Story Summary
Discover the classic Brothers Grimm tale The Seven Ravens, where a brave young sister journeys to the ends of the earth to save her brothers from a dark curse.
A father once had seven sons but long wished for a daughter. When a girl was finally born, she was so small and sickly that the father sent his sons to a well to fetch water for an emergency baptism. In their haste, the jug fell into the water. Frustrated by their delay and fearing for his daughter's soul, the father shouted, 'I wish those boys would all turn into ravens!' Instantly, seven coal-black birds took flight. Years later, the girl discovered the truth of her brothers' fate and set out alone to find them. She visited the Sun, who was too fierce, and the Moon, who was too cold. Finally, the Morning Star gave her a chicken bone to unlock the Glass Mountain. Upon arriving, she found she had lost the bone, so she bravely cut off her own finger to use as a key. Inside, her devotion and sacrifice broke the spell, restoring her brothers to human form for a joyful family reunion.
The Moral
Love and self-sacrifice can undo the damage caused by rash words. It demonstrates that the strength of family bonds can overcome even the darkest curses.
“I will go and seek my brothers, and I will find them, no matter how far I must travel.”
Fun Fact
This tale is classified as Aarne-Thompson type 451, a common folk motif where a sister rescues her brothers, highlighting the historical importance of sibling bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Seven Ravens?
The moral is that impulsive words can have devastating consequences, but selfless love and persistence can heal those wounds. It highlights the power of a sister's devotion to her family.
Why were the brothers turned into ravens?
The brothers were cursed by their father in a moment of extreme frustration. He grew angry when they took too long to fetch baptismal water for their sister and wished they would turn into ravens.
How does the sister open the Glass Mountain?
The sister was given a chicken bone by the Morning Star to use as a key, but she accidentally lost it. In an act of extreme sacrifice, she cut off her own finger to use as a replacement key.
Who does the sister meet on her journey to the Glass Mountain?
During her cosmic quest, she visits the Sun and the Moon, finding them both too dangerous or unkind. Eventually, she meets the helpful Morning Star, who provides her with the tool she needs.
How is The Seven Ravens different from The Six Swans?
While both stories involve a sister saving her brothers from a bird curse, The Seven Ravens features a journey to celestial bodies. The Six Swans focuses on the sister maintaining silence while sewing magical shirts.
Does the story have a happy ending?
Yes, the story concludes with the sister successfully reaching her brothers and breaking the curse. The siblings are reunited in their human forms and return home to their parents together.
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