The Pink: The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm

The Story of "The Pink"

There was once a Queen, who had not been blessed with children. As she walked in her garden, she prayed every morning that a son or daughter might be given to her. Then one day an Angel came, and said to her: ‘Be content: you shall have a son, and he shall be endowed with the power of wishing, so that whatsoever he wishes for shall be granted to him.’ She hurried to the King, and told him the joyful news; and when the time came a son was born to them, and they were filled with delight.

Every morning the Queen used to take her little son into the gardens, where the wild animals were kept, to bathe him in a clear, sparkling fountain. It happened one day, when the child was a little older, that as she sat with him on her lap she fell asleep.

The old Cook, who knew that the child had the power of wishing, came by and stole it; he also killed a Chicken, and dropped some of its blood on the Queen’s garments. Then he took the child away to a secret place, where he placed it out to be nursed. Then he ran back to the King, and accused the Queen of having allowed her child to be carried off by a wild animal.

When the King saw the blood on the Queen’s garments he believed the story, and was overwhelmed with anger. He caused a high tower to be built, into which neither the sun nor the moon could penetrate. Then he ordered his wife to be shut up in it, and the door walled up. She was to stay there for seven years, without eating or drinking, so as gradually to pine away. But two Angels from heaven, in the shape of white doves, came to her, bringing food twice a day till the seven years were ended.

Meanwhile the Cook thought, ‘If the child really has the power of wishing, and I stay here, I might easily fall into disgrace.’ So he left the palace, and went to the boy, who was then old enough to talk, and said to him, ‘Wish for a beautiful castle, with a garden, and everything belonging to it.’ Hardly had the words passed the boy’s lips than all that he had asked for was there.

After a time the Cook said, ‘It is not good for you to be so much alone; wish for a beautiful Maiden to be your companion.’

The Prince uttered the wish, and immediately a Maiden stood before them, more beautiful than any painter could paint. So they grew very fond of each other, and played together, while the old Cook went out hunting like any grand gentleman. But the idea came to him one day that the Prince might wish to go to his father some time, and he would thereby be placed in a very awkward position. So he took the Maiden aside, and said to her, ‘To-night, when the boy is asleep, go and drive this knife into his heart. Then bring me his heart and his tongue. If you fail to do it, you will lose your own life.’

Then he went away; but when the next day came the Maiden had not yet obeyed his command, and she said, ‘Why should I shed his innocent blood, when he has never done harm to any creature in his life?’

The Cook again said, ‘If you do not obey me, you will lose your own life.’

When he had gone away, she ordered a young hind to be brought and killed; then she cut out its heart and its tongue, and put them on a dish. When she saw the old man coming she said to the boy, ‘Get into bed, and cover yourself right over.’

The old scoundrel came in and said, ‘Where are the tongue and the heart of the boy?’

The Maiden gave him the dish; but the Prince threw off the coverings, and said, ‘You old sinner, why did you want to kill me? Now hear your sentence. You shall be turned into a black Poodle, with a gold chain round your neck, and you shall be made to eat live coals, so that flames of fire may come out of your mouth.’

As he said the words, the old man was changed into a black Poodle, with a gold chain round his neck; and the scullions brought live coals, which he had to eat till the flames poured out of his mouth.

The Prince stayed on at the castle for a time, thinking of his mother, and wondering if she were still alive. At last he said to the Maiden, ‘I am going into my own country. If you like you can go with me; I will take you.’

She answered: ‘Alas! it is so far off, and what should I do in a strange country where I know no one?’

As she did not wish to go, and yet they could not bear to be parted, he changed her into a beautiful Pink, which he took with him.

Then he set out on his journey, and the Poodle was made to run alongside till the Prince reached his own country.

Arrived there, he went straight to the tower where his mother was imprisoned, and as the tower was so high he wished for a ladder to reach the top. Then he climbed up, looked in, and cried, ‘Dearest mother, lady Queen, are you still alive?’

She, thinking it was the Angels who brought her food come back, said, ‘I have just eaten; I do not want anything more.’

Then he said, ‘I am your own dear son whom the wild animals were supposed to have devoured ; but I am still alive, and I shall soon come and rescue you.’

Then he got down and went to his father. He had himself announced as a strange Huntsman, anxious to take service with the King, who said, ‘Yes; if he was skilled in game preserving, and could procure plenty of venison, he would engage him. But there had never before been any game in the whole district.’

The Huntsman promised to procure as much game as the King could possibly require for the royal table.

Then he called the whole Hunt together, and ordered them all to come into the forest with him. He caused a great circle to be enclosed, with only one outlet; then he took his place in the middle, and began to wish as hard as he could. Immediately over two hundred head of game came running into the enclosure; these the Huntsmen had to shoot, and then they were piled on to sixty country wagons, and driven home to the King. So for once he was able to load his board with game, after having had none for many years.

The King was much pleased, and commanded his whole court to a banquet on the following day. When they were all assembled, he said to the Huntsman, ‘You shall sit by me as you are so clever.’

He answered, ‘My lord and King, may it please your Majesty, I am only a poor Huntsman!’

The King, however, insisted, and said, ‘I command you to sit by me.’

As he sat there, his thoughts wandered to his dear mother, and he wished one of the courtiers would speak of her. Hardly had he wished it than the Lord High Marshal said—

‘Your Majesty, we are all rejoicing here, how fares it with Her Majesty the Queen? Is she still alive in the tower, or has she perished?’

But the King answered, ‘She allowed my beloved son to be devoured by wild animals, and I do not wish to hear anything about her.’

Then the Huntsman stood up and said—

‘Gracious father, she is still alive, and I am her son. He was not devoured by wild animals; he was taken away by the scoundrel of a Cook. He stole me while my mother was asleep, and sprinkled her garments with the blood of a chicken.’ Then he brought up the black Poodle with the golden chain, and said, ‘This is the villain.’

He ordered some live coals to be brought, which he made the dog eat. in the sight of all the people til! the flames poured out of his mouth. Then he asked the King if he would like to see the Cook in his true shape, and wished him back, and there he stood in his white apron, with his knife at his side.

The King was furious when he saw him, and ordered him to be thrown into the deepest dungeon. Then the Huntsman said further—

‘My father would you like to see the Maiden who so tenderly saved my life when she was ordered to kill me, although by so doing she might have lost her own life?’

The King answered, ‘Yes, I will gladly see her.’

Then his son said, ‘Gracious father, I will show her to you first in the guise of a beautiful flower.’

He put his hand into his pocket, and brought out the Pink. It was a finer one than the King had ever seen before. Then his son said, ‘Now, I will show her to you in her true form.’

The moment his wish was uttered, she stood before them in all her beauty, which was greater than any artist could paint.

The King sent ladies and gentlemen-in-waiting to the tower to bring the Queen back to his royal table. But when they reached the tower they found that she would no longer eat or drink, and she said, ‘The merciful God, who has preserved my life so long, will soon release me now.’

Three days after she died. At her burial the two white Doves which had brought her food during her captivity, followed and hovered over her grave.

The old King caused the wicked Cook to be torn into four quarters; but his own heart was filled with grief and remorse, and he died soon after.

His son married the beautiful Maiden he had brought home with him as a Flower, and, for all I know, they may be living still.

The Story of "The Pink"
- Grimm's Fairy Tales -

The Moral Lessons of "The Pink" by the Brothers Grimm

Fairy tales often carry timeless messages, and "The Pink," collected by the Brothers Grimm, is a prime example. This captivating story, filled with magic and dramatic twists, imparts several profound moral lessons that remain relevant today.

Here’s a closer look at these lessons and their implications:

1. The Power of Innocence and Integrity

At the heart of "The Pink" is the young prince, who, despite his extraordinary power to wish, remains kind-hearted and innocent. His moral integrity starkly contrasts with the deceitful cook, whose greed and malice drive the darker aspects of the plot. This contrast illustrates that true strength lies not just in having abilities or resources but in using them with virtue and integrity.

True strength is found in maintaining innocence and integrity, even in the face of temptation or adversity. The prince’s character shows that moral purity surpasses any magical power.

2. The Consequences of False Accusations

A central element of "The Pink" is the unjust punishment of the queen, orchestrated by the deceitful cook. His scheme to frame the queen leads to her wrongful imprisonment, highlighting the severe impact of false accusations and the ease with which innocent individuals can be wronged.

False accusations can have devastating effects. It is crucial to seek truth and justice rather than rushing to judgment or condemning others based on misleading evidence.

3. The Importance of Compassion and Mercy in "The Pink"

While the cook’s cruelty meets its fitting end, it is the maiden's compassion that stands out as a beacon of moral righteousness. Despite threats to her own life, she chooses not to harm the prince but to outwit the cook instead. Her mercy and kindness ultimately lead to her reward and the prince’s safety.

Compassion and mercy are powerful virtues that can lead to positive outcomes and personal rewards. Acting with kindness, even under pressure, reflects true moral strength.

4. The Role of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

The resolution of the tale brings justice but also underscores the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. The prince, despite his anger toward the cook, demonstrates forgiveness by revealing the truth to his father and honoring the maiden’s bravery.

Forgiveness can pave the way for healing and reconciliation. While justice is essential, it should be accompanied by a willingness to forgive and mend relationships where possible.

5. The Value of Perseverance and Patience

The queen’s endurance during her imprisonment symbolizes the power of perseverance through hardships. Her faith in eventual justice, despite prolonged suffering, is ultimately rewarded. This lesson reinforces the importance of patience and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Perseverance and patience are vital for overcoming challenges. Keeping faith in eventual justice or resolution, even when circumstances are grim, can lead to eventual success.

6. "The Pink" and the Transformative Power of Love and Loyalty

In "The Pink," the maiden’s love and loyalty to the prince transform her into a symbol of beauty and virtue. Her selflessness and dedication are ultimately recognized and rewarded, showing how love and loyalty can lead to profound transformations.

Love and loyalty, paired with selflessness and dedication, can produce transformative and rewarding outcomes. True affection is demonstrated through actions and sacrifices, which are eventually acknowledged and rewarded.

7. The Corruption of Power and Greed

The cook’s downfall is a direct result of his greed and lust for power. His self-serving actions lead to his own destruction, serving as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of greed and the moral decay it brings.

The pursuit of power and wealth, driven by greed, can lead to moral corruption and downfall. It is essential to handle power and material gain responsibly and ethically.

8. The Role of Fate and Justice in "The Pink"

The story also reflects on the roles of fate and divine justice. The prince's return and the revelation of the truth suggest a cosmic balance that corrects wrongs and rewards virtue. This reinforces the idea that justice, though sometimes delayed, will ultimately prevail.

Fate and divine justice are powerful forces that ensure balance in the world. Even when justice seems slow or obscured, it will eventually be served, affirming the importance of maintaining faith in fairness and morality.

Conclusion

"The Pink" is a rich tale that imparts various moral lessons through its engaging narrative and vibrant characters. From the value of integrity and compassion to the consequences of greed and false accusations, the story provides timeless wisdom that resonates across generations. Reflecting on these lessons offers valuable insights into human nature and ethical conduct, helping us foster a more just and compassionate world.