Story Summary
Discover the Brothers Grimm's The Six Swans, a classic tale of a sister's devotion and the silent sacrifice required to break a magical curse on her brothers.
A King once lost his way in a dense forest and was aided by an old witch on the condition that he marry her beautiful daughter. Fearing for his six sons and one daughter, the King hid them in a secret castle. However, the new Queen discovered his secret and, using white silk shirts enchanted with magic, she turned the six brothers into swans. Their sister remained human and vowed to save them. She learned that the spell could only be broken if she remained silent for six years and sewed six shirts from star-flowers. During her ordeal, she was found by a young King who married her. Despite being falsely accused of crimes by her mother-in-law and sentenced to death, she never spoke. Just as she was about to be burned at the stake, the six years ended. The swans flew down, she threw the shirts over them, and they regained human form—though the youngest brother was left with a swan’s wing instead of an arm because his shirt lacked a sleeve. Her innocence proven, the family lived in peace.
The Moral
True devotion and selfless sacrifice can overcome even the most powerful evil and restore what was lost.
“I would rather die than see my brothers remain in such a wretched state.”
Fun Fact
This story shares many similarities with 'The Wild Swans' by Hans Christian Andersen, showing how folklore motifs like the swan-transformation were widely spread across Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Six Swans?
The story teaches the power of patience and sacrifice. It shows that love and steadfastness can triumph over malice and false accusations, even when one is forced to suffer in silence.
Why did the brothers turn into swans?
The brothers were transformed by their wicked stepmother, who was a witch's daughter. She used enchanted white silk shirts to turn them into swans to remove them as obstacles to her power.
How long did the princess have to remain silent?
The princess had to remain completely silent for six years while sewing the magic shirts. She could neither speak nor laugh during this entire period without breaking the spell.
What happens to the youngest brother at the end?
Because the princess did not have enough time to finish the last sleeve of the sixth shirt, the youngest brother remained with a swan's wing on his left shoulder instead of an arm.
What material were the shirts made from?
The shirts were sewn from star-flowers, also known as wood anemones, which the princess had to gather and process herself during her years of silence.
Who is the antagonist in The Six Swans?
The story features two antagonists: the wicked stepmother who casts the initial curse, and the King's mother, who falsely accuses the princess of eating her own children to turn her husband against her.
Discussion (0)
Share your thoughts on this story
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
