Story Summary
Discover the classic Brothers Grimm tale of Snow White and Rose Red, two kind sisters whose encounters with a bear and a dwarf lead to a magical transformation.
In a small cottage lived two sisters, Snow White and Rose Red, who were as kind and hardworking as they were beautiful. Snow White was quiet and gentle, while Rose Red loved to run through the meadows. One cold winter night, a large black bear knocked at their door, seeking warmth. Though initially frightened, the girls and their mother welcomed him. The bear returned every night until spring, becoming their dear friend. When the snow melted, the bear left to guard his treasure from wicked dwarfs. Later, the sisters encountered a grumpy dwarf three times: once with his beard caught in a tree, once caught in a fishing line, and once snatched by an eagle. Each time, they saved him, but he only cursed them for cutting his precious beard. Finally, they found the bear confronting the dwarf. The bear killed the dwarf, and instantly transformed into a handsome prince. He had been cursed by the dwarf who stole his kingdom's treasures. Snow White married the prince, and Rose Red married his brother, living happily ever after.
The Moral
Kindness, patience, and compassion are eventually rewarded, while greed and ingratitude lead to one's downfall.
“Snow-white, Rose-red, will you beat your lover dead?”
Fun Fact
This story is unique among the Grimm collection because it was likely authored by Wilhelm Grimm himself, based on a shorter tale called 'The Ungrateful Dwarf' by Caroline Stahl.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Snow White and Rose Red?
The story teaches that genuine kindness and helpfulness, even toward those who are ungrateful, will eventually lead to a positive reward. It also warns that greed and a lack of appreciation for others' help can result in a bitter end.
Is this the same Snow White from the Seven Dwarfs story?
No, these are two distinct characters from different Brothers Grimm fairy tales. While both share the name Snow White, this character has a sister named Rose Red and her story involves a cursed prince disguised as a bear rather than an evil queen and a magic mirror.
Who are the main characters in Snow White and Rose Red?
The primary characters are Snow White and her sister Rose Red, their widowed mother, a bear who is secretly a cursed prince, and a malicious, ungrateful dwarf who has stolen the prince's treasures.
What happens to the dwarf at the end of the story?
After repeatedly insulting the sisters despite them saving his life, the dwarf is finally confronted by the bear. The bear kills the dwarf with a single blow of his paw, which breaks the enchantment and allows the prince to return to his human form.
Why did the bear leave the sisters in the spring?
The bear had to leave because the thawing ground allowed the wicked dwarfs to come out from underground. He needed to protect his royal treasures and jewels from being stolen by the dwarfs who lived in the forest.
How does the story end for the two sisters?
The story concludes with a double wedding: Snow White marries the prince who was formerly the bear, and Rose Red marries the prince's brother. They all live in the palace together with their mother, who brings her two famous rose bushes with her.