Godfather Death

Brothers Grimm (Jacob and Wilhelm) are famous German authors and cultural researchers. Everyone knows them as one of the best storytellers of European folk tales: they collected and published folklore. “Cinderella”, “The Frog Prince”, “Rapunzel”, “Snow White” - these fairytales written by Brothers Grimm are well-known and loved by children around the world. “Godfather Death” fairytale was published in Grimm's first collection of folk tales “Children and Household Tales” (1812). A poor man decided to find a godfather to his son. The first person he met was the God but the poor man declined because the God condones the poverty. Next the poor man met the Devil but he declined again because the Devil deceives mankind. Finally the poor man met the Death and decided to make the Death his son's godfather because only the Death doesn't discriminate against the rich or poor. The Death made his godson a famous doctor by showing him a magic herb that can save any patient. But there was a condition – the Death decided whether a person can be cured or not. The godson tried to cheat the Death out of taking a king's life and then the king's daughter's life. But the Death said that it was now the godson's time to die. The Death knocked the candle (which was the symbol of human life) and the godson died. This parable story full of symbolism perfectly suits not only kids but also their parents. Brothers Grimm teach us to be careful with our wishes.