Grimm Reading

The initial Group Stage of the tournament concludes with Group D. Group D voting poll link: https://forms.gle/BJSvF6SVVkYGdHcF8 We’re pitting our highest-scoring Brothers Grimm tales against each other to decide their ultimate story. We open the episode with a recap of the five Grimm stories in the group: The Valiant Little Tailor Rapunzel Gambling Hansel Sweetheart Roland The Girl Without Hands And we also launch a special award poll for the “Best Ending” award. Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Brahms' Violin sonata no. 3 in D minor, Op. 108, 2nd mvt. Adagio, performed by Oliver Cobentson // Brahms' 7 Fantasien, Op. 116 Cappriccio in D Minor, performed by Ivan Ilic

The tournament continues with Group C. Group C voting poll link: https://forms.gle/gv5os8j1gEdaNd7L7 We’re pitting our highest-scoring Brothers Grimm tales against each other to decide their ultimate story. We open the episode with a recap of the five Grimm stories in the group: Cinderella The Two Brothers The Juniper Tree The Wishing-Table, The Gold-Ass, And The Cudgel In The Sack Thumbling And we also launch a special award poll for the “Best Catchphrase” award. Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Grieg's Sonata No. 3 in C minor, 1st mvt. Allegro molto appasionato // Schubert's Sonata in A Minor, D. 959 - III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace, performed by Paul Pitman

The tournament continues! We’re pitting our highest-scoring Brothers Grimm tales against each other to decide their ultimate story. This episode: Group B.  Group B voting poll link: https://forms.gle/cZwGF7YTY4UDi31eA We open the episode with a recap of the five Grimm stories in the group: Little Red Riding Hood The Three Little Men In The Wood Sleeping Beauty The Elves And The Shoemaker The Story Of The Youth Who Went Forth To Learn What Fear Was Then we launch a special award poll for the “Best Death” award. And, finally, we read the Children’s Legend “St Joseph In The Forest.” Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Antonio Vivaldi's Violin Concerto in F minor, RV 297 II. Largo (performed by The Wichita State University Chamber Players and John Harrison)

The tournament begins! We’re pitting our highest-scoring Brothers Grimm tales against each other to decide their ultimate story. First up, we have Group A.  Group A voting poll link: https://forms.gle/JVeBVQaomVTNToXx7 We open the episode with a recap of the five Grimm stories in the group: Puss In Boots Hansel And Gretel The Fisherman And His Wife Clever Gretel Godfather Death Then we launch a special award poll for the “Most Iconic Piece Of Clothing” award. And, finally, we read the Children’s Legend “Our Lady’s Little Glass.” Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Edvard Grieg's Once Upon a Time (Balazs Szokolay, piano)

Welcome to Grimmbledon! We've finished Volume 1 of the Grimms' fairy tales and it's time to decide once and for all which was the best story we read. 20 tales will be battling it out to earn the crown of the best story. In this episode, we announce the contenders and put them into 5 different groups by drawing lots.  Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko

We're proud to present The Princess And The Pea by the Brothers Grimm for the first time ever in the English language! Hidden in the Grimms' 5th edition of fairy tales, their version was never translated into English - until now! A crack team of translators has helped us to bring this episode to life, we can't thank you enough.  After the story, we explore what it's trying to tell us before heading into the past, where we trace its origins beyond Hans Christian Andersen to medieval Kashmir.  Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Dvorak's String Quartet no. 12  in F major 'American', Op. 96 - I & III // Schubert's 09 Sonata in A Minor, D. 959 - III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace Paul Pitman

We present our Christmas Livestream in audio form! Expect a quiz, a cake, crackers, listener chats, and a very unusual story.  You can watch the full event on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Np24YiGQG0U?si=bK-Kvdvzxa8Fhj4H 

We're back! And back in style. Welcome to our sixth annual Christmas party! Join us round the fire as we get festive in yet another bumper episode. We kick the party off by pulling some Christmas crackers, exchanging presents, and indulging in some festive snacks and beverages to get into the Christmas spirit. It's then story time, starting with a short tale called "The Christmas Fairy Of Strasburg" which features a cheeky robbery with a surprising outcome... And then it's time for the second installment of The Nutcracker, where things are really starting to get epic... As mentioned at the end of the podcast, we will be hosting a Christmas Livestream on Friday 22nd December at 8pm GMT. We'll be hosting a quiz, exchanging more presents, chatting to some viewers via Zoom, and maybe even setting something on fire?! You're all invited, and the link to the event can be found here: Link to Christmas Livestream - 22nd Dec 8pm GMT Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all! Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon

We made it to five years! In April we hosted a livestream event to celebrate the milestone - and here it is in audio form. Thanks to everyone who joined and helped make it such a special occasion. For the full experience, you can watch the whole event on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/6Leycit-_jQ?feature=share  

It's the end of the series and the end of volume one for us here at Grimm Castle! So join us as we reveal the winners and losers of series 5 of Grimm Reading and indulge in some classic story stats. We then share some clips from our latest special episodes (The Little Mermaid and Sinbad The Sailor), and finally resurrect story stats as we reveal the top and bottom stories of the entire five years of the podcast.  Links: 5 Year Grimmversary YouTube Livestream The Little Mermaid Payhip Sinbad The Sailor (Part 1) Payhip Sinbad The Sailor (Part 2) Payhip Series 5 Spotify Playlist Join our Patreon! Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Komiko. Other music: Dvořák's Humoresque Op.101 No. 7 // Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade Suite: The Sea and Sinbad's Ship // Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata no. 18 in G major, D.894 IV. Allegretto   

In part two, discover the origins and history of cinderella as we embark on “The Story Of The Story”. First up, we follow the trail of Cinderella from ancient Greece through Basile, Perrault, and the Grimms, by way of medieval France, as we trace her literary origins. We then attempt to work out where Cinderella really came from, and seek help from some expert friends as we define the tale and explore what exactly it's trying to tell us. Enjoy the final installment of this gripping two-parter where we delve into one of the most famous stories of all time - Cinderella (aka Cenrillon, Cennerentola, and the Cinderella Cat). Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Beethoven's Violin Sonata No.8 in G major 1. Allegro assai // Brahms' Waltz Op 39 No 15 // Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48: II Moderato, Tempe Di Valse

A plucky young heroine, an avian stylist, and an axe-wielding dad make for a special season 5 ending - join us round the fire for some comically extreme violence as we read the Cinderella (aka Aschenputtel). Think you know Cinderella? Well, think again! Yes, we've got the lost slipper, we've got the evil step sisters, we've got the fateful ball - but there's plenty Disney unforgivably left out. It's a momentous occasion at Castle Grimm: it's all at once the series 5 finale, the last famous Grimm story, and the final story from volume 1. As such, we've split it into two episodes.  Part 1 we hear the story and discuss our initial thoughts. We also learn about the Grimms' sources for the story - or perhaps we don't learn about the sources. In Part 2, we'll do a deep dive into the history and origins of Cinderella in the world of literature and folklore.  Settle in for an epic Grimm Reading two-parter; we're thrilled to have you along.  This episode is Certified Grimm and may not be suitable for all listeners.  T

In this story, a psychopathic couple get a schooling from their son when the little boy witnesses the harsh treatment of his grandfather. Things get moralistic this week's as we read the Grimm story, The Old Man And His Grandson.  After the tale, we explore the world of old men in folktales, specifically three ATU types that deal with old men looking for care in their twilight years - finishing with a harrowing story from the Philipines, or possibly Mexico. This episode is Certified Grimm and may not be suitable for all listeners.  Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Brahms' 4 Piano  Pieces, Op. 119 - 2. Intermezzo in E minor  & Sonata in C major Op.1 - III. Scherzo performed by Peter Bradley-Fulgoni   

On his deathbed, a King commands trusty John, his most loyal servant, to protect his son and heir. But when the boy falls in love with a forbidden painting, John's loyalty is pushed to the limit. Will he sacrifice himself for the sake of the boy? Find out in Faithful John! The Brothers Grimm story responsible for Oscar Wilde's greatest work and your favourite scene in Star Wars.  After the story, we try to tracy its lineage from West to East, by way of a medieval French romance and the unexpected story of Hercules' run in with a poisoned shirt. This episode is “Certified Grimm” for adult themes and may not be suitable for all listeners. Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Dvorak's Romantic Pieces, Op. 75 - 3. Allegro appassionato // Maria Szymanowska's Polonaise No. 3  

Welcome to our fifth Christmas party AND our 100th episode! Join us round the fire as we get festive in a bumper episode. This year we get an American story, The Poor Count's Christmas, featuring a greedy giant, an underhanded fairy, and an aristocrat with a Christmas addiction. That adventure is swiftly followed by the opening few mini chapters of the classic tale The Nutcracker. But before that, we share the usual gifts, pull a cracker or two, and also take a trip around the world on a culinary tour of global festive food traditions, thanks to an amazing response from our Instagram followers. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to one and all! Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" from The Nutcracker Suite from the music.org European Archive // Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije Suite: Troika performed by the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra

In this episode we talk to travel writer Nicholas Jubber about his latest book The Fairy Tellers, which unearths the incredible lives of the people behind famous fairy tales. The Fairy Tellers introduces us to seven of the most influential story tellers, including Hans Christian Andersen, Dortchten Wild, Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve, and Hanna Dyab, who between them gave us Hansel and Gretel, Beauty And The Beast, The Snow Queen, and Aladdin, to name a few. Who were these people? What’s behind the magic of their story telling? And just how good really is Basile? We talk about all this and more, and end with Nick sharing his favourite fairy tale. Learn more about Nick Jubber at his website. And pick up a copy The Fairy Tellers just in time for Christmas! Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com

We finally land at the feet of the longest story in the entire collection, The Two Brothers. And this one's got it all. Dragons, witches, heroes, villains, damsels - this may well be the fairy tale story you’ve been waiting for! When two brothers are banished from home, they gather a retinue of animal disciples and hit the road. Deciding to go their separate ways, the eldest battles a dragon and wins the heart of a princess. But when a tree-climbing witch turns him to stone, it’s up to the younger brother to save the day. But will he stay true when he’s mistaken for his brother? Join us on an epic adventure that eventually takes us all the way to ancient Egypt and arguably the earliest fairy tale ever recorded... Link to The History Of Egypt Podcast's episode on The Tale Of The Two Brothers. This episode is “Certified Grimm” for adult themes and may not be suitable for all listeners. Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Sc

Left alone in heaven, Saint Peter hears a knock at the door; a light-fingered tailor wants in. Against the wishes of the Good Lord, Peter lets the tailor through the pearly gates and into paradise. What will happen when the big chief returns home to find heaven in disorder? And why does everyone love Spanish cavalrymen? Find out in The Tailor In Heaven! We discuss tailors in fairy tales, Odin’s special seat, a Swiss party town, and finally hear another folk tale of crafty tailors cheating their way into heaven. Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata in A major D. 664 - III. Allegro (performed by Paul Pitman) // Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata no. 16 in A minor, D. 845 (performed by Paul Pitman) // Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata no. 18 in G major, D.894 (performed by Paul Pitman)

Welcome to our first ever Halloween special! Join us round the fire as we read the famous Russian fairy tale Vasilisa The Beautiful. We then have a full Baba Yaga takeover where we do a deep dive on the intriguing witch of slavic folklore.  Creepy pork-eating dolls, evil step mothers, colourful horesmen - things get spooky in the castle with this curious story, a mix of Cinderella and Hansel And Gretel with added Baba Yaga, what’s not to love? Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Aram Khachaturian's Masquerade Waltz // Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (performed by Paul Pitman) // Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet - Dance of the Knights

Things are going well for a newly married couple until a dog steals a sausage. Before you know it the house is a wreck and some thieves have stolen all their gold.  So Frederick and Catherine set out to track down the thieves and mayhem ensues as we enjoy a generous helping of hilarious misunderstandings, before it all ends with a pastor running for his life.  After the story, we try to make sense of this bizarre little story, a close cousin of an old Grimm Reading classic Clever Elsie. And finally we talk about idiocy in fairy tales (and how surprisingly common it is) before battling to find an appropriate score. Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Rimsky-Korsakov's Flight Of The Bumblebee (performed by US Army Band) // Schubert's Piano Sonata no. 20 in A major, D. 959 - III.  (European Archive) // Brahms' Sixteen Waltzes, Op. 39 (performed by Martha Goldstein)