Story Summary
Read the classic Grimm tale, The Brave Little Tailor. Follow a clever tailor who outwits giants and kings with nothing but his wits to win a royal kingdom.
One summer morning, a little tailor sat in his shop when he killed seven flies with a single cloth. Impressed by his own feat, he embroidered 'Seven at one blow!' onto a belt and set out to see the world. Along his journey, he encountered a giant who challenged his strength. The tailor outwitted him by squeezing water from a piece of cheese as if it were a stone and throwing a bird into the air so it never returned, making the giant believe he had thrown a rock out of sight. News of his 'bravery' reached the King, who promised him half the kingdom and his daughter's hand if he could kill two giants, capture a unicorn, and catch a wild boar. Through sheer wit, the tailor turned the giants against each other, lured the unicorn into a tree, and trapped the boar in a chapel. Despite the King's hesitation to marry his daughter to a mere tailor, the hero's cleverness secured his place as a ruler, proving that brains are mightier than brawn.
The Moral
Wit, courage, and self-confidence can overcome even the most daunting physical challenges and powerful enemies.
“Seven at one blow!”
Fun Fact
In early versions of the story, the tailor's belt did not specify what he killed, leading people to believe he had slain seven men, which is why they feared him so much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Brave Little Tailor?
The story teaches that intelligence and self-confidence are more valuable than physical strength. By using his wits, the tailor overcomes obstacles that would defeat a much stronger man.
How did the tailor kill seven at one blow?
While working in his shop, the tailor grew annoyed by flies buzzing around his jam. He struck them with a piece of cloth, killing exactly seven flies in a single swipe.
What challenges did the king give the tailor?
To earn the kingdom, the tailor had to defeat two giants, capture a fierce unicorn, and trap a dangerous wild boar. He successfully completed all three tasks using clever tricks rather than fighting.
How did the tailor trick the giants into fighting?
While the giants slept under a tree, the tailor climbed up and threw stones at them. Each giant blamed the other for the attack, leading to a violent fight where they eventually killed one another.
What did the tailor use to trick the giant during the strength test?
He used a soft piece of cheese to mimic squeezing water from a stone and a small bird to mimic throwing a stone so far that it never came back down to earth.
Who wrote the original story of The Brave Little Tailor?
The story was collected and published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812 as part of their famous collection, Children's and Household Tales.
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