Subject
Fairy tales -- Germany -- Translations into Finnish Books
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Richard von Volkmann
Unelmia takkavalkean ääressä
"Unelmia takkavalkean ääressä" by Richard von Volkmann is a collection of fairy tales written in the early 20th century. The tales originate from the author's experiences as a field surgeon during the Franco-Prussian War, and they were initially penned as letters to his children. This collection features whimsical stories filled with moral lessons and enchanting characters, reflecting both human emotions and fantastical elements. The beginning of the collection introduces the reader to a variety of tales, starting with the story of a proud organ builder whose self-importance drives him away from his bride when his masterpiece fails to perform during their wedding. After years of regret exploring the world, he learns of his wife’s demise and ultimately dies at her funeral, only for the organs he created to play beautifully at that moment. This sets the tone for the other stories filled with moral quandaries, deep reflections on love and regret, and magical elements. Each tale invites readers into a world of dreams, reflecting the trials and tribulations of life, wrapped in the charm of classic fairy tale narrations.
Marie Petersen
Virvatulten tarinoita: Kertomus
"Virvatulten tarinoita: Kertomus" by Marie Petersen is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story seems to revolve around two young boys, one of whom is named Valter, who are returning to their home after some time away. The setting features a dramatic landscape of mountains and forests, and hints at themes of nature, nostalgia, and the innocence of childhood. The opening of this narrative establishes a vivid atmospheric scene filled with a recent storm, setting the mood for the characters' journey. Valter, who has a deep connection to the landscape and a yearning for home, is enthusiastically engaging with his friend, Albert, about their surroundings. They discuss their families and upcoming events, including Valter's excitement about returning home and the longing he feels for the memories tied to his mother, who passed away when he was young. The text suggests a blend of adventure and introspection, indicating that the story will explore both the physical journey home and Valter’s emotional exploration of his past.
E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus) Hoffmann
Kiusanhenki: Satu
"Kiusanhenki: Satu" by E. T. A. Hoffmann is a work of fiction written in the early 19th century. The story appears to explore themes of hardship, societal perceptions, and the intersection of the mundane with the fantastical, focusing on characters such as a struggling peasant woman and her grotesquely deformed son, referred to as Sakeus. As the narrative unfolds, it promises a blend of social commentary and magical realism, amid the backdrop of folk tales and the supernatural. The opening of the story introduces a peasant woman who is beset by poverty and despair, lamenting her situation as she prepares to return home with a heavy burden of firewood. She expresses her frustration with the hardships she faces alongside her husband, particularly highlighting their son, the "little changeling," who has become the village's source of shame due to his deformities. As her sorrow overwhelms her, the story introduces a compassionate character, the noble maid Ruusunihana, who intervenes to provide comfort. This sets the stage for a narrative rich with emotional depth, character conflict, and the potential for transformation, hinting at the intertwining fates of all characters involved.
Jacob Grimm
Koti-satuja Lapsille ja Nuorisolle
"Koti-satuja Lapsille ja Nuorisolle" by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm is a collection of fairy tales first published in 1812. Born into hardship after their father's death, the Brothers Grimm transformed personal struggle into literary legacy. They gathered oral tales from friends and acquaintances across Germany, preserving ancient stories that might otherwise have vanished. Their collection grew from 86 tales to over 200 across multiple editions, though early versions sparked controversy for content deemed unsuitable for children. What began as folklore preservation became a cornerstone of Western children's literature.
Jacob Grimm
Kultahanhi: Grimm-veljesten satuja
"Kultahanhi: Grimm-veljesten satuja" by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm is a collection of fairy tales first published in 1812. Originally known as Children's and Household Tales, this German collection began with 86 stories and eventually expanded to over 200 tales through seven editions. The brothers gathered these stories from oral traditions and old books to preserve German folklore and history. Despite being called children's tales, early editions faced criticism for content deemed unsuitable for young readers, leading to revisions across subsequent editions.
Wilhelm Hauff
Kylmä sydän
"Kylmä sydän" by Wilhelm Hauff is a fairy tale published in 1827. Peter Marmot, a poor charcoal burner, yearns for wealth and status. He encounters two forest spirits in the Black Forest: the benevolent glass-imp who grants wishes, and the sinister Dutch-Mike who deals in darker bargains. When Peter's foolish wishes fail him, he makes a fateful deal—trading his warm heart for a cold stone and limitless riches. But without emotion or empathy, Peter discovers that wealth alone cannot bring happiness or redemption.
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