A poor miller, tricked by the Devil, unwittingly promised his daughter in exchange for wealth. Because the girl was pure and washed herself clean, the Devil could not touch her. Enraged, the Devil forced the miller to cut off his own daughter’s hands. Despite this cruelty, her piety remained unshaken, and the Devil was powerless against her tears. She left her father’s house and wandered into a royal garden, where a King discovered her. Moved by her beauty and plight, the King married her and gave her hands made of silver. While the King was away at war, the Devil intercepted their letters, tricking the King’s mother into believing the Queen had given birth to a monster. The Queen fled into the wilderness with her infant. For seven years, she lived in a small cottage, protected by an angel. Due to her goodness and divine grace, her hands miraculously regrew. Eventually, the King found her in the forest, recognized her by her beauty and her natural hands, and they returned to the kingdom to live in peace.
True purity of heart and unwavering faith can overcome the greatest betrayals and restore what has been cruelly taken away.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Girl Without Hands?
The story emphasizes that virtue and piety provide protection against evil. It teaches that through endurance and faith, one can achieve restoration and justice after suffering great hardship.
Who wrote the story of The Girl Without Hands?
The most famous version was recorded by the Brothers Grimm in their collection 'Children's and Household Tales' in the early 19th century. It is a classic piece of German folklore with roots in much older oral traditions.
Why did the father cut off his daughter's hands?
The Miller made a deal with the Devil for riches, unknowingly promising his daughter. When the Devil could not take her because she was too pure, he threatened the Miller, forcing him to maim his daughter to make her 'unclean' and vulnerable.
How did the girl get her hands back?
In the Grimm version, her hands grow back naturally after seven years of living a holy and secluded life in the forest. This miracle is presented as a divine reward for her suffering and unwavering goodness.
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Good night.
