Story Summary
Experience the enchanting Brothers Grimm story of Jorinda and Joringel. Follow a young man's quest to find a magical flower and rescue his love from a witch.
Deep in a dark forest lived an old witch who could transform into a cat or a screech-owl by day, and a regular woman by night. She lured innocent folk to her castle, where she froze men in place and turned beautiful maidens into birds, keeping seven thousand such captives in wicker cages. Jorinda and Joringel, two young lovers betrothed to be married, wandered too close to her lair while walking in the woods. As the sun set, Jorinda was suddenly turned into a nightingale, singing a mournful tune, while Joringel found himself rooted to the spot, unable to move or speak. The witch snatched the bird and vanished. After she released him, a heartbroken Joringel wandered for a long time until he dreamed of a blood-red flower with a large pearl at its heart. He searched for nine days until he found the flower. Armed with its magic, he returned to the castle. The witch’s spells could not touch him while he held the bloom. He touched the cages with the flower, restoring all the maidens to their human forms, finally finding his beloved Jorinda and leading her home to live in happiness.
The Moral
True love combined with unwavering persistence and hope can overcome even the most powerful and dark enchantments.
“My little bird, with the necklace red, sings sorrow, sorrow, sorrow.”
Fun Fact
This story is unique among Grimm's tales because it was likely contributed by the author Johann Heinrich Jung-Stilling, who claimed it was a popular folk legend in his region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Jorinda and Joringel?
The moral is that love, patience, and determination are powerful enough to break the strongest curses. Joringel's refusal to give up on Jorinda eventually leads him to the solution that saves her.
Who wrote the story of Jorinda and Joringel?
The story was collected and published by the Brothers Grimm in their famous 'Children's and Household Tales' in the early 19th century.
What kind of bird is Jorinda turned into?
The wicked witch transforms Jorinda into a nightingale, a bird known for its beautiful and often melancholic song.
What is the significance of the blood-red flower?
The flower is a magical talisman that protects Joringel from the witch's spells and allows him to break the enchantments on the imprisoned girls.
How many birds did the witch have in her castle?
The story mentions that the witch had collected seven thousand wicker cages, each containing a beautiful maiden she had turned into a bird.
Does Jorinda and Joringel have a happy ending?
Yes, Joringel successfully uses the magical flower to restore Jorinda and all the other maidens to their human forms, and the couple lives happily ever after.