The Elves and the Shoemaker: The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm

The Story of "The Elves and the Shoemaker"

There was once a Shoemaker who, through no fault of his own, had become so poor that at last he had only leather enough left for one pair of shoes. At evening he cut out the shoes which he intended to begin upon the next morning, and since he had a good conscience, he lay down quietly, said his prayers, and fell asleep.

In the morning when he had said his prayers, and was preparing to sit down to work, he found the pair of shoes standing finished on his table. He was amazed, and could not understand it in the least.

He took the shoes in his hand to examine them more closely. They were so neatly sewn that not a stitch was out of place, and were as good as the work of a master-hand.

Soon after a purchaser came in, and as he was much pleased with the shoes, he paid more than the ordinary price for them, so that the Shoemaker was able to buy leather for two pairs of shoes with the money.

He cut them out in the evening, and next day, with fresh courage, was about to go to work; but he had no need to, for when he got up, the shoes were finished, and buyers were not lacking. These gave him so much money that he was able to buy leather for four pairs of shoes.

Early next morning he found the four pairs finished, and so it went on; what he cut out at evening was finished in the morning, so that he was soon again in comfortable circumstances, and became a well-to-do man.

Now it happened one evening, not long before Christmas, when he had cut out some shoes as usual, that he said to his Wife: ‘How would it be if we were to sit up to-night to see who it is that lends us such a helping hand?’

The Wife agreed, lighted a candle, and they hid themselves in the corner of the room behind the clothes which were hanging there.

At midnight came two little naked men who sat down at the Shoemaker’s table, took up the cut-out work, and began with their tiny fingers to stitch, sew, and hammer so neatly and quickly, that the Shoemaker could not believe his eyes. They did not stop till everything was quite finished, and stood complete on the table; then they ran swiftly away.

The next day the Wife said: ‘The little men have made us rich, and we ought to show our gratitude. They were running about with nothing on, and must freeze with cold. Now I will make them little shirts, coats, waistcoats, and hose, and will even knit them a pair of stockings, and you shall make them each a pair of shoes.’

The Husband agreed, and at evening, when they had everything ready, they laid out the presents on the table, and hid themselves to see how the little men would behave.

At midnight they came skipping in, and were about to set to work; but, instead of the leather ready cut out, they found the charming little clothes.

At first they were surprised, then excessively delighted. With the greatest speed they put on and smoothed down the pretty clothes, singing:

‘Now we’re boys so fine and neat,
Why cobble more for other’s feet?’

Then they hopped and danced about, and leapt over chairs and tables and out at the door. Henceforward, they came back no more, but the Shoemaker fared well as long as he lived, and had good luck in all his undertakings.

The Story of "The Elves and the Shoemaker"
- Grimm's Fairy Tales -

The Moral of The Elves and the Shoemaker: Finding Meaning in Generosity and Hard Work

The Brothers Grimm’s tale "The Elves and the Shoemaker" conveys a warm, timeless moral that transcends age and cultural boundaries. In this story, a poor, hardworking shoemaker receives unexpected help from magical elves who complete his work while he sleeps, leading to a profound transformation in his life. His initial poverty gives way to abundance, and he and his wife ultimately express gratitude by making clothes for the elves.

Through this seemingly simple narrative, "The Elves and the Shoemaker" reveals several key moral lessons relevant to anyone seeking to lead a life grounded in kindness, appreciation, and diligence.

1. The Power of Gratitude and Reciprocity

The shoemaker and his wife do not take the elves’ work for granted. Instead of assuming they are entitled to this kindness, they recognize it as an unexpected gift. When they witness the tiny figures working tirelessly, they feel compelled to express their gratitude. The shoemaker's wife suggests creating clothes for the elves, acknowledging that they, too, deserve warmth and comfort. Their gratitude transforms into a tangible act of giving back—a lesson in how true appreciation often inspires action.

In "The Elves and the Shoemaker," when others go out of their way to support us, expressing thanks goes beyond words. We can show appreciation through acts of kindness, however simple, to acknowledge and honor those who have helped us along the way. In personal and professional relationships, gratitude strengthens bonds and encourages a cycle of mutual support.

2. The Value of Diligence and Perseverance in "The Elves and the Shoemaker"

The shoemaker doesn’t become wealthy overnight. Even before the elves appear, he is diligent and faithful, working carefully to cut leather each night, hoping for a better tomorrow. His commitment to craftsmanship and quality stands as a testament to the importance of diligence, even when times are tough. The elves’ aid multiplies his initial efforts, reinforcing the idea that perseverance and quality work set the foundation for success.

Hard work and quality craftsmanship are often rewarded, even if the fruits of one’s labor take time to manifest. Persevering through difficult times can be challenging, but dedication to high standards can attract support and opportunities when least expected. Like the shoemaker, remaining faithful to one’s craft, even when the results aren’t immediately visible, lays a foundation for future success.

3. The Joy of Giving Freely Without Expecting Anything in Return

In "The Elves and the Shoemaker," the elves help the shoemaker without expecting payment or acknowledgment. Their actions are selfless, creating a beautiful model of generosity. Similarly, the shoemaker and his wife respond in kind, making clothes for the elves not as payment or a bribe, but as an expression of pure gratitude. They give without expecting further assistance or reward, understanding that some gifts are most meaningful when they are freely given.

Acts of kindness that are done without any expectation of reciprocation have a special significance. They build trust, foster goodwill, and can often lead to a positive ripple effect. Being generous, whether with our time, talents, or resources, creates connections that enrich lives, including our own.

4. Seeing Value in Small, Unexpected Help from "The Elves and the Shoemaker"

The shoemaker’s life is transformed not by grand gestures or sweeping changes, but by the small, consistent help of the elves. Their work may be tiny, yet it changes his life. This aspect of the story highlights the idea that meaningful help can come from humble sources and that even small acts of service can have a huge impact.

Sometimes the greatest assistance comes in subtle ways. By valuing and noticing these smaller contributions, we deepen our awareness of the help that surrounds us and become more open to receiving support from unexpected places.

5. Kindness Attracts Good Fortune

In "The Elves and the Shoemaker," while the shoemaker’s fortune initially seems to stem from the elves’ intervention, it is also worth noting that his own kindness and trust likely contributed to his good fortune. Rather than becoming greedy or complacent, he and his wife choose to show appreciation to the elves, giving back in gratitude rather than taking advantage of their help. Their good fortune continues to grow, illustrating that kindness has a way of returning, often when we least expect it.

Good deeds and a giving spirit can cultivate an atmosphere of positivity and openness, which, in turn, can attract good fortune. Leading a life characterized by kindness and appreciation can create favorable outcomes, making us more resilient and optimistic in the face of life’s challenges.

6. Finding Happiness in Modesty and Simplicity in "The Elves and the Shoemaker"

Despite his newfound wealth, the shoemaker doesn’t change his modest lifestyle drastically. He continues to work humbly and appreciate the little blessings in his life, rather than letting his newfound success lead to vanity or greed. His wife is equally content with the simple gesture of clothing the elves, reflecting a happiness rooted in simplicity and moderation.

A modest lifestyle often brings more lasting happiness than one focused on excess. Valuing simplicity can help us stay grounded and appreciate the blessings we already have. When we focus on what truly matters—kindness, gratitude, and meaningful work—our lives are more likely to feel abundant and fulfilling, regardless of material wealth.

Conclusion

"The Elves and the Shoemaker" is a tale that reminds us of the profound impact of gratitude, generosity, and simple, honest work. The shoemaker’s story exemplifies that wealth is more than financial gain; it’s found in the relationships we build, the gratitude we express, and the joy we find in giving back.

By adopting these values, we enrich not only our lives but also the lives of those around us, creating a cycle of kindness and good fortune that has the power to uplift and inspire.