethe.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Demersseman's Solo de Concert no. 4, Op. 80 // Chopin's Étude Op. 10, no. 5 in G flat major - 'Black Keys' // Chopin's Nocturne in C sharp minor 'Lento con gran espressione', B. 49 (Op. posth.) // Wagner's Faust Overture
In this interview episode, we talk to author and poet Clare Pollard about her latest novel: The Modern Fairies.
Set in the Paris and Versailles of Louis the XIV, the novel drops us into the heart of Madame D’Alnouy’s illustrious, raucous, and radical salon. It's "Disney meets Dangerous Liaisons" and a brilliant, cosy read.
We talk to Clare about fairy tales, writing, salons, audiobooks and plenty more besides.
Discover Clare's writings through her website. You can also subscribe to her Substack and follow her on Instagram.
And treat yourself to a copy of The Modern Fairies while you're at it.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Adam's Christmas comes early as we find ourselves in an enchanted cat castle in this week's Grimm story.
When an old miller challenges his apprentices to find the best horse, one befriends a cat who promises to help. But is she more than she seems?
After the story, we find ourselves in early-modern Paris where we meet fairy tale behemoth Madame D'Aulnouy. We hear of her extraordinary life as well as a short version of her related story, The White Cat.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Liszt's Waltz aus dem Ballet Die Amazonen // Leroy Anderson's The Waltzing Cat, performed by Markus Staab // Schumann's Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15 - III. Blind Man's Buff, performed by Donald Betts
We take on Donkey Cabbages - one of the most bizarre and barmy tales we've heard in a while.
Not only do we get witches, giants and magic clouds, we also discover a new concept - the minimal counterintuitive hypothesis. What makes a story stick? Some scientists think they've found the answer...
We then briefly look at man-donkeys in storytelling, say hi to Shakespeare, and meet the long-forgotten German folkhero Fortunatus.
Here's a link to the paper we discuss in the episode: Memory and Mystery: The Cultural Selection of Minimally Counterintuitive Narratives
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Grieg's Holberg Suite, from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston // Massenet's Toccata Jules Massenet, performed Jean Dube
It’s getting spooky in the castle as we read Baba Yaga and the Brave Youth. Will our hero escape the clutches of our favourite Slavic witch? Why does Baba Yaga love spoons so much? And has she secretly been a mother all along? Join us round the fire to find out all this and more. Happy Halloween everyone! Linktree
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Rachmaninoff's Canon in E Minor, performed by Luis Kolodin // Rachmaninoff's String Quartett No. 2 performed by Steve Jones // Rachmaninoff's Etudes-Tableaux Op. 39 performed by Peter Bradley-Fulgoni // Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor
We’re back with a brand new series and a brand new volume of tales...
And we begin with The Four Skillful Brothers, a story of masterly thievery, improbable astronomy, dastardly dragons, and a man who sews up eggs.
After the story, we explore its origins before doing a deep dive on dragons: including the history of rescuing princesses from dragons in storytelling, and a patriotic stretch where we look into the Welsh red dragon and the story of St. George.
We can’t wait to get stuck into Volume 2; thanks for sticking around!
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Dvorak's Romance for violin and piano, performed by Goldstein and M Pavel // Schubert's Fantasy in C Major Op.15 D.760 'Wanderer' - I. Allegro con fuoco
We have our winner! Step on into the castle for a glitzy awards night where we reveal the Grimmbledon champion, as well as the results of the Special Awards.
Thank you so much to everyone who's listened and taken part.
We're away now for the rest of the summer. Click here to pick up a copy of our special Aladdin episode to see you through the hot (northern) summer days, otherwise we'll meet again round the fire for the Grimms' Volume 2 later in the year!
As always, keep it grimm.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, op. 58, G major (1st movement, allegro moderato), performed by Debbie Hu // Brahms' Waltz op. 39, No. 15, performed by Paul Cantrell
Find out which four stories survived the Semi-Finals and made it to the finals! Voting for the final is live right now. Cast your vote here:
https://forms.gle/xkvy8aVEd9EH4qkT9
Or visit www.grimmreading.wordpress.com/final
In the episode, we also read out voters' comments with their reasoning for their choices. And we launch a final Special Awards Poll. It's all go here as we ramp up for the final!
We'll be back soon to crown a champion. In the meantime, keep it grimm!
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C Minor Pathétique, Op. 13 - III. Rondo - Allegro 1
The time has arrived to finish off the Grimms’ Children’s Legends, and in this episode we hear the four remaining stories: The Twelve Apostles, Poverty And Humility Lead to Heaven, The Heavenly Wedding, and The Hazel Branch.
We again do our best to parse the piety and manage the misery, and rate them out of 10.
Still one day left to vote in Semi-Final 2. Link here: https://forms.gle/TjJnhyuZ3uVKEvrRA
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' Piano Sonata no. 3 in Fm, Op. 5 - I. Allegro maestoso, performed by Luis Sarro
It's the second (and last) of the Semi-Finals. Re-discover the sweeping and strange histories of the four competing stories and then cast your vote!
Semi-Final 2 voting link: https://forms.gle/TjJnhyuZ3uVKEvrRA
Battling it out are the tales:
- The Two Brothers
- The Valiant Little Tailor
- The Fisherman And His Wife
- The Elves And The Shoemaker
The top two tales from the poll will secure themselves a place in the Grand Final.
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' Cello Sonata Cello Sonata No.1, Op.38, performed by Colliard and Ligoratti
It's the first of the two Grimmbledon Semi-Finals, where four of the stories that survived the Group Stage are battling it out for a place in the Grand Final...
Semi-Final 1 voting poll link: https://forms.gle/DeeZ9bpmxsMUFDJ86
After recapping the stories in the Group Stage, this episode we delve a little deeper into some background information, ATU types, and related tales, to help inform your decisions.
The top two tales from the poll will secure themselves a place in the Grand Final... so vote carefully!
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn Op. 56b Var. VII performed by Neal O'Doan
Twenty Grimm stories have fought it out in the Group Stages, but only eight have made it through to the Semi-Finals...
Find out which tales got the most public votes and secured their spot!
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C Minor Pathétique, Op. 13 - III. Rondo - Allegro 1
This time we take on the Grimms’ Children’s Legends, including the stories: The Three Green Twigs, God’s Food, The Aged Woman, and The Rose.
We do our best to make sense of the misery and rate them out of 10.
Still one day left to vote in Group D. Link here: https://forms.gle/BJSvF6SVVkYGdHcF8
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' Piano Sonata no. 3 in Fm, Op. 5 - I. Allegro maestoso, performed by Luis Sarro
The initial Group Stage of the tournament concludes with Group D.
Group D voting poll link: https://forms.gle/BJSvF6SVVkYGdHcF8
We’re pitting our highest-scoring Brothers Grimm tales against each other to decide their ultimate story.
We open the episode with a recap of the five Grimm stories in the group:
- The Valiant Little Tailor
- Rapunzel
- Gambling Hansel
- Sweetheart Roland
- The Girl Without Hands
And we also launch a special award poll for the “Best Ending” award.
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' Violin sonata no. 3 in D minor, Op. 108, 2nd mvt. Adagio, performed by Oliver Cobentson // Brahms' 7 Fantasien, Op. 116 Cappriccio in D Minor, performed by Ivan Ilic
The tournament continues with Group C.
Group C voting poll link: https://forms.gle/gv5os8j1gEdaNd7L7
We’re pitting our highest-scoring Brothers Grimm tales against each other to decide their ultimate story.
We open the episode with a recap of the five Grimm stories in the group:
- Cinderella
- The Two Brothers
- The Juniper Tree
- The Wishing-Table, The Gold-Ass, And The Cudgel In The Sack
- Thumbling
And we also launch a special award poll for the “Best Catchphrase” award.
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Grieg's Sonata No. 3 in C minor, 1st mvt. Allegro molto appasionato // Schubert's Sonata in A Minor, D. 959 - III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace, performed by Paul Pitman
The tournament continues!
We’re pitting our highest-scoring Brothers Grimm tales against each other to decide their ultimate story. This episode: Group B.
Group B voting poll link: https://forms.gle/cZwGF7YTY4UDi31eA
We open the episode with a recap of the five Grimm stories in the group:
- Little Red Riding Hood
- The Three Little Men In The Wood
- Sleeping Beauty
- The Elves And The Shoemaker
- The Story Of The Youth Who Went Forth To Learn What Fear Was
Then we launch a special award poll for the “Best Death” award. And, finally, we read the Children’s Legend “St Joseph In The Forest.”
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Antonio Vivaldi's Violin Concerto in F minor, RV 297 II. Largo (performed by The Wichita State University Chamber Players and John Harrison)
The tournament begins!
We’re pitting our highest-scoring Brothers Grimm tales against each other to decide their ultimate story. First up, we have Group A.
Group A voting poll link: https://forms.gle/JVeBVQaomVTNToXx7
We open the episode with a recap of the five Grimm stories in the group:
- Puss In Boots
- Hansel And Gretel
- The Fisherman And His Wife
- Clever Gretel
- Godfather Death
Then we launch a special award poll for the “Most Iconic Piece Of Clothing” award. And, finally, we read the Children’s Legend “Our Lady’s Little Glass.”
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Edvard Grieg's Once Upon a Time (Balazs Szokolay, piano)
Welcome to Grimmbledon! We've finished Volume 1 of the Grimms' fairy tales and it's time to decide once and for all which was the best story we read.
20 tales will be battling it out to earn the crown of the best story. In this episode, we announce the contenders and put them into 5 different groups by drawing lots.
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
We're proud to present The Princess And The Pea by the Brothers Grimm for the first time ever in the English language!
Hidden in the Grimms' 5th edition of fairy tales, their version was never translated into English - until now! A crack team of translators has helped us to bring this episode to life, we can't thank you enough.
After the story, we explore what it's trying to tell us before heading into the past, where we trace its origins beyond Hans Christian Andersen to medieval Kashmir.
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Dvorak's String Quartet no. 12 in F major 'American', Op. 96 - I & III // Schubert's 09 Sonata in A Minor, D. 959 - III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace Paul Pitman
We present our Christmas Livestream in audio form! Expect a quiz, a cake, crackers, listener chats, and a very unusual story.
You can watch the full event on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Np24YiGQG0U?si=bK-Kvdvzxa8Fhj4H
We're back! And back in style. Welcome to our sixth annual Christmas party! Join us round the fire as we get festive in yet another bumper episode.
We kick the party off by pulling some Christmas crackers, exchanging presents, and indulging in some festive snacks and beverages to get into the Christmas spirit.
It's then story time, starting with a short tale called "The Christmas Fairy Of Strasburg" which features a cheeky robbery with a surprising outcome...
And then it's time for the second installment of The Nutcracker, where things are really starting to get epic...
As mentioned at the end of the podcast, we will be hosting a Christmas Livestream on Friday 22nd December at 8pm GMT. We'll be hosting a quiz, exchanging more presents, chatting to some viewers via Zoom, and maybe even setting something on fire?! You're all invited, and the link to the event can be found here:
Link to Christmas Livestream - 22nd Dec 8pm GMT
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all!
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" from The Nutcracker Suite from the music.org European Archive // Sergei Prokofiev - Lieutenant Kije Suite: Troika, performed by Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra // Peter Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker: Decorating the Christmas Tree, performed by Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra // Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Flutes" and "Waltz Of The Flowers" from The Nutcracker Suite performed by Kevin Macleod
We made it to five years! In April we hosted a livestream event to celebrate the milestone - and here it is in audio form. Thanks to everyone who joined and helped make it such a special occasion.
For the full experience, you can watch the whole event on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/6Leycit-_jQ?feature=share
It's the end of the series and the end of volume one for us here at Grimm Castle! So join us as we reveal the winners and losers of series 5 of Grimm Reading and indulge in some classic story stats.
We then share some clips from our latest special episodes (The Little Mermaid and Sinbad The Sailor), and finally resurrect story stats as we reveal the top and bottom stories of the entire five years of the podcast.
Links:
5 Year Grimmversary YouTube Livestream
The Little Mermaid Payhip
Sinbad The Sailor (Part 1) Payhip
Sinbad The Sailor (Part 2) Payhip
Series 5 Spotify Playlist
Join our Patreon!
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Komiko.
Other music: Dvořák's Humoresque Op.101 No. 7 // Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade Suite: The Sea and Sinbad's Ship // Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata no. 18 in G major, D.894 IV. Allegretto
In part two, discover the origins and history of cinderella as we embark on “The Story Of The Story”.
First up, we follow the trail of Cinderella from ancient Greece through Basile, Perrault, and the Grimms, by way of medieval France, as we trace her literary origins. We then attempt to work out where Cinderella really came from, and seek help from some expert friends as we define the tale and explore what exactly it's trying to tell us.
Enjoy the final installment of this gripping two-parter where we delve into one of the most famous stories of all time - Cinderella (aka Cenrillon, Cennerentola, and the Cinderella Cat).
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Violin Sonata No.8 in G major 1. Allegro assai // Brahms' Waltz Op 39 No 15 // Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48: II Moderato, Tempe Di Valse
Link to the Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/6Leycit-_jQ?feature=share
On Saturday 22nd April 2023, it will have been 5 years to the day since the first ever episode of the podcast, the Pilot episode featuring Hans In Luck & Old Sultan, was released. To mark the occasion, and to also celebrate the fact that we have just finished Volume 1 of the Brothers Grimm Collection, we are hosting a special Livestream on YouTube!
So come and join us for a celebration where there will be a Q&A, a chance to chat face to face with us live on the stream via Zoom, and a live story read... plus a few extra surprises!
The stream will be live on Saturday 22nd April from:
7pm British Summer Time
8pm Central European Summer Time
2pm Eastern Daylight Time
11am Pacific Daylight Time
We look forward to seeing you there!
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
A plucky young heroine, an avian stylist, and an axe-wielding dad make for a special season 5 ending - join us round the fire for some comically extreme violence as we read the Cinderella (aka Aschenputtel).
Think you know Cinderella? Well think again! Yes: we've got the lost slipper, we've got the evil step sisters, we've got the fateful ball - but there's plenty Disney left out, unforgivably.
It's a momentous occasion at Castle Grimm: it's all at once the series 5 finale, the last famous Grimm story, and the final story from volume 1. As such, we've split it into two episodes.
Part 1 we hear the story and discuss our initial thoughts. We also learn about the Grimms' sources for the story - or perhaps we don't learn about the sources. In Part 2, we'll do a deep dive into the history and origins of Cinderella in the world of literature and folklore.
Settle in for an epic Grimm Reading two parter; we're thrilled to have you along.
This episode is Certified Grimm and may not be suitable for all listeners.
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48: II Moderato, Tempe Di Valse // Mendelssohn's Lieder ohne Worte, Op.19b - 1. Andante con moto
In this story, a psychopathic couple get a schooling from their son when the little boy witnesses the harsh treatment of his grandfather. Things get moralistic this week's as we read the Grimm story, The Old Man And His Grandson.
After the tale, we explore the world of old men in folktales, specifically three ATU types that deal with old men looking for care in their twilight years - finishing with a harrowing story from the Philipines, or possibly Mexico.
This episode is Certified Grimm and may not be suitable for all listeners.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' 4 Piano Pieces, Op. 119 - 2. Intermezzo in E minor & Sonata in C major Op.1 - III. Scherzo performed by Peter Bradley-Fulgoni
On his deathbed, a King commands trusty John, his most loyal servant, to protect his son and heir. But when the boy falls in love with a forbidden painting, John's loyalty is pushed to the limit. Will he sacrifice himself for the sake of the boy?
Find out in Faithful John! The Brothers Grimm story responsible for Oscar Wilde's greatest work and your favourite scene in Star Wars.
After the story, we try to tracy its lineage from West to East, by way of a medieval French romance and the unexpected story of Hercules' run in with a poisoned shirt.
This episode is “Certified Grimm” for adult themes and may not be suitable for all listeners.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Dvorak's Romantic Pieces, Op. 75 - 3. Allegro appassionato // Maria Szymanowska's Polonaise No. 3
Welcome to our fifth Christmas party AND our 100th episode! Join us round the fire as we get festive in a bumper episode.
This year we get an American story, The Poor Count's Christmas, featuring a greedy giant, an underhanded fairy, and an aristocrat with a Christmas addiction. That adventure is swiftly followed by the opening few mini chapters of the classic tale The Nutcracker.
But before that, we share the usual gifts, pull a cracker or two, and also take a trip around the world on a culinary tour of global festive food traditions, thanks to an amazing response from our Instagram followers.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to one and all!
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" from The Nutcracker Suite from the music.org European Archive // Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije Suite: Troika performed by the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra
In this episode we talk to travel writer Nicholas Jubber about his latest book The Fairy Tellers, which unearths the incredible lives of the people behind famous fairy tales.
The Fairy Tellers introduces us to seven of the most influential story tellers, including Hans Christian Andersen, Dortchten Wild, Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve, and Hanna Dyab, who between them gave us Hansel and Gretel, Beauty And The Beast, The Snow Queen, and Aladdin, to name a few.
Who were these people? What’s behind the magic of their story telling? And just how good really is Basile? We talk about all this and more, and end with Nick sharing his favourite fairy tale.
Learn more about Nick Jubber at his website. And pick up a copy The Fairy Tellers just in time for Christmas!
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
We finally land at the feet of the longest story in the entire collection, The Two Brothers. And this one's got it all. Dragons, witches, heroes, villains, damsels - this may well be the fairy tale story you’ve been waiting for!
When two brothers are banished from home, they gather a retinue of animal disciples and hit the road. Deciding to go their separate ways, the eldest battles a dragon and wins the heart of a princess. But when a tree-climbing witch turns him to stone, it’s up to the younger brother to save the day. But will he stay true when he’s mistaken for his brother?
Join us on an epic adventure that eventually takes us all the way to ancient Egypt and arguably the earliest fairy tale ever recorded...
Link to The History Of Egypt Podcast's episode on The Tale Of The Two Brothers.
This episode is “Certified Grimm” for adult themes and may not be suitable for all listeners.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Schmidt's Notre Dame - Intermezzo (performed by Brevard Music Center Orchestra) // Schubert's Violin Sonata in A major Op. 162 performed by Oliver Colbentson
Left alone in heaven, Saint Peter hears a knock at the door; a light-fingered tailor wants in. Against the wishes of the Good Lord, Peter lets the tailor through the pearly gates and into paradise. What will happen when the big chief returns home to find heaven in disorder? And why does everyone love Spanish cavalrymen? Find out in The Tailor In Heaven!
We discuss tailors in fairy tales, Odin’s special seat, a Swiss party town, and finally hear another folk tale of crafty tailors cheating their way into heaven.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata in A major D. 664 - III. Allegro (performed by Paul Pitman) // Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata no. 16 in A minor, D. 845 (performed by Paul Pitman) // Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata no. 18 in G major, D.894 (performed by Paul Pitman)
Welcome to our first ever Halloween special! Join us round the fire as we read the famous Russian fairy tale Vasilisa The Beautiful. We then have a full Baba Yaga takeover where we do a deep dive on the intriguing witch of slavic folklore.
Creepy pork-eating dolls, evil step mothers, colourful horesmen - things get spooky in the castle with this curious story, a mix of Cinderella and Hansel And Gretel with added Baba Yaga, what’s not to love?
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Aram Khachaturian's Masquerade Waltz // Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (performed by Paul Pitman) // Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet - Dance of the Knights
Welcome to our first ever Halloween special! Join us round the fire as we read the famous Russian fairy tale Vasilisa The Beautiful. We then have a full Baba Yaga takeover where we do a deep dive on the intriguing witch of slavic folklore.
Creepy pork-eating dolls, evil step mothers, colourful horesmen - things get spooky in the castle with this curious story, a mix of Cinderella and Hansel And Gretel with added Baba Yaga, what’s not to love?
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Aram Khachaturian's Masquerade Waltz // Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (performed by Paul Pitman) // Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet - Dance of the Knights
Things are going well for a newly married couple until a dog steals a sausage. Before you know it the house is a wreck and some thieves have stolen all their gold.
So Frederick and Catherine set out to track down the thieves and mayhem ensues as we enjoy a generous helping of hilarious misunderstandings, before it all ends with a pastor running for his life.
After the story, we try to make sense of this bizarre little story, a close cousin of an old Grimm Reading classic Clever Elsie. And finally we talk about idiocy in fairy tales (and how surprisingly common it is) before battling to find an appropriate score.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Rimsky-Korsakov's Flight Of The Bumblebee (performed by US Army Band) // Schubert's Piano Sonata no. 20 in A major, D. 959 - III. (European Archive) // Brahms' Sixteen Waltzes, Op. 39 (performed by Martha Goldstein)
Things are going well for a newly married couple until a dog steals a sausage. Before you know it the house is a wreck and some thieves have stolen all their gold.
So Frederick and Catherine set out to track down the thieves and mayhem ensues as we enjoy a generous helping of hilarious misunderstandings, before it all ends with a pastor running for his life.
After the story, we try to make sense of this bizarre little story, a close cousin of an old Grimm Reading classic Clever Elsie. And finally we talk about idiocy in fairy tales (and how surprisingly common it is) before battling to find an appropriate score.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Rimsky-Korsakov's Flight Of The Bumblebee (performed by US Army Band) // Schubert's Piano Sonata no. 20 in A major, D. 959 - III. (European Archive) // Brahms' Sixteen Waltzes, Op. 39 (performed by Martha Goldstein)
Welcome to series 5 of Grimm Reading! We kick things off with The Valiant Little Tailor, story number 20 in the Grimms’ Fairy Tales.
When a little tailor takes down a swarm of flies ruining his jam on toast, he can’t believe his own bravery. His studio is now too small for a man like him, so he embroiders a commemorative girdle and sets off into the world to make his name.
Several vanquished giants, dehorned unicorns, pious boars, redundant soldiers and squeezed cheeses later, the tailor is set to marry a princess. But she has other ideas… Will this humble, cocky little tailor make it to the top or will he face defeat? Find out in this huge adventure, The Brave Little Tailor!
After the story, we discuss how it compares to other stories and how it breaks fairy tales rules, before looking into the development of the tale and how the Grimms shaped it in strange ways. Finally we reveal the results of our season 5 story poll and the order we’ll be reading the remaining stories.
Thanks so much for hanging around for us, looking forward to sharing a new Grimm season with you.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Schumann's Fantasy Pieces, Op. 73: III. Rasch und mit Feuer (Gabriel Schwabe, cello; Nicholas Rimmer, piano) // Chopin's Polonaise No. 3 (performed by Maria Szymanowska) // Brahms' Waltz Op 39 No 15 (performed by Paul Cantrell)
We tie a bow on the latest series as we reveal the winning and losing Grimm stories from the season. Who gave out the most points? How many 9s did we give? What does it take to become the worst ever story? Discover all in 'Story Stats', where we please everyone by bringing out the spreadsheets and crunching some numbers.
After that, we share a piece of 'Bonus Audio' from Little Red Riding Hood - in the main episode we learnt about the development of the story, but what does it mean? Matt shares four theories about the meaning of the story in a clip scooped up from the cutting room floor.
We then share some listener messages before finally unveiling our plans for the next season of Grimm Reading.
Here's the link to the Series 4 Spotify Soundtrack.
And do check out Battle Royale podcast and/or God Vs. God podcast.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Dvořák's Humoresque Op.101 No. 7 // Camille Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre, Op. 40, performed by Malmö Symphony Orchestra.
It’s the series four finale so it’s time for a big bad story - join us round the fire for a rendition of the one, the only, Little Red Riding Hood (aka Little Red Cap)!
A young girl heads out from home to her grandmother’s - but en route she meets a wolf in the deep of the woods. After engaging in some polite small talk, the wolf weaves a dastardly plan to capture girl and granny alike. Will it end in delicious victory for the wolf? Or will Little Red Cap emerge triumphant in the end?
After the tale, we take a wild wild through “the story of the story” where we discover Red Riding Hood’s origins, and how the meaning of the tale changed over time. From werewolves to sausages to medieval fashion - this episode explores new, disturbing terrain as we grapple with the strange history of the famous little red girl.
This episode is Certified Grimm for adult themes and one use of offensive language and may not be suitable for all listeners.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto In E minor, Op. 64 (Nathan Milstein, violin; Vienna Philharmonic, Claudio Abbado, cond. ) // Chopin's Preludes, Op. 28, in C major (performed by Géza Anda) // Tchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66: Act III - No. 26: Pas de caractère. Le Petit Chaperon rouge et le Loup (performed by the Russian National Orchestra; Mikhail Pletnev) // Debussy's La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin (performed by Janos Starker and Shigeo Neriki)
Have you ever been so thirsty you’d risk turning into a tiger? Can you die from an overly hot bath? Is there a dark side of the moon? Discover the answers to all this and more in our latest episode on the Brothers Grimm story Little Brother and Little Sister.
When an evil witchy step-mother turns her step-son into a fawn, he and his sister move into a cottage together. But when the fawn boy is chased down by the king's huntsmen, the king decides to marry his sister and it looks like we're due a happily ever after. But the evil step-mother has other ideas...
After the story, we discuss the confusing relationship the tale has with Hansel and Gretel before exploring brothers and sisters in fairy tales where we find ourselves hearing the brilliant story Nennillo and Nennella by Giambattista Basile.
This episode is Certified Grimm and may not be suitable for all listeners.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms’ Rhapsody in G minor, op. 79 no. 2 performed by Martha Argerich // Brahms’ Tragische Ouvertüre performed by Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra // Brahms’ Waltz 11 performed by Martha Argerich
This time we read the final story from the first volume of the Grimms' fairy tales: The Fox and the Geese. A tale in which our trusty cunning fox may have taken on more than he bargained for...
After the story things get mega foxy as we hear two other stories - that's right, two! - where things don't turn up entirely roses for Reynard: "The Hare And The Fox" by Ludwig Bechstein, and "Beasts In A Pit" collected by Alexander Afanasyev.
And that's not all!
We also take the time to reintroduce Reynard the Fox (the archetypal trickster fox of Medieval epics), including his incredible connection Disney's Robin Hood. And finally we unveil a new section of the show, "Fox News", where we hear some shocking Kitsune news fresh out of Japan.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Robert Schumann's Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15 - III. Blind Man's Buff // Chopin's Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 65 - II. Scherzo // Beethoven's Piano Sonata No.28 in A Major, Op.101 - III & IV.
This time we read the shocking tale of Frau Trude. A young girl is enamoured with her neighbour Mrs. Trude. But her parents absolutely forbid her to go on a visit. Naturally, the young girl ignores her parents and before long we've got heads literally on fire among other bizarre happenings.
Will the girl escape or has curiosity killed the cat? Join us round the fire as we try to decipher this strange, dark little story. Our musings lead us once again face-to-face with Baba Yaga, before settling in for a brief history of witches and witchcraft - from it's ancient origins, to the early-modern European witch trials, as well as the development of the iconic witch of fiction.
This episode is Certified Grimm for adult content, and may not be suitable for all listeners.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Prokofiev's Montagues & Capulets performed by Filarmónica Juvenil de Cámara de Bogotá // Beethoven's Sonatas No. 12 in A Major & 17. in D Minor performed by Paul Pitman
In this episode, we talk with Dr Jamie Tehrani of Durham University about his research into the origins of fairy tales.
In his 2016 paper, co-authored with Sara Graça da Silva, they took phylogenetic modeling techniques - borrowed from the world of evolutionary biology where they're used to trace genetic lineages - and put them to work tracing the origins of folk tales.
The results seemed to prove that many fairy tale narratives can indeed be traced back several thousand years. But how exactly do these methods work? And can they really prove the existence of stories before the invention of writing?
We'd read the news articles and had a go at reading the paper, but we still didn't understand exactly how it worked. Fortunately, Dr Tehrani graciously offered up his time to explain how it was done. And we round things off with a fantastic story: The King And The Bishop.
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Join the king's youngest son on an adventure of a lifetime, as he seeks the mystical golden bird that's been pinching his dad's apples. Helped by a patient, omnipotent fox, the prince gets more than he bargained for when he deceives his way into a princess's bathing house.
Will he ever find the golden bird? And will his older brothers' jealously drive them to do the unthinkable? Find out in this week's story: The Golden Bird!
Dastardly deception, desperate decapitation, and omnipotent foxes - this story is a truly a grimm reading epic. After we've recovered, we discuss its relation to other stories in the Grimms' collection, as well as taking a brief trip to pronunciation corner before heading around the world, to see where this strange tale is found elsewhere and exploring its relation to the Firebird of slavic lore.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Stravinsky's Firebird Suite - Final Hymn, performed by the Columbia Symphony Orchestra // Chopin's Etude Op. 10, no. 2 in A minor - 'Chromatique', performed by Edward Neeman.
Twelve hunters, three lovers, and one sexist lion - join us for the Brothers Grimm story The Twelve Huntsmen!
A prince and princess are happily engaged. But when the prince’s dying father makes him promise to marry another, the princess is cast aside. Unperturbed, the princess gathers together twelve doppelgangers and gets the team employed as her ex's huntsmen. But when a magical sexist lion threatens to reveal her identity, she finds herself facing two impossible challenges. Will the game be up? And what does the new bride think of all these shenanigans? Find out (or possibly don't find out) in this week's exciting Grimm tale.
After the story, we unpick the manifold plot holes before exploring the 'forgotten fiancé' trope in an erased Grimm tale called Prince Swan.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 18 in E Flat Major 'The Hunt', Op. 31 no. 3 - II. performed by Paul Pitman // The Carnival of the Animals - XIII. The Swan (Solo piano version) performed by Markus Staab.
When a king is forced to marry a witch’s daughter, his new bride turns her seven step sons into swans. Now it’s up to their only sister to undo the curse. But when her new husband condemns her to death for baby eating, it looks like all might be lost.
In fan favourite The Six Swans, we find magical yarn, star flowers, and a strip tease up a tree (no joke).
It’s the final installment in 'The Maiden Who Rescues Her Brothers' trilogy and after reading the story we discuss its place in the trilogy, before following its historical thread to the medieval story of The Swan Knight.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Camille Saint-Saen's Carnival of the Animals, The Swan, performed by the Malmo Symphony Orchestra, Gabriel Schwabe on cello // Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Waltz, performed by the Russian State Symphony Orchestra, with conductor Dmitry Yablonsky.
In Brother Lustig, a discharged soldier is bankrupted by Saint Peter. The two then team up to start a venture bringing the dead back to life. But when Lustig eats an undercooked lamb's heart, St. Peter decides to go his own way. Will this mismatched pair ever make up? And how will St Peter keep Brother Lustig on the straight and narrow?
Find out in this epic buddy road caper, filled with haunted castles, undead princesses, and magical knapsacks.
After the tale, we try to unpick this piece of moral philosophical genius and discover how the story it connected to one of the oldest tales in human existence, The Smith And The Devil.
This episode is Certified Grimm and may not be suitable for all listeners.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Camille Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre, Op. 40 Performed by University of Chicago Orchestra & Christoph Zbinden // Josef Suk's Serenade for strings in E flat major, Op. 6 Performed by Filharmonický orchestr Iwasaki
A surprise story this time - the Grimms' version of Beauty And The Beast! Called ‘The Summer And Winter Garden’, join us on a breathtaking journey of kidnapping, heartache, and love against the odds.
In the deep of winter, a father’s most beautiful daughter asks him to bring back a rose from his work trip. When he takes a rose belonging to a hideous beast, the monster demands the man’s daughter in marriage - to which he agrees. Can the daughter escape this fate? Or will she perhaps see another side to this supposed beast?
A powerful tale of inter-species love, this gargantuan episode is one of our longest yet so settle in for a biggie where we explore the meaning behind the tale, its French origins in the Salons of Paris, and its ancient roman cousin, Cupid And Psyche.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Dvořák's Slavonic Dances Op.72 No. 2: Allegretto Grazioso (Herbert von Karajan; Berliner Philharmoniker) // Mozart's Serenade in G, Eine kleine Nachtmusik // Chopin's Valse No. 6 in D flat major, Op. 64, No. 1 ('Minute' Waltz).
It's once more time to the annual Grimm Reading Christmas party! Get cosy round the fire for another dose of festive joy, complete with presents, pies, crackers, alcohol-free mulled wine and more!
We get two stories this year. Firstly, a radical choice with the unseasonal story The Steadfast Tin Soldier by Hans Christian Andersen. Soon followed by the decidedly Dickensian tale The Story of a Cat by Mary De Morgan.
Merry Christmas everyone! For more festive mayhem, join us over on Grimm Fables for another Andersen story. Otherwise, thanks so much for listening and we'll see you in the new year.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" from The Nutcracker Suite Performed by Gabriel Antonio Hernandez Romero on Piano // Tchaikovsky's "Clara and the Nutcracker" for the Nutcracker Suite performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra and "Pas de Deux" from The Nutcracker Suite - from the music.org European Archive
In a village full of rich peasants, one little peasant alone remains destitute. But through a series of cunning and devious tricks, this little guy is going to turn the tables on everyone in quite spectacular fashion. Join us for The Little Peasant by the Brothers Grimm, where we meet a fatally gullible Shepard, a soothsaying squeezable raven and - shocker - a nice miller!
After the story we uncover other tales that use similar motifs of trickery, including in works by legendary fairy tale authors Straparola, Basile (of course), and even Hans Christian Andersen.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 5 performed by Kassia & Arthur Nickisch // Brahms' 4 Piano Pieces Performed by Peter Bradley-Fulgoni
In The Good Bargain, a peasant loses all his money and possessions to some animals. Angered, he goes to the king for justice. But instead of helping him, the king has other ideas.
This 'humorous' tale is the first one we've come across that is anti-Semitic. So, once we've finally deciphered the convoluted story, we then explore antisemitism in the Grimm's collection, putting the Grimm brothers on trial. We also look into how the Nazis co-opted the Grimms to spread propaganda in Nazi Germany.
Finally, we play a clip from a chat Matt had with Rachel O'Brien - who's recently written her thesis on the Grimms and the holocaust - where she shares her thoughts on the hidden side of anti-semitism in the Grimms.
In The Three Feathers, an old king tests his three sons to see who will inherit the kingdom after his death. When the youngest brother emerges triumphant - thanks to an overweight toad - the older brothers demand satisfaction, and plot a jump to the death to settle the succession once and for all.
Join us on the final adventure of The Simpleton Trilogy, where we find magical turnips, a popcorn-munching monarch, and a secret underground world.
After the story we discuss fatalism, pub names, and take a deep-dive into the taboo world of animal-human love - a surprisingly popular and potent part of folklore.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Bach's Harpsichord Concerto No.3 in D major, BWV 1054 performed by the Paillard Chamber Orchestra & Robert-Veyron-Lacroix // Bach's Harpsichord Concerto no. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052 - III. Allegro - European Archive // Debussy's Arabesque No. 1. Andantino con moto performed by Gerluz
We’re back for series 4! We open the series with a poor family starving to death and the Virgin Mary abducting their daughter. Years later, the Virgin goes off on a work trip and forbids the girl from opening a certain door. When the inevitable happens, the child is banished from heaven and things get weirder from there.
Join us once more round the fire for “Our Lady’s Child” (aka “Mary’s Child”), where we meet an unlikely assortment of characters including the 12 Apostles, James Bond, Cousin Itt, and Nelly Furtado.
After the tale, we discuss Pandora’s Box and explore the earliest stories of ‘curious women’. Finally we reveal the results of our last story poll, launch a new one, and put to rest some lingering Puss In Boots business.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Ravel's string Quartet in F major - II. Assez vif, très rythmé // Dvořák's serenade for Strings Op.22 3 Scherzo (Piano arr.)
Another mini-special before the new series. This time we shamelessly plug our Patreon!
We explain how you can support the podcast through our Patreon platform, then we announce some exciting new things we've got coming up for our patrons - including a Q&A episode and the release of The Pied-Piper.
We then play a clip from our patron-only podcast Grimm Fables, before finally giving some patron shout-outs.
Check out our patreon. Buy our episode The Pied-Piper at payhip.com (available from 26th September 2021)
And do give a listen to our pod-friend Tudoriferous.
Greetings from a grim meadow! Massive constitutional changes are afoot in this special episode as we share our roundup of the winners and losers of series 3 for the first time for non-Patrons.
We then share a piece of deleted audio from our Little Snow White recording - the incredible connection between Snow White and the siege of Troy.
Finally we're pleased to announce our new Grimm Reading Spotify playlists: Series 1 Grimm Reading Soundtrack Series 2 Grimm Reading Soundtrack Series 3 Grimm Reading Soundtrack
And please do check out the excellent Stories From Lore podcast.
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Komiko.
It’s the series 3 finale so it’s time for a big one - settle in for an epic adventure as we read Little Snow White!
Filicide, attempted cannibalism, talking mirrors, seven little helpers, a very poisonous apple - it’s the story you know and love but even more unpleasant and violent.
Chatting with her mirror, a queen learns that her step-daughter has grown more beautiful than she is. So she decides to kill her and eat the girl's heart. But Little Snow White escapes and finds shelter in a strange cottage, home to seven unexpected tenants. When the queen discovers Snow White is alive, she beings to weave dastardly plots, determined to put an end to Snow White for good.
After the story we ask the important questions, including why would you drink wine from a mug? And is Snow White really a shoe? We then compare the story with other incarnations of the folktale, speculate on the validity of the “real-life” Snow White, hear tell of the incredible connection to Alan Turing, and finally explore the true meaning of the tale.
We’ve had a total blast this series, we hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have. Stay safe and keep it grimm!
--
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Allegretto in B-flat Major, WoO. 39 performed by the Claremont Trio // Chopin's Étude Op. 10, no. 5 in G flat major - 'Black Keys' // Carl Czerny's Variations on a popular Viennese Waltz by Franz Schubert
In Hans Married, Hans’s uncle decides to take matters into his own hands and get his nephew a wife. With his cunning, fool-proof method for securing a bride, Hans miraculously gets engaged to a rich peasant’s daughter. How does he do it? And will it all end happily ever after? Find out in the final installment of the Hans Saga, our penultimate episode of Series 3. It’s a quick, punchy story this week so we also read out lots of listeners messages, and take the opportunity to choose the opening stories of Series 4 and finally launch a new Patron Story Poll. Listen to previous episodes in the Hans Saga: Hans In Luck Clever Hans --
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' Violin Concerto, Op.77 Performed by Henryk Szerng & Orchestre National de France
Hans is back! In his first starring role since the pilot episode, we follow Hans as he attempts to woo Gretel by demanding presents from her. Will Hans get the girl of his dreams? Or will it all end with some livestock losing their eyes? And how is this story related to quantum physics? Find out all this and more, as we slip into a the nightmare groundhog day that is Clever Hans by the Brothers Grimm.
After the story, we try and piece together the shaky Grimm Reading cinematic universe, hear a 15th century version of the tale, and finally dip into the fascinating history of Clever Hans the magical German maths horse.
Hear the other stories mentioned in the episode: Hans In Luck Hansel And Gretel Clever Gretel Clever Elsie --
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - I. Morning performed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra // Mendelssohn's Lieder ohne Worte, Op.19b - 3. Molto allegro e vivace performed by Benjamin Moser // Chopin's Etude Op. 10, no. 8 in F major
Welcome to Extra Grimm, where we delve a little deeper into the world of the Brothers Grimm for the curious.
In this episode, we talk to Brothers Grimm expert Jack Zipes. The conversation centers around a particular folk tale type, that of ATU 325 “The Magician And His Apprentice”.
The interview starts with Jack recalling how his journey into this tale type all started with wondering why the Harry Potter series has achieved such phenomenal success. Eventually, he concluded that it’s because it’s really a gigantic version of “The Magician And His Apprentice.” From this bombshell opening, we discuss Richard Dawkins concept of memes as well as why fairy tales are so important, Hegel's theory of dialectics, and how ATU 325 is perhaps one of the most important tales in the history of oral storytelling.
Fortunately, we have already done one of the Grimm’s two stories of this type - you can hear our episode The Thief And His Master here. (highly recommended background homework for this episode!)
You can pick up a copy of Jack’s 2017 book “The Sorcerer's Apprentice: An Anthology of Magical Tales” which examines this type of folktale, charting is journey from antiquity to the modern day. And here’s a link to his own fairy tale publishing company, Little Mole And Honey Bear. And here’s Jack Zipes’ website.
This episode contains spoilers for as yet unread stories and also contains themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
While out on his daily rounds, a poor fisherman nets an enchanted fish prince. When his wife hears how he let the fish go, she demands he return and ask the fish to give them a cottage. Things then escalate fast, as the fisherman's wife gets a taste for the property market and chases a career in politics.
Will they be content with their lot, or will greed see them fall to their ruin? Find out all this and more in the absolutely massive tale, The Fisherman and His Wife.
After the story we discuss it's meaning and form, including the idea of an anti-fairy and the shadow of Napoleon Bonaparte. The Grimms then lead us back to our old friend Shakespeare, and finally we learn about the legend of Pope Joan thanks to our pod-friends Pontifacts.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Ravel's Miroirs - III. Une barque sur l'ocean performed by Robert Ewen Birchall // Byrd's Mass for Four Voices - I. Kyrie Eleison performed by the Ensemble Morales // Má vlast - Vltava performed by the Musopen Symphony
As a penniless woodcutter’s health fades, he leaves his three sons the only things he has in the world - a cat and scythe and a cock. To find fortune, he instructs them to seek out a country in which these things are unknown. One by one the sons head out into the wide world with their gifts. But, when the final son finds himself on an island plagued by mice and rats, the inhabitants get more than they bargained for.
Will they make their fortune? And can you use a cannon for everything? Find out all this and more in The Three Sons of Fortune.
After the story, the Grimm’s lead us down the rabbit hole where we meet the famous English folk hero Dick Whittington and delve into the history of Dick Whittington and his cat. Finally, deep in the rabbit hole, we find ourselves exploring the history of pantomime and its roots in the ancient world. Hey, someone had to do it.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 8 in G major - 1. Allegro assai, performed by Paul Rosenthal & Edward Auer // Max Lewandowsky's String Sextet, Op. 5.
When the family cook plots to kill a foundling boy, his adoptive sister comes to the rescue and the two take flight, shapeshifting their way out of danger. The cook deploys her henchmen to hunt them down but when they fail, she waddles after them herself for a final showdown. Who will emerge victorious? Find out in this week’s tale, Fundevogel (aka Fledgling)!
After the story, we talk similarities to other tales, shapeshifting Jesus news, and then squeeze in an extra Russian fairy tale where at long last we have the pleasure of welcoming Baba Yaga to Grimm Castle.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Bach's English Suite no. 3, BWV 808 performed by Radek Materka // Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto no. 3, Op. 30 - III. Finale: Alla breve performed by Sinfonia of Leeds
Talking dead fingers, aggressive domestic appliances, and a devil under a duvet - prepare yourself for the madness that is the Brothers Grimm's "The Godfather".
In this utterly bizarre story we have essentially a mashup of two Grimm stories we've heard before, namely - Godfather Death and The Strange Feast. Is this hybrid version better than the originals or a step too far?
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Hear Matt's recital of The Godfather Theme.
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Two versions of Tchaikovsky's Sentimental waltz no. 6 from Op. 51: firstly, a piano and cello arr. with Elizaveta Sushchenko on cello; secondly, a piano version performed by Peter Bradley-Fulgoni // Chopin's Polonaise No. 6 in A flat major, Op. 53
Finding himself alone in a forest, a musician decides to play his fiddle and entice a human friend. Before long, several animals approach and ask for music lessons. On gaining their trust, the musician cruelly entraps them and wanders on. Eventually the animals escape and together plot revenge.
Will they have their justice? And where exactly does this musician get off? Find out in this week’s episode, The Wonderful Musician (aka The Strange Musician).
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Major Op. 61 - III. Rondo: Allegro performed by the US Marine Chamber Orchestra
In Clever Gretel, a free-wheeling cook throws a party for herself at her master's expense. After she’s eaten all his chicken and drunk all his wine, Gretel’s master returns home ready for dinner… But our clever heroine plays those above her like a fiddle, and easily gets herself out of trouble.
Join us as we try to dissect the mayhem and enjoy a story from The One Thousand and One Nights (aka The Arabian Nights).
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Chopin's Etude Op. 25 no. 8 in D flat major - 'Sixths' // Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C Minor 'Pathétique' // Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade: The Young Prince and the Princess
When the King decides to celebrate the birth of his daughter by sentencing his twelve sons to death, the boys flee to live a feral life in the woods where they vow to kill any maiden they meet.
A decade later, the Princess vows the rescue her brothers and she heads out into the forest. But things take a turn for the worse when she accidentally turns them all into birds and a foreign king carries her off to another land...
Will she ever rescue her brothers? Why does she have a golden star on her forehead? And can snakes survive in boiling oil? We answer all these questions and more in this week's episode: The Twelve Brothers.
This episode is Certified Grimm and may not be suitable for all listeners.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' Serenade No.1 in D major Op.11 - VI. Rondo - Allegro and String Quartet No.1 in C minor Op.51, No.1 - IV. Allegro from the European Archive
Happy Grimm new year! We’re kicking things off with a surprise story – the one and only Puss in Boots.
When the family cat suddenly demands a pair of boots, a poor young miller spends his last few coins granting the cat's wish. A idiotic whim or the investment of a lifetime? Join us on the classic adventure of Puss in Boots, where we see our furry hero outsmarting, outwitting and outdressing everyone who comes in his path!
We then hear about the many guises of puss in boots from the global oral folk tradition, before embarking on a trip through the canals of time as we see 'Her Pussyship' develop as a literary character, from late-medieval Venice to Antonio Banderas.
Finally, we reveal the results of our last story poll and launch the first poll of 2021.
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Liszt's 2 Waltzes S.126b 1 and 2 performed by Mauro Tortorelli // Leroy Anderson's The Waltzing Cat performed by Markus Staab
Join us for the third annual Grimm Reading Christmas Party! We've got gifts, port, cracker jokes and festive fare for all, before Adam reads us the truly epic Irish fairy tale 'The Christmas Cuckoo'. And finally, we reveal the winner of our competition and some plans for next year.
Thank you so much to everyone for listening, messaging, and supporting us in various ways - especially our wonderful patrons. And thanks to Pook Press for collaborating with us for the 2020 competition.
You can join us for more Christmas fun in the fable stable podcast, otherwise stay safe and we'll see you in the new year. Keep it Grimm!
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko (+ sleigh bells)
Other Music: Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" from The Nutcracker Suite Performed by Gabriel Antonio Hernandez Romero on Piano // Tchaikovsky's "The Magical Castle in the Kingdom of Sweets" and "The Christmas Tree" from The Nutcracker Suite - from the music.org European Archive
A magic well, a prickly spindle, talking bread, and snowy beds - this week’s tale is our latest patron story poll winner, Mother Holle (Frau Holle)!
An evil step-mother and wicked step-sister force a young maiden into a parallel universe. When she reaches an enchanting cottage, she finds a scary old lady waiting. Will she pass the test of Mother Holle? And what will her nasty family do if she returns?
After this festive tale, we hear from German listeners about what Mother Holle means to them to today, and we trace Holle’s origins all the way to her ancient roots as a pagan goddess.
Our competition is still in full swing too! Let us know which story you think deserves a different score and you could win some awesome prizes!
Story leaderboard: https://grimmreading.podbean.com/p/2020-competition-story-scores/
Pook Press bookshop: http://ow.ly/7VRY50Bau0z
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Vivaldi's Four Seasons "Winter" Violin Concerto in F minor, RV 297 // Carl Czerny's Variations on a popular Viennese Waltz by Franz Schubert, Op. 12 // Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Op. 46 III. Anitra's Dance, recorded at Omega Studios, Edward S. Petersen conducting
In Jorinda and Joringel, young love is cruelly interrupted when an evil witch kidnaps Jorinda, forcing Joringel into a lonely shepherding career. But will a prophetic dream provide him with the means to rescue his beloved from the witch's castle, or is Jorinda doomed forever?
Join us as we tumble down rabbit holes, exploring ancient myths, sad birds, and vampires.
Our competition is still in full swing too! Let us know which story you think deserves a different score and you could win some awesome prizes!
Story leaderboard: https://grimmreading.podbean.com/p/2020-competition-story-scores/
Pook Press bookshop: http://ow.ly/7VRY50Bau0z
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 1st, 2nd and 3rd movements performed by Debbie Hu
In Fitcher's Bird (aka Fowler's Fowl), we join an evil wizard as he kidnaps pretty girls, takes them to his fancy pad, and puts them to the test. But this sick sorcerer get's more than he bargained for with our plucky, clucky, and crafty heroine.
We talk serial killing folklore, egg metaphors, and finally dip our toes into the creepy world of the infamous Bluebeard!
This episode is certified Grimm and may not be suitable for all listeners.
Our competition is still in full swing too! Let us know which story you think deserves a different score and you could win some awesome prizes!
Story leaderboard: https://grimmreading.podbean.com/p/2020-competition-story-scores/ Pook Press bookshop: http://ow.ly/7VRY50Bau0z
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's sonata for violin and piano No. 7 in C minor, Op. 30, No. 2, Finale, performed by Corey Cerovsek (violin) and Paavali Jumppanen (piano) // Jules Massenet's Toccata, performed Jean Dube // Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, performed by Paul Pitman
A long time in the making, we are delighted to present our super special biography of the Brothers Grimm!
From humble beginnings to super professor stardom, we follow the brothers as they traipse across Germany in a tumultuous time of war and instability. Please don your history hats and settle by the fire as we embark on our biggest adventure yet, somehow starting in ancient Rome and landing squarely in 21st century.
Chapter index:
- Once Upon a Time (04:08)
- University and the Magic Horn (14:24)
- Occupation and Fairy Tales (19:16)
- German Liberation (28:43)
- Peace and Publishing (36:15)
- Gottingen and Exile (47:21)
- Berlin and a Dictionary (55:24)
For more information on some of the topics covered, we couldn’t recommend these podcasts more highly: Rex Factor, Totalus Rankium, Pontifacts, and The History of English Podcast.
Our competition is still in full swing! Let us know which story you think deserves a different score and you could win some awesome prizes! Story leaderboard: https://bit.ly/3j7S3W7 Pook Press bookshop: http://ow.ly/7VRY50Bau0z
Patreon
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Douze Danses Allemandes - 1 Do majeur.
Episode image by Leanna Hughes.
After a princess insults her suitors, her angry father forces her marry a singing fiddler and she's plunged into a life of poverty. But will their new crockery start-up save them from hunger and plight? And how many plot holes can a story have before it stops making sense?
Find out in our latest tale King Thrushbeard, where we learn why princesses need to do what they're told, which bird has the most crooked beak, and what exactly Shakespeare and Henry VIII have to do with it all.
Our competition is still in full swing too! Let us know which story you think deserves a different score and you could win some awesome prizes!
Story leaderboard: https://grimmreading.podbean.com/p/2020-competition-story-scores/ Pook Press bookshop: http://ow.ly/7VRY50Bau0z
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' “Rhapsody in B minor” - Op. 79 No. 1 performed by Muriel Nguyen Xuan // Brahms' Schicksalslied, Op. 54 performed by MIT Concert Choir
We’re back for series 3! When a petulant princess loses her golden ball, an overly friendly frog comes to the rescue. But when he tries to hop in her bed the princess has other ideas.
Another classic story brought to you by Grimm Reading, but this is not the tale you think you know! Who is iron Henry? Why isn’t he the frog prince? And where is that famous froggy kiss? Discover the answers to all this and more, in our opening episode The Frog King.
We’ve also launched a competition! Here’s our story leaderboard: https://grimmreading.podbean.com/p/2020-competition-story-scores/ And you can sign up to Pook Press's newsletter and see their bookshop here: http://ow.ly/7VRY50Bau0z
And here's a link to the Jingle Bells video Adam mentioned: https://bit.ly/3i7uLPF
Patreon grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Chopin's Opus 32 No. 2 in A flat Major performed by Willem Wim // Chopin's Etude Op. 10, no. 8 in F major // Debussy's Children's Corner, Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum
Evil curses, dangerous spinning, long lie-ins, and daring princes – in our series two finale we tackle one of fiction’s most enduring stories: The Sleeping Beauty (or Briar Rose).
A spurned wise woman puts a castle to sleep for a hundred years. Many princes have tried to breach its wall of thorns but none have ever succeeded. Has the time finally come for the right man to lift the curse?
We discuss prudish victorians, fatalism, and creepy frogs, before finally venturing on an epic journey to trace the evolution of Sleeping Beauty from viking Iceland to Walt Disney.
Thank you so much to everyone who’s stuck with us on this journey, we’ve had a blast this series and can’t wait to join you back at Grimm Castle later in the year for series 3. Until then, stay safe and keep it grimm.
This episode is “Certified Grimm” for adult content, and may not be suitable for all listeners.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Debussy's Arabesque No. 1, performed by Steve's Bedroom Band // Chopin's Opus 10 Twelve Grand Etudes A flat major performed by Martha Goldstein // Debussy's Arabesque No. 1 (on piano) andantino con moto, performed by Gerluz // Tchaikovsky's No. 6 Grande valse villageoise (Garland Waltz) from The Sleeping Beauty ballet, performed by the Kirov Orchestra
Taboos abound in this week's episode, Thousandfurs, where things take a decidedly dark turn. On her deathbed, a queen makes an ill-judged demand of her husband, and he decides to marry his own daughter. Escaping into the woods, the princess is captured and put to work in a castle kitchen. But she sees the chance of salvation when the king of this castle throws an elaborate festival...
After the story, we look into sparkly dresses and Germanic spinning courtship rituals, before turning our attention to the elephant in the room - incest, and it's place in folklore and myth.
Finally, we hear the jaw-droppingly twisted Italian version of this fairy tale: She-Bear.
This episode is Certified Grimm and may not be suitable for all listeners.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Brahms' Symphony No. 4 - Allegro non troppo, Op. 98 performed by New York Philharmonic Orchestra // Brahms' String Sextet No. 1, Op. 18 performed by Musicians From Marlboro // Brahms' String Sextet No. 2, Op. 36 performed by the Borromeo String Quartet with Liz Freivogel (viola) and Daniel McDonough (cello)
Welcome to Extra Grimm, where we delve deeper into the world of the Brothers Grimm for the curious.
In this episode, we chat to fairy tale expert Maria Tatar about all things Grimm. Maria is a Harvard professor specialising in folklore, myth and germanic literature, and she's the author of several books on fairy tales including her new book "The Fairest of Them All: Snow White and 21 Tales of Mothers and Daughters".
Topics covered include such classics as sexism in fairy tales, how to read these stories to children, the monogenesis vs. polygenesis debate, why the Grimms had such a big impact, and much more besides - even Quentin Tarantino pops up at one point.
When lockdown engulfed the world we wanted to try something a little different. Having read her brilliant book "The Hard Facts Of The Brothers Grimm", we thought it would be amazing to hear directly from Maria about the Brothers Grimm and fairy tales. We hope you enjoy this eye-opening chat.
You can find Maria on Twitter @mariamtatar
grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com
In The Three Languages, a Swiss boy narrowly escapes execution at the hands of his father. With nothing but an expanded linguist repertoire, he sets out to make his way in the world. Will he survive an angry pack of spectral dogs? And will he heed the call of a frog’s prophecy?
After the story, things get intellectually rigorous as Adam is presented with three theories as to what’s going on: an historical interpretation of the tale, a Romantic interpretation, and a psychological one.
Finally we pick the next stories we’ll be reading and reveal the result of our Patreon story poll.
This is our first remote recording and unfortunately the quality isn’t super high. We’ve fixed it now and future recordings will be up better quality!
We are also delighted to present our first ever podcast collaboration with the wonderful Pontifacts! They make a special guest appearance and provide fascinating historical information for us to mull on.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Chopin's Andante Spianato, Op. 22 performed by Stefano Ligoratti // Chopin's Mazurka in B flat major performed by Christoph Zbinden // Byrd's Mass for Four Voices - I. Kyrie Eleison performed by the Ensemble Morales // Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 - II. Larghetto performed by Neal O'Doan
A magical fish, a boy dressed as a bear, and a nosy father in law all make an appearance in this week’s episode: The Gold Children.
After the story, discover how this largely unknown tale is connected to a tale from the Neapolitan Pentamarone, as well as to a German marketing agency and a heavy metal band.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Schubert's Violin Sonata in A major Op. 162 performed by Oliver Colbentson // Ravel's Miroirs - III. Une barque sur l'ocean performed by Robert Ewen Birchall
When two clumsy children fall down a well, a Water Nixie forces them to do unpleasant chores for her. Will they ever get out? And how will a hairbrush and slippery mirror come to their aid? Find out in the shortest story we’ve ever read: The Water Nixie.
After the tale, we present a mental-somersault of a theory on what the story could mean, before being taken on a journey by Jacob Grimm into the history of Nix and Nixies.
We then read out correspondence on sexism in fairy tales and our story Sweetheart Roland by some surprising contributors.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Debussy's Reflets dans l'eau ("Reflections in the Water") performed by Jacopo Salvatori // Debussy's Ondine ("The Water Sprite"), Preludes Livre 2, performed by Ivan Ilić
In The Dog And The Sparrow, a callous waggoner gets his comeuppance after he destroys a blossoming friendship between a dog and a sparrow.
Learn why you should never mess with sparrows, how bad deeds don't go unpunished, and where Alfred Hitchcock got inspiration for his masterpiece 'The Birds'.
We also hear what Shakespeare, the bible, and Chaucer have to say about these common little birds, and finish with the incredible Japanese story 'The Tongue-Cut Sparrow'.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op.34 by Johannes Brahms, Performed by Le Quatuor Hongrois // Piano Quartet No.1, Op.25 by Johannes Brahms, Performed by Musicians from Ravinia's Steans Music Institute
In The Thief and His Master, an unholy priest prank leads one boy on an unforgettable journey where he learns the dual arts of thievery and shapeshifting. However, things turn south when his master doesn't receive his desired pay.
After the Story, we discuss thievery in fairy tales and explore two related stories: the original Venetian version by Straparola and the myth of the Welsh witch Ceridwen.
Finally we choose the next three stories and reveal the winning tale from our Patreon poll!
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Camille Saint-Saëns's Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33 - I. Allegro non troppo // Schubert's Sonata in B Flat Major, D. 960 - IV. Allegro ma non troppo performed by Paul Pittman
In Jacob Grimm's official favourite story, a jealous fox puts his wife to the test by playing dead. But will any of her new suitors hold a candle to her late husband's attributes? As their family cat servant tries to control the ensuing mayhem, we get an impromptu crash course in butter beer and bread milk making.
Find out how this strange story taps into a world of suppression in occupied Napoleonic Germany, why it doesn't pay to indulge your jealousy, and what someone called Wooden Johannes has to do with it all.
What at first appears as nothing more than a wacky story, gets right to the heart of debates on fairy tales and crosses continents in an explosive meeting of east and west.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Johannes Brahms' Piano Trio No.1 Op.8 Performed by Claremont Trio // Johannes Brahms' Piano Sonata No.1 Op.1 Finale. Allegro Con Fuoco Performed by Peter Bradley-Fulgoni
In Gambling Hansel, an anti-hero with a chronic gambling addiction has dangerous run ins with Luficier, God, St. Peter, and our old friend Death.
In what we’re calling 'Hansel and Gretel Part II', Hansel threatens to destabilize heaven itself with the aid of loaded dice, a troupe of demons, and a magical tree. Will he win his battle against celestial deities? Or will his dark-side prove his downfall.
After the story, we interrogate the surprising conclusions of a linguistic paper on emotional text analysis, before checking back in with Death and hearing the world’s oldest tale about cheating the afterlife.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Piano Trio No7 in B-flat Major Op97 // Chopin’s Nocturne in B flat minor, Op. 9 no. 1.2
In our final adventure of the cock and hen trilogy, things go south fast for the incurable rascals and Chanticleer is soon faced with a life without Partlet. Can he ever move on? And will the beasts of the forest ever make it to the funeral? Meet some old friends, find out the true meaning behind the trilogy, and discover what two murderous chickens have to do with The 12 days of Christmas, in this week's episode: The Death of the Little Hen.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Johannes Brahms' Clarinet Quintet Op. 115 Performed by William McColl and the Oxford String Quartet
Despite the machinations of an evil king, a prophecy sees a cocky luck child marry the princess. But his happily ever after is cut short when he is forced to embark on an epic quest that will take him to the very depths of hell, and into the dress of the devil’s grandma…
In our first ever Patron chosen story, we embark on one of our biggest adventures yet, where we meet confused city guards, soft-hearted robbers and even some good millers.
We then try to pick apart this extremely dense tale and find ourselves chatting about everything from ancient Greek funerary rites to Jack and the Bean Stalk and Star Wars.
Happy new year Grimm Readers! We hope you enjoy The Devil With The Three Golden Hairs as much as we did.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Chopin’s Nocturne in C sharp minor 'Lento con gran espressione', B. 49 performed by Aaron Dunn // Chopin’s Étude Op. 10, no. 5 in G flat major - 'Black Keys' performed by Martha Goldstein.
Join us for the second annual Grimm Reading Christmas Party! We get into the festive spirit once more with port, mince pies and crackers! We also exchange gifts, enjoy an epic Christmas story, and have a bit of a round up of the year's scores.
Thank you once again to everyone who has messaged us, supported us on Patreon and social media, and listened to the podcast throughout the year - it's been a really fun one and we're both excited for the year to come!
Keep it Grimm.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko (+ sleigh bells)
Other Music: Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" from The Nutcracker Suite Performed by Gabriel Antonio Hernandez Romero on Piano // Tchaikovsky's "The Magical Castle in the Kingdom of Sweets" and "The Christmas Tree" from The Nutcracker Suite - from the music.org European Archive
In this week’s episode, a young girl embarks on a psychedelic quest to rescue her brothers. after their father accidentally turns them into ravens.
Glass mountains, dwarf butlers and helpful stars all make an appearance in the strange, gothic tale The Seven Ravens.
We discuss the significance of the motifs, learn about ravens in folklore, and contemplate a popular socio-historical approach to the meaning of the story.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Schubert's Serenade // Schubert's Impromptu No. 4, op. 90.2
After escaping her murderous witchy step-mother, a girl and her sweetheart take flight on a magical journey of heartbreak and betrayal.
In this week’s epic, lovelorn story, meet a lonely Shepard, a house-keeping flower, talking drops of blood, a complicated couple, and some pushy village girls.
After the tale, we discuss the thorny issue of sexism in fairy tales, consider the peculiar Hansel and Gretel connection, and recount the incredible french story Hop o’ My Thumb.
This episode is Certified Grimm and may not be suitable for all listeners.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Ravel's Sonatine: I. Modere, performed by Francois-Joel Thiollier, piano // Chopin's Etude in G flat major, Op. 25, No. 9.1, performerd by Martha Goldstein
The cock and hen continue their mischievous adventure, this time with some new friends and a souped-up carriage. In part two of The Adventures of Chanticleer and Partlet, the motley crew pay a visit to the unfortunate Mr. Korbes where things escalate quickly.
After the story, we look into the history of Chanticleer and his dealings with Reynard the Fox, Geoffrey Chaucer, US mountain ranges, the French national rugby team, and of course Shakespeare.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Chopin’s Concerto #2 in F Minor 1st and 2nd Movements, performed by the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra
A poor cobbler, an illiterate sweeper and a distraught mother all have run ins with some cheeky elves – it’s finally time for the festive tale 'The Elves and the Shoemaker'!
After the story, we discuss the history of elves from the Anglo-Saxons to Queen Elizabeth, Iceland and Victorian Christmas, as well as belief in changelings and the surprisingly early theory of relativity.
Finally, we choose the next batch of stories we’ll be reading and reveal the results of our first Patreon listener story poll!
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Op. 46 III. Anitra's Dance, recorded at Omega Studios, Edward S. Petersen conducting // Liszt's Liebesträume
A passing queen hears a daughter being beaten, she intervenes and whisks her off to the royal palace. Setting her a spinning challenge, the girl loses all hope before three mysterious women come to her aid...
In the three spinners, a lazy girl has the chance to escape poverty, will she find her way out of a life of spinning?
After the story, we discuss the importance of spinning through history and the surprising incarnations of the three spinners through time.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Handel's Messiah, 1st Movement performed by the MIT Concert Choir, Cutter // Haydn's Symphony No. 101 in D major (Hoboken 1/101) - 2nd movement: "The Clock" performed by Amigos do JPC with Pedro Carlos Silva, violin
After a vicious duck attack, a cock and a hen find shelter at an inn. But the host is unsure about this unscrupulous bunch, and after first refusing them entry, he eventually lets them in. Will they prove his prejudices wrong?
Find out why you should always judge a book by its cover, and why you should never put an egg shell near a fire, in this week’s story: The Pack of Ragamuffins.
The sound quality isn't great during the story but rest assured, it gets better after the first few minutes. It won't happen again, promise!
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Chopin's Concerto 2 in F Minor 3rd Movement performed by the Seattle Philharmonic // Chopin's Mazurka D Major Op.33 no. 2 performed by Lubka Kolessa
With the help of a sticky golden goose, Dummling, the youngest of three brothers, inadvertently woos an overly serious princess and proves he’s not so dumb after all.
This week, discover how kindness always pays, why you should never cross small magical grey men, and what Venetian skater shoes have to do with German folklore.
We’re back from our summer break with a new series and a Patreon to go with it! Find out more info on how you can support the podcast and what goodies you can claim here: https://www.patreon.com/grimmreading
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Beethoven's Sonata No. 11 in B Flat Major Op. 22 performed by Daniel Veesey / Chopin's Opus 10 Twelve Grand Etudes D flat major performed by Martha Goldstein
For our first series finale we finish off with Rapunzel, the famous story of a well coiffured heroine trapped in a tower.
We find many surprises in what may be thought of as the most childish of the Grimm’s tales, including silk ladders, salad addiction, barren deserts, and a villain with more depth than first meets the eye.
After the story we discuss the more adult themes of the tale, why witches get such a bad rep, a Lithuanian long hair festival, and how it can all be traced back to 17th century Naples.
See the animated video by our competition winner here: http://tiny.cc/mqvi7y
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Live instrumental performance of “Beau Soir” (Beautiful Evening) written by Claude Debussy // Chopin’s Opus 10 Twelve Grand Etudes (F Major) Performed by Martha Goldstein
In The Hare’s Bride, a young maiden minding her cabbages gets whisked off to an unexpected wedding under a rainbow.
In desperately trying to unpick the meaning of the story, we discuss ‘animal bridegrooms’ in folklore, beauty and the beast, and blade runner.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Johannes Brahms's 16 Waltzes, Op. 39, #2 - Performed by Martha Goldstein// Ludwig van Beethoven's Sonata no. 15 in d major, op. 28 'pastorale' - iv. rondo. allegro, ma non troppo - Performed by Karine Gilanyan
Decapitation, magical singing birds, and human black puddings – it can only be the long-awaited story 'The Juniper Tree'.
After we read the story, we discover what Björk, the bible, and a painter named Philipp have to do with it all.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24 "Spring" by Corey Cerovsek, (violin) & Paavali Jumppanen (piano) // Chopin's Opus 10, No. 7, Twelve Grand Etudes C Major performed by Martha Goldstein
In ‘The Riddle’, a princess pits her wits against a wandering king’s son. But who will win? And where does a gang of murders, a witch, a hungry raven, golden syrup and Batman fit into all this?
After the story, we go on a riddling journey through time from the Queen of Sheba to Turandot.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Johannes Brahms's 16 Waltzes, Op. 39, #4 Performed by Martha Goldstein // Ludwig Van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op 101 Movement II performed by Daniel Veesey
After three stories of carnage and mayhem, has the fox finally met his match?
In the final episode of The Fox Quadrilogy the fox boasts to a friendly cat of his skills, but perhaps the cat knows something the fox doesn't.
An Greek proverb unlocks the key message behind the entire Quadrilogy, sending us on a journey from medieval France to ancient India.
And we pick the next four stories we'll be reading and we read out some listener messages.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Red by Scott Buckley (www.scottbuckley.com.au), Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101 Movements I and III performed by Daniel Veesey.
In this episode our old friend Thumbling is back with more wacky adventures! In Thumbling as Journeyman (AKA Thumbling’s Travels) our hero joins a gang of thieves on a heist job before trying his luck as a barman.
After the story, we deep-dive into the fascinating world of different thumbling stories, exploring the mysterious roots of this tale type from Tom Thumb in the UK to The Inch-High Samurai in Japan.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Johannes Brahms' Waltz Op 39 No 15 performed by Paul Cantrell / Brahms's 16 Waltzes, Op.39, #1 performed by Martha Goldstein
Tricked by a lying goat, a tailor kicks out his three sons. After acquiring magical gifts, they head back home to their father, but a dastardly inn-keeper has other plans…
In "The Wishing-table, The Gold-Ass, and the Cudgel in the Sack" we meet a table with no appearance, a gold-depositing donkey, and a time-keeping cudgel.
The story then leads us to investigate a potentially out of business London ice cream parlour and the grisly French fairy tale ‘Donkey Skin’.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Beethoven's Sonata 'Waldstein', Op. 53 - III. Rondo-Allegretto moderato by Michael Hawley / Chopin's Concerto 2 in F minor, 3rd movement performed by the Seattle Philharmonic conducted by Nico Snel
Welcome to a special episode where we reveal the winner of our book competition and read out some of our listener’s messages and votes.
Afterwards, we treat ourselves to one of the “hands down freakiest” of the Brothers Grimm tales: The Strange Feast.
This leads us on nicely to exploring why the brothers erased many of their stories and uncovering the history behind the deleted tales.
And finally, we give our review of the 2005 Brothers Grimm movie!
Thank you so much to everyone who got involved in the competition. If we didn’t read out your message, hold tight - we’re planning to get round to them in our forthcoming episodes.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Brahms' 16 Waltzes, Op.39, #12 and Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, 2nd & 3rd movements
Three unlikely kitchen survivors set off on an adventure. But will they overcome their first challenge, a very small stream?
In 'The Straw, The Coal And The Bean' we learn why you shouldn’t mock the misfortune of others and uncover the truth behind that biggest of mysteries - how beans got a black seam.
The competition is now closed! Thanks to everyone who entered and sent us such lovely messages, the winner will be announced in the next episode!
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music:Brahms's 16 Waltzes, Op.39, #8 and #15 performed by Martha Goldstein
It’s a double whammy of foxy fun as we read parts two and three of The Fox Quadrilogy: The Wolf And The Man & The Wolf And The Fox.
Afterwards, we delve into the spicy world of the Kitsune: the shapeshifting nine-tailed fox of Japanese folklore.
Join us by the fire as we try to answer The Riddle of the Sphinx, finally discover what a cudgel is, and Adam chooses the next four stories we’ll be exploring on Grimm Reading.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101 - III & IV performed by Daniel Veesey / 和風管弦楽「イザナギ・イザナミ by 魔界 Symphony
On an adventure with his brothers, an insignificant dwarf rescues some animals before stumbling upon a mysterious castle. In return, they help him unlock the bedroom door of identical triplet princesses. But will he pass the three deadly challenges and deliver the castle from enchantment?
In ‘The Queen Bee’ we meet a rampaging unicorn, hear how a Greek man became a lion’s pet, and we learn why kindness always triumphs.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Brahms's 16 Waltzes, Op.39, #1 and #9 performed by Martha Goldstein
Witches and breadcrumbs, giant ducks and gingerbread houses. This week we explore one of the most famous fairy tales of all time: Hansel and Gretel.
After our surprise Christmas episode, we thought why stop the fun there? We're kicking off 2019 with a bona fide classic!
We discover how this story was used in a U.S supreme court ruling, learn how it all started with a terrible famine, and we dissect various highfalutin analyses of this uber famous story.
Happy new year everyone!
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Beethoven's Piano Trio No7 in B-flat Major Op97 / Chopin's Mazurka D major Op.33 no.2 performed by Lubka Kolessa / Hänsel and Gretel Opera: Evening Prayer performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ambrosian Singers / Chopin's Liszt Zyczenie (The Maiden's Wish) performed by Brian Young
Join us at Castle Grimm for our first ever Grimm Reading Christmas party! In this special festive episode we indulge in some yuletide treats including port, mince pies, and maybe even the odd Christmas fairy tale...
Thank you so much to everyone who's been listening to us, sending messages and writing kind reviews. We hope you enjoy this special episode!
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Tchaikovsky - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy performed by Kevin Macleod // Holst - First Suite Intermezzo performed by the U.S. Marine Band
A tale of familial betrayal, divine justice and rampaging boars. Thanks to a magical horn, a body has been discovered under the bridge (downtown), but what is the story behind this tragedy? And how will the truth ever come to light?
’The Singing Bone’ sees a forensic team, led by a maverick King, uncover the truth behind a brutal murder.
In this episode, the haunting, powerful story of justice and peace leads us on a journey across Europe and on to America where stories and ballads of singing body parts have become a staple of the folk and country tradition. In doing so we discover our new favourite folk sub-genre: the murder ballad.
This episode is Certified Grimm for ‘dark themes’ and ‘upsetting situations’ and may not be suitable for all listeners.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Brahms's 16 Waltzes, Op.39, #3 Performed by Martha Goldstein / Beethoven's Piano Trio B-Flat Major No.7 Op.97 / Chopin's Mazurka D-Maj Op.33 #2 performed by Lubka Kolessa
Viking vampires, Cretan honey murderers and dyscalculic snakes - yes, Grimm Reading is back!
War, death and infidelity feature in a rollercoaster of an adventure this week, as a young hero fights for his life (and his wife) with the help of magical foliage in ‘The Three Snake-Leaves.’ We go deep into the history of this story type and have a few addendums to confess to as well. This leads us nicely onto discussing a debate raging at the heart of the study of folklore - are fairy tales the true voice of the people or just literary creations of the learned? Thanks for waiting patiently, we’re now once again firmly and happily planted by the Grimm castle fireside.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Brahms's 16 Waltzes, Op. 39, #4 performed by Martha Goldstein / Brahms's 16 Waltzes, Op.39, #1 performed by Martha Goldstein
A magical gift destroys a family, but perhaps out of the ashes something beautiful will bloom.
In this week's episode we read 'The Pink': a tale of deception, love, justice, health and safety breaches and fire-breathing poodles.
There's also an extra special treat in the form of 'The Myrtle', a related story by the titanic Neapolitan fairy tale writer Giambattista Basile. Seduction, murder and high drama - it's quite the roller coaster.
And finally, we pick the next four stories we'll be giving the Grimm Reading treatment.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor I. Allegro and F Minor II. Adagio performed by David Ezra Okonsar / Brahms's 16 Waltzes, Op.39, #13 performed by Martha Goldstein
A kindly wolf invites cousin fox to be her child’s godfather to teach it some valuable foxy skills. But the dastardly fox has other intentions and leads the wolf through the worst day of her life… In part 3 of The Fox Quadrilogy - the epic story of the rise and fall of the Reynard the fox- discover how peasants wash and why you should never get a barn and stable confused. We reflect on some shocking fox behaviour and trace the idea of the trickster fox from Aesop through to medieval France and Geoffrey Chaucer, where along the way he picks up the name Raynard.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101 - IV performed by Daniel Veesey
Sneakily gorging on some delectable white snake gives one servant extraordinary powers and sets him on the journey of a lifetime.
With the help of new faunistic friends, the servant tackles a series of perilous challenges to win the heart of a fair princess.
We hunt down other stories featuring white snakes in Europe to try to discover what it all means and why everyone is chowing down on yummy albino serpents.
Over in Botswana, Matt outlines his outlandish pagan snake theory and in China we learn why you should never go into business with an immortal snake women.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Beethoven's Piano Trio No7 in B-flat Major Op97
Shakespeare, Dickens, cannabalistic serial killers and talking birds all make an appearance in this week's twisted episode 'The Robber Bridegroom' as voted for by our wonderful listeners!
Yet another miller has promised his daughter away to a mysterious, handsome suitor. But our bride is filled with horror at the thought of him and only after much cajoling does she reluctantly agrees to visit his house in the deep dark woods.
Standing on the threshold of the forest, a trail of ash leads the way to the lonely house and our heroine begins a terrifying escapade in what uncannily resembles a modern horror movie.
This week's story introduces many new fairy tale tropes as well as a brand new colour of deadly wine. We also explore other stories from the ATU type 955 including the fantastic English story, Mr. Fox.
Thank you so much to everyone who voted, we're very excited to present the listener poll's winning story this week and hope you enjoy!
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music:
Ludwig Van Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 8 in G major performed by Paul Rosenthal and Edward Auer
Ludwig Van Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 9 — 3rd Movement performed by Paul Rosenthal and Edward Auer
A triple whammy of Grimm fun this week as we reveal the results of our listener poll, dip our toes in the academic world of folklore and perhaps even read a couple of stories...
You've been voting and we've been counting; It's been a head to head between Elves & the Shoemaker, Rapunzel and The Robber Bridegroom - but which will emege victorious?
After revealing the results, we then dive into the Aarne Thompson Uther Classification of Folktales, exploring how folktales are categorised and the hidden history of folklore from across the world.
And finally a hungry wolf and speedy pancake make an unexpected appearance.
Music: Intro sonata by Robert Schumann / Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 8 in Gmajor performed by Paul_Rosenthal & Edward Auer
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Three poor brothers hit the forest to seek their fortune, but can earthly riches mend a broken heart? A magical wishing cloth gives one brother the power to offer a selection of meats which help him rob his way to power and world domination. But his ascension is threatened when a beautiful, brave and judgemental Princess discovers his secret. We go on an adventure filled with magic, war, love, loss and dirty charcoal burners. We also recount a bizarre Danish version of the tale and finally we choose the next three stories we’ll be exploring on Grimm Reading.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Johannes Brahms's Hungarian Dance No. 5 performed by the Fulda Symphonic Orchestra
Ludwig Van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 28 in A Major, Op. 101, Movement II: Lebhaft, marschmäßig (Vivace alla marcia) performed by Daniel Veesey
Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony no. 8 in f major, op. 93 - iv. allegro vivace performed by the Bucharest College Orchestra
An unusual choice for Godfather changes the fate of one man's life forever, or does it? Things get fatalistic, subversive and skeletal in this week's episode: 'Godfather Death'.
We explore the meaning of the story, alternative versions, folk medicine recipies and briefly examine the history of the personification of death in western culture.
And of course we finally meet Death himself, the latest and most withered character in the franchise. And just maybe, we have our first big scoring divergence...
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Robert Schumann's Fantasiestucke Op 88 / Chopin's Bercuse performed by Veronica Van Der Knaap
Episode image by listener Lyba Murphy @lybamurphy
“If I could but shudder!”
With nothing more than his good looks and a fifty dollar donation, a banished youth goes on an adventure to learn the art of fear in ‘The Story of the Youth Who Went Forth To Learn What Fear Was'.
Facing demonic cats, maniacal old men and an evening of bowling with skeletons, can our hero survive three nights in a haunted castle and win the princess?
We explore what it means to feel fear and uncover a bad case of ichthyophobia, in undoubtedly the most gruesome and also most fun episode we’ve made yet!
This episode is ‘Certified Grimm’ for dark themes and potentially upsetting situations and may not be suitable for all listeners.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major (Op. 58) 2nd & 3rd movements performed by Debbie Hu
This week on Grimm Reading we read, review and explore one of the best known Brothers Grimm stories: Rumpelstiltskin. Yet another miller has accidentally promised his daughter away. This time to a greedy king who mistakenly believes she can spin straw into gold. Can our maiden find a way to achieve the impossible? And will... Ah, you know the story. We explore the origins of the famous little man, assess popular interpretations, make a few of our own and take a look at other versions of the tale from across the world. Well, Britain mostly. And finally, we choose the next three stories we'll be giving the Grimm Reading treatment. Twitter Facebook Instagram grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other music: Johannes Brahms's Waltz Op 39 No 15 performed by Paul Cantrell / Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No.8 in G major performed by Paul Rosenthal & Edward Auer / Fréderic Chopin’s Prelude Op 28 No 9 performed by Paul Cantrell
Eat, sleep or work?
A simple deliberation leaves Elsie in the throes of a physco-philosophical breakdown on this week's episode 'Clever Elsie'.
Hans needs a wife and goes a-wooing, but there's one condition - she's got to be clever. Will Elsie be enough? And just what exactly is a fowler's net?
On Grimm Reading this week, we learn all this and more as we explore one of the least known tales and discover our new favourite American golfer.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Johannes Brahms's 16 Waltzes, Op.39, #8 (b-flat major), performed by Martha Goldstein
In 'Cat and Mouse in Partnership', sheer force of love sees a cat and mouse overcome their natural differences and set up house together.
But winter is coming, and the mouse is growing suspicious at the unreasonable amount of christening invitations the cat's receiving...
In this story, learn why all people are innately greedy, selfish and just nasty. Or perhaps maybe it's just a few cats.
We also explore other tales of the (spoiler) 'partner steals keg of butter' narrative type from Norway, Scotland and America. The latter of which explains, most importantly of all, why foxes have a white tail tip...
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 9 in A major ("Kreutzer", Op. 47), 1st movement and 2nd movement, performed by Paul Rosenthal and Edward Auer
Schumann's Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15, No. 1 "Of Foreign Lands and Peoples" performed and recorded by Leonard Vertighel
In this week’s tale 'The Louse and the Flea’ we’ve unexpectedly unearthed the most intense story on Grimm Reading so far.
BFFs little Louse and little Flea are happily living together making artisanal craft ale in egg shells when tragedy strikes. Things escalate quickly as the neighbours hear of their terrible misfortune.
Buckle up and prepare for a wild ride as we learn the principles of chaos theory, the importance of empathy and why you ought to rein it in when in mourning.
We briefly introduce the all important Aarne-Thompson-Uther fairytale classification system and then read 'Titty Mouse and Tatty Mouse’, the English cousin of 'The Louse and the Flea’.
And, of course, we choose the next batch of Brothers Grimm tales we’ll be diving into...
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music:
Johannes Brahms's Hungarian Dance No. 5 performed by the Fulda Symphonic Orchestra
Frédéric Chopin's Nocturne Op 27 No. 20 performed by Gabriele Piccinnu
This week on Grimm Reading we meet Germany's finest animal supergroup: 'The Bremen Town Musicians'.
Fearing for his life, a lute playing donkey escapes his owner and hits the road to Bremen. On route he forms a band with a hound, a cat and a cock, and plans for a string of tour dates begin to form.
Getting closer to Bremen they spy a cottage and head over to investigate. But little do our musicians know, it's occupied by a gang of nasty robbers...
This cult favourite Grimm tale has inspired artists and musicians across the world. Does it deserve the hype and just what exactly has got the cock in such a tizz?
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Johannes Brahms's Lullaby performed by Howie Mitchell and Ruth Meyer
This week on Grimm Reading we meet our first Big Bad Wolf in 'The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids'.
A mother goat inexplicably leaves her seven kids all alone at home. Can her peculiarly specific survival advice keep the wolf from the door, literally?
Find out what bakers get up to with left over dough, an unexpected use for chalk and learn why miller's are so cowardly.
We also discuss the similarities with this story and it's cousin across the channel, The Three Little Pigs, and in a final twist we consider whether or not the wolf is really so bad after all.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: ohannes Brahms's 16 Waltzes, Op.39, No 14 performed by Martha Goldstein
In this week's tale the Brother's Grimm meets Marvel in the epic caper 'How Six Men Got On In The World'.
Despite his superb behaviour, upon returning from war, a budding Art Historian gets mistreated by the realm. On his way to find the king and justice he meets an unlikely band of rogues, each with a unique special ability...
Discover the ultimate origin story in an early imagining of the Marvel cinematic Universe and the very first iteration of Avengers Assemble, complete with an epic final battle!
Things also take a distinctly marxist-communist turn as we discover our first 'Certified Soviet' tale.
Quite possibly your only chance to ever hear a communist superhero fairytale.
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Theme Music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 12, No. 2 performed by Corey Cerovsek & Paavali Jumppanen.
Things get pious in this episode of Grimm Reading. The devil makes his debut and a father gives the ultimate lesson in bad parenting.
In the Girl Without Hands a god-fearing heroine finds herself married to royalty, but a pesky war calls away her husband and the devil seizes his chance to make mischief. Can the power of prayer and extreme fasting prevail in the face of evil?
This episode is 'Certified Grimm' for extreme cruelty and excessive violence and may not be suitable for children or the faint of heart.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Johannes Brahms’ Intermezzo Op 116 No 4 performed by Paul Cantrell
Elves, Princesses, Kings, evil stepmothers, magic, defenestration and strawberries – we are finally in full-on fairytale territory!
The daughter of a man with serious boot problems gets on the wrong side of her stepmother and finds herself picking strawberries in winter in a paper frock. But deep in the woods three peculiar little gentlemen come to her aid with three generous gifts...
Find out why it pays to be beautiful and also the best way to rinse yarn as things get fantastical and trippy in this week's Grimm Reading: the Three Little Men in the Wood.
This episode is 'Certified Grimm' for excessive violence and may not be suitable for children or the faint of heart.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Chopin's Etude in A-flat, Op. 25, no. 1 performed by Michal Hambourg
This week we follow the adventures of adrenaline junkie Thumbling as he meets some disreputable types, briefly falls into a life of crime, and has some unfortunate dealings with hungry animals.
Hang about, is this not the Tom Thumb we know and love? We explain the difference between Tom Thumb and Thumbling and other little man European legends, and even recount the story of Tom Thumb himself.
And finally we pick the next three stories we'll be exploring.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Johannes Brahms' Waltz Op 39 No 15 performed by Paul Cantrell Fréderic Chopin's Nocturne Op 15 No 2 performed by Paul Cantrell
A special episode this week, as we explore the history and evolution of the works of the Brothers Grimm, as well as delving into the confusing world of the various English translations of this frightfully delightful collection of fairy tales.
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Domestic bliss has been established in a certain household where everyone has just the right job. What could possibly go wrong?
Things get moralistic in this episode of Grimm Reading as we dive into the fable of The Mouse, the Bird and the Sausage. Some good old fashioned values and questionable gender politics inform the story line and we definitively learn to not let sausages go into the woods alone.
We also unveil the 'Certified Grimm' rating system, whereby in future episodes we'll be able to warn listeners of any potentially offensive or unsuitable material.
Theme music: 'Bicycle Waltz' by Goodbye Kumiko
Other music: Beethoven's Sonata No. 21 in C Major 'Waldstein' Op. 53 performed by Michael Hawley
Welcome to the first ever episode of Grimm Reading! We kick off proceedings with two Brothers Grimm tales: Hans in Luck and Old Sultan.
When is a pig a trifle? And just exactly what is a clock? We learn this and so much more as we join the imperturbable Hans on his journey home to his mother.
In our second story we join Sultan, the shepherd's toothless old dog, as he does his level best to avoid being permanently retired with the help of a wily cat.
This is the start of a journey into the world of the Brothers Grimm. Neither of us know anything about the stories or brothers at this point and will be learning as we go. We look forward to having you join us on this adventure!
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