The Fisherman and His Wife

The Fisherman and His Wife
The Brothers Grimm- First published in 1869.

Reading Level: 9+  Number of Pages: 4 Genre: Classic Fairy-tale

Summary: There was once a fisherman who lived near the sea, and every day he went fishing. One day he hooked a great flounder, who said, "Let me go, great fisherman!" The fisherman said, "You need not worry, for I would not eat a fish who can speak." So he released the fish.

When he returned home and told his wife about the strange fish, she scolded him, and told him to go back, for a talking fish must be magical, and ought to grant them a wish. Besides, their little cottage was so small, couldn't they have a bigger house? So he went back and stood by the water, and called out to the fish, saying that his wife wanted a bigger house. The fish arrived and said that his wish was granted. 

  The fisherman's wife was not satisfied, but asked him to return and ask for a castle, which he did. As he asked, he noticed that the sky was beginning to grow dark.

  His wife was still not satisfied. She commanded her husband to return and ask him to maker her queen. As he returned, he noticed the sky was beginning to be very ominous and stormy.

  His wife was still not satisfied, surrounded by her pomp and finery. She ordered him to return to the fish, and ask to have her be crowned as Pope, and ruler of all Christendom. As he returned, he could hardly walk for the gale and hurricane that enveloped him.

 Amidst it all, his wife was still not satisfied, and though she was the most powerful person in Christendom, she ordered him to return to the fish and make her ruler of all the universe. The man went to the fish, and the fish grumbled, "What would she have now?" and the man replied, "Ah, she wants to be Ruler of the Universe." "Return," the fish said, "And you will find her back in her cottage."

So the fisherman returned, and he and his wife dwelt in the cottage.

My Impressions: The story teaches an interesting lesson, and I think children will benefit from knowing that they shouldn't ask for too much, but should be satisfied with what they have.

 

Parent's Guide: No problems.

Recommendations: A definite read for everyone.