Story Summary
In the Brothers Grimm tale The Robber Bridegroom, a young woman uncovers a dark secret about her fiancé during a terrifying visit to his forest hideout.
A miller, seeking to provide for his daughter, betrothed her to a man who appeared wealthy and refined. However, the girl felt an inexplicable dread whenever she looked at him. One day, the bridegroom insisted she visit his house deep in the forest. Fearing she would lose her way, she strewed peas and lentils along the path as she walked. When she reached the dark house, a bird in a cage warned her: 'Turn back, turn back, young bride, for you are in a house of murderers!' An old woman hidden in the cellar confirmed the danger and hid the girl behind a large barrel. From her hiding spot, the girl watched in horror as the bridegroom and his gang returned with a captive maiden, whom they murdered. In the struggle, a severed finger with a gold ring flew behind the barrel and landed in the girl's lap. Under the cover of night, she escaped, guided by the sprouted seeds along the path. At the wedding feast, when invited to share a story, she recounted her 'dream' of the forest house. As the bridegroom grew pale, she produced the severed finger as proof. The villain was seized by the guests and executed for his crimes.
The Moral
Trust your intuition and look beyond outward appearances, for evil often hides behind a mask of respectability.
“Turn back, turn back, thou young bride, for thou art in a house of murderers!”
Fun Fact
Unlike many fairy tales where the heroine is rescued by a prince, the protagonist of this story is exceptionally proactive, securing physical evidence to bring the villain to justice herself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Robber Bridegroom?
The moral emphasizes the importance of intuition and caution. It teaches that one should not ignore internal warnings about a person's character, regardless of how charming or wealthy they may seem.
What does the bird say in The Robber Bridegroom?
The bird in the cage warns the girl as she enters the house, crying out: 'Turn back, turn back, thou young bride, for thou art in a house of murderers!'
How does the heroine escape the robbers?
With the help of an old woman, the girl hides behind a barrel until the robbers fall asleep. she then follows the trail of sprouted peas and lentils she scattered on her way there.
How does the bride expose her groom?
At the wedding feast, she tells the story of her experience as if it were a dream. At the climax of the tale, she pulls out the severed finger of his previous victim to prove his guilt.
Is The Robber Bridegroom related to Bluebeard?
Yes, it is a prominent variant of the 'Bluebeard' folk motif, focusing on a bride who discovers her husband's murderous secrets in a remote location.
What role do the peas and lentils play?
The heroine scatters them on the path to ensure she can find her way home. The seeds sprout by the time she escapes, providing a visible trail through the dark woods.
