The Grim Origins of Hansel and Gretel: A Tale of Famine and Cannibalism
The Grim Origins of Hansel and Gretel: A Tale of Famine and Cannibalism
Many are familiar with the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel. The story goes that the children were left in the forest and saved from a witch's house by eating their way out. However, the true story, as it unfolded 700 years ago, is far from the sweet and whimsical tale it seems today.
Origins of the Taleduring the Great Famine of 1314-1322
From an unexpected historical perspective, the origins of Hansel and Gretel are steeped in the harsh realities of a Great Famine that struck Europe. This catastrophic period began in 1314 and extended into 1322, but the early years of 1315 and 1316 were particularly grim. The famine was so severe that it impacted approximately 400,000 square miles of Europe, affecting an estimated 30 million people.
The famine was largely driven by volcanic eruptions in southeast Asia and New Zealand, which led to a prolonged period of climatic change and, consequently, crop failures. This resulted in massive starvation and social upheaval across the continent. In Europe, the already scarce food supply was further strained, leading to devastating consequences.
One scholar estimated that the Great Famine may have killed off up to 25 percent of the population in certain areas, with elderly people voluntarily choosing to die to allow the young to survive. In some cases, infanticide and child abandonment became more common. The very honest historical accounts suggest that cannibalism was also witnessed in desperate situations.
The Story of Hansel and Gretel
Just as the seemingly innocent story of Hansel and Gretel masks an underlying narrative of survival and family ostracism, the fateful tale also stems from this period of history. The story takes place in a time when the()}
The Romanian Tale of Abandonment and Survival
One of the grimmest tales of the period is the Romanian fairy tale The Little Boy and the Wicked Stepmother. This story delves deeper into themes of abandonment and survival. Two children are abandoned in the forest and eventually return home on a trail of ashes. Upon their return, the stepmother kills the little boy and forces the sister to prepare his corpse for a meal. The horrified girl obeys but hides the boy’s heart in a tree. The father unknowingly eats the boy, while the sister refuses to participate in the cannibalism. The next day, a cuckoo bird emerges from the tree, singing, “Cuckoo! My sister has cooked me and my father has eaten me, but I am now a cuckoo and safe from the stepmother.”
Themes of the Fairy Tale
The tale of Hansel and Gretel is a stark reflection of the dark times of the early 14th century. The forest, which serves as a setting for danger, magic, and death, is a recurring motif in fairy tales from this era. This grim tale serves as a cautionary account of a time when survival took precedence over family ties. As we explore the underlying messages of the fairy tale, we can’t help but draw historical parallels and reflective insights.
A Musical Interlude
To further immerse ourselves in this fascinating historical context, consider revisiting the music inspired by this era. The bands and songs of the period offer a haunting and depthful soundtrack for the tale.