Grimm Reading

An opportunistic onlooker robs a gang of their stolen loot. But when his brother demands to know where he got his riches, this new life of wealth starts to look precarious.  Will the gang discover the true thief? And will any escape alive? Find out as we read The Brothers Grimm’s Semsi Mountain.  After the story, we address the elephant in the room and dive straight in to a very famous similar story, the wonderful Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.  Join our Patreon to hear our special episode on Ali Baba, or purchase a direct MP3 download here. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade, Op.35, The Kalendar Prince, performed by University of Chicago Orchestra // Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata Op. 27 No.2 - III. Presto performed by Paul Pitman

How much porridge is too much porridge? Find out as we read the Brothers Grimm's tale 'Sweet Porridge'. From Tom Cruise to giant Vikings, Great Flood myths to perpetual motion machines - this one is truly a wild ride. We discuss Goethe, Disney,  Bob Hoskins, Asbjørnsen and Moe, and much besides as we look at the many influences and obscure connections to this piece of narrative, folkloric fiction.  ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Chopin's Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 // Chopin's Fantaisie Impromptu, Op. 66.1 // Dvořák's String Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 97

Witches, siblings, memory games, and magic - join us as we read and review 'The Lambkin And The Little Fish' from The Grimms' Fairy Tales.    An evil stepmother turns two siblings into a lamb and a fish. When she orders her cook to slaughter the lamb sister, how can the fish brother save her? And will they ever regain their human form?   In this episode, we discuss the Grimms' obsession with sibling adventure tales and hear another version of this folk tale type from Ottoman Turkey. Finally, we pick the next batch of stories that will lead us to the end of Series 8.  ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Mendelssohn's Lieder ohne Wortev (performed by Benjamin Moser, piano) // Chopin's Valse No. 6 in D flat major, Op. 64, No. 1 ('Minute' Waltz)

Four animals negotiate their time on Earth with God. Who will emerge with the most years? And is there a twist awaiting the victor? Join us as we read the Grimm fairy tale, “The Duration Of Life”. After the story, we discuss ideas of ‘the stages of life’ and ‘the ages of mankind’ from throughout history. Plus, we hear from a grumpy Sphinx and Matt reads his first Shakespeare soliloquy in a desperate attempt to win an Olivier Award.  ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Johannes Brahms' Op. 81 performed by Musopen Symphony // Johannes Brahms' Hungraian Dance No. 3 - Allegretto in F Major performed by Luis Sarro // Johannes Brahms' Hungraian Dance No. 7 - Allegretto in F Major performed by Andreas Pfaul

Things get weird as we read one of the most tantalisingly titled stories in the Brothers Grimm collection, 'One-Eye, Two-Eyes, and Three-Eyes'.   A young girl suffers at the hands of her mother and sisters. Will a magical goat be able to save her? And if not, can a passing knight offer the help she needs? Join us as we read a most peculiar Grimm tale, before debuting a new segment, "Eye Stories of Ancient Religions," where we try to make sense of the Grimms annotations and see where this all started. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Beethoven's sonata No. 7 in C minor, Op. 30, No. 2 (Corey Cerovsek, violin; Paavali Jumppanen, piano) // Dvořák's Serenade for Strings Op.22 3 Scherzo // Maria Szymanowska's Polonaise No. 3 (Alexander Kostritsa, piano)

After a vicious attack on the family nest, four young sparrows are left to fend for themselves. When they return home, their anxious father enquires how they fared in the wide world. As each recounts their harrowing tale, we learn a valuable lesson in how to stay safe in a dangerous world.    Join us as we read the Grimms' tale, The Sparrow And His Four Children! More a sermon than a story, we discuss the origins of the tale, from the bible through to the Grimms, before hearing an Indian sparrow story about violent retribution - much more familiar ground.    ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Beethoven's Sonata no. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 no. 2 - III. Allegretto performed by Paul Pitman // Motzart's Sonata No. 13 In B Flat Major, K.333 - I. Allegro performed by Brendan Kinsella // Beethoven's 12 German Dances performed by Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra

After an ill-advised street brawl, Death gets back on his feet thanks to a helping hand from a passing young man. As a reward, Death promises to send his messengers before claiming the man himself. Will this newfound freedom cause trouble? And what exactly are these messengers? Yes, it's the return of the fan-favourite recurring character: Death! And as ever with Death, things are not quite as straightforward as they appear... After the story, we chase the messengers of death around the world with the help of a centuries-old academic journal, and discover why this folktale has more to do with Buddhism than the German peasantry.  ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Camille Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre, Op. 40 (Marika Fältskogh, Marc Soustrot, Malmö Symphony Orchestra) // Chopin's Nocturne in B flat minor, Op. 9 no. 1 

Come one, come all to this year’s Grimm Reading Christmas party! We engage in the usual frivolity with presents and festive cheer. And of course, we once more delve into the strange world of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker And The Mouse King.    We also introduce a new segment - the Christmas monster of the year! We meet Jólakötturinn, aka The Yule Cat, a terrifying giant feline who roams Iceland on Christmas.    Have a wonderful Christmas season, wherever you are and we’ll see you in the new year.    ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" & "The Magical Castle in the Kingdom of Sweets" from The Nutcracker Suite from the music.org European Archive

Has Christmas always been wholesome? What did Halloween steal from Christmas? And what happens when you bump into a Krampus? Join us for a special interview episode, where we talk to Sarah Clegg, author of "The Dead of Winter: The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of Christmas". We discuss her run-ins with Christmas monsters, learn about the surprisingly unruly history of Christmas celebrations, and hear why Jacob Grimm may have a lot to answer for... From wassailing to ghostly walks, this is Christmas in a whole new light. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy  

An industrious woman dreams big, but how will her husband, Long Laurence react when she reveals her plans?  An unexpectedly brutal tale leads to an exploration of 'air castles', from Aesop to Leo Tolstoy, and a man getting a faceful of rice gruel... This episode is Certified Grimm for adult themes and may not be suitable for all listeners. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Brahms' Piano Trio No.2, Op.87 performed by Edwin Fischer, Wolfgang Schneiderhan, & Enrico Mainardi  // Brahms'  String Quintet No.1, Op.88 performed by Musicians from Marlboro // Brahms' 7 Fantasien, Op.116 performed by Ivan Ilić 

Evil wizards, crying stags, sharp-shooting damsels – prepare for a wild tale as the Grimms go full Indiana Jones with "The Glass Coffin". A poor tailor seeks shelter from a storm in a forest cabin; little does he know his life is about to change forever. When a violent stag abducts him, the tailor finds himself in a mysterious cave complete with two glass boxes. What will he find? And why did the Edwardians go mad for glass caskets?  Find out all this and more in our latest episode. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Beethoven's Sonata, La major, Op.69 - I. Allegro ma non tanto.1 // Chopin's Fantasy-Impromptu No. 4 in C sharp minor, Op. 66

It’s a 2-4-1 deal at Grimm Castle today as we read TWO Brothers Grimm tales: “The Hurds” and “Looking For A Bride”. What’s the correct way to choose your spouse? What does ‘hurd’ mean? And what’s the best way to prep cheese? All this and more will be revealed as we explore two short, sweet and sexist tales from the master storytellers. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Brahms' 2 Rhapsodies, Op.79 performed by Luis Kolodin // Brahms' Hungarian Dance No.2 in D minor performed by Caroline Goulding & Shuai Wang // Brahms' String Sextet No.1, Op.18 performed by Musicians from Marlboro

Things are getting spooky at Castle Grimm as we celebrate Halloween with the story “Koshchei the Deathless”, aka “Maria Morevna”. Prepare to be whisked into a world of immortal evil wizards, battle-loving queens, and rivers of fire. There may even feature a brief cameo from an old friend… Happy Halloween all!   Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Aram Khachaturian's Masquerade Waltz // Liszt's Totentanz (Dance of the Dead) S. 126/2

We’re back for series 8! Magic beds, secret raves, invisible soldiers - we kick things off with "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" aka "The Shoes That Were Danced To Pieces". It’s a somewhat famous story and surprisingly magical and romantic for the Grimms, albeit overtly violent and deeply problematic. So join us as we once more delve into the world of the Brothers Grimm, and chase this folk tale from ancient Babylon through Victorian England (via the story "Kate Crackernuts"), and ending unexpectedly at Barbie. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Strauss's Wiener Blut Op.354 Waltz // Tchaikovsky's Waltz in F sharp minor, no. 9 from Op. 40 

The series is over, but were you listening? Join us for a live quiz where we ask questions on Series 7 trivia, and three lucky winners receive prizes.  Series 8 is coming on October 12th! You can watch the live quiz on YouTube via this link.  Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko

Season 7 is in the bag! But which stories were the best and worst of the bunch? We reveal the winners and losers of the series, share some porridge updates, hear what listeners have to say, and set up the start of series 8.  QUIZ! Saturday 28th June 7pm (BST) Link to the Series 7 Live Quiz so you can subscribe and join in the fun. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Dvořák's String Quintet No. 3 in E-flat Major // Dvořák's Humoresque

Three friendly bachelor bears decide to take a walk while their porridge cools. Little do they suspect that an opportunistic young lady called Goldilocks will break in and help herself to breakfast. Will the bears catch her in the act or will she get away? What’s the best way to have porridge? And where do Aristotle and Stephen Hawking fit into all this? Join us for the series seven finale as we read Goldilocks and the Three Bears - and then share the history of how the story developed. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Dvorak's Legends, Op.59 - 2. Molto moderato (G major) // Beethoven's Piano Sonata no.15 in D major op.28  Pastoral - IV. Rondo. Allegro ma non tropp, performed by Karine Gilanyan

Creepy villains, elderly princesses, troublesome beards - this is not your average fairy tale. In Old Rinkrank, a princess gets imprisoned in a glass mountain by an evil creature and given an unpleasant new name. Will she be able to save herself? And will her fiancé have waited for her? Find out in the penultimate episode of the season! After the story, we attempt to ascend our own glass mountain and identify the tale's place in the canon of folklore, leading us to Poland and Norway where things get, you guessed, nice and weird. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Beethoven's Piano Sonata no. 14 in C#m 'Moonlight', Op. 27 no. 2 - III. Presto // Beethoven's 13 Sonata No. 8 in C Minor Pathétique, Op. 13 - III. Rondo-Allegro

When a horned owl takes up residence in a barn, the townsfolk slowly lose their minds as they try to oust the intruder. Will the townsfolk come to their senses and the owl escape? Or is the owl to meet a grisly end? From owls to algorithms, killer trains to Puerto Rican pirate vessels, this episode takes us on a wild ride through some of the stranger corners of history as we dig into what exactly this story means. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Camille Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33 - I. Allegro non troppo // Franz Schubert's Sonata in B Flat Major, D. 960 - IV. Allegro ma non troppo, performed by Paul Pittman

This is the full episode of our latest Grimmflix - a special Patreon series where we review grimmesque movies. We enjoyed it and wanted to share with everyone. In this episode of Grimmflix, we review the 1987 cult classic movie, The Princess Bride. Will Adam love it? Was it worth the wait? We share our thoughts on the movie before awarding our Grimms. We then explore the making of the film and share some behind-the-scenes stories, thanks to Cary Elwes' memoir, As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride. For more episodes of Grimmflix, and other special episodes and perks, check  out our Patreon. And you can also join in on our Princess Bride book club too! ... Linktree Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Also Sprach Zarathustra, by Richard Strauss Other music: Chopin's Valse No. 6 in D flat major, Op. 64, No. 1 ('Minute' Waltz)

A king is dying. But which of his three sons shall inherit the kingdom? There’s only one way to decide… Things get sluggardly and etymological in this episode as we read The Three Sluggards by The Brothers Grimm. After the story, before we know what’s hit us we’re discussing everything from Sussex slang words, slugs, our old friend Straparola, and Kim Jong Un. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Duchess Anna Amalia of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel's Erwin and Elmire: Overture. Peter Gulke, conductor.  

When a farmer grows a giant turnip and is rewarded by the king, his jealous brother plots to murder him. How will he escape his assassins? And does the titular turnip have anything to do with the plot? Find out in this episode, where we read The Turnip by the Brothers Grimm! After the story, we're led across a world of culture - from Pulp Fiction to Serbian hip-hop to the UK's obsession with giant vegetables. If you want to grow your own giant veg along with us, check out giantvegseeds.com. And here's a link to Rep Repa, for your listening pleasure. Patrons, don't forget to vote for the series finale! ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Dvorak's String Quintet No. 3 in E-flat Major // Rokeri s Moravu's Rep Repa

Reynard is back in action and using his wits for good, unless you're a lion... When an old horse is abandoned by its owner and given an impossible task, Raynard the fox summons all his wiles in aid of the horse's plight.  After the story, we explore several other fables of foxes and horses, taking us from the summit of French high literature to a humble stable in the Isle of Skye, Scotland, to see just how widespread this story once was.  ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: The second movement of Maurice Ravel's String Quartet, played by string players of the United States Army Band

Can a charlatan doctor solve a case of missing money? Join us for this week's story Dr Know-All, which somehow features crabs, an ABC book, a man in a stove, and some spectacular failing upwards... This spins out into a discussion of other similar stories from around the world, culminating in the medieval Indian tale of Harrisaman (FKA Froggie)... ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Brahms' Trio in A Minor, Op. 114 - I. Allegro performed by Paul Pitman, Michael Arnold & Bang-Eun Lee //  Brahms' 8 Piano Pieces, Op. 76 - 5. Capriccio. Agitato, ma non troppo Presto (C♯ minor) performed by Luis Sarro // Brahms' 4 Piano Pieces, Op. 119 - 2. Intermezzo in E minor performed by Peter Bradley-Fulgoni

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s a squadron of flying gnomes. Join us for this week’s story The Gnome - a tale of brotherly betrayal, multi-headed dragons, magic flutes, and cheeky little helpers. After the story, we have a short history of gnomes, from Roman smut to Pink Floyd and beyond... ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 2: Finale, Bernd Glemser, piano, Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Antoni Wit, conductor //  Tchaikovsky's Waltz in F sharp minor, no. 9 from Op. 40

Merry Christmas to one and all! Join us for another end of year party at Grimm Castle, where we delve deep into The Nutcracker And The Mouse King, almost completely losing our minds. We then sober up with a special surprise short story, featuring some unlikely characters… So join us for a cracker, a mince pie, spiced wine, gifts, and merriment a-plenty at this year’s Grimm Reading Christmas party.  ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music:  Tchaikovsky's" Dance Of The Flutes" and "Russian Dance" from The Nutcracker Suite from the music.org European Archive // Sergei Prokofiev - Lieutenant Kije Suite: Troika, performed by Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra // Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" from The Nutcracker Suite performed by Kevin Macleod

For one last time, the Devil's grandma is back. After three soldiers desert the army, they make a bargain with the Devil for their souls. After seven fun-filled years, the Devil arrives to claim his debt. But perhaps Grandma can offer our unlikely heroes a helping hand... Riddles, dragons and magic whips - join us for The Devil And His Grandmother. We also talk dragons in the bible, and explore the fascinating legend of Faust and the Faustian pact, through Marlowe to Goethe. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Demersseman's Solo de Concert no. 4, Op. 80 // Chopin's Étude Op. 10, no. 5 in G flat major - 'Black Keys' // Chopin's Nocturne in C sharp minor 'Lento con gran espressione', B. 49 (Op. posth.) // Wagner's Faust Overture

In this interview episode, we talk to author and poet Clare Pollard about her latest novel: The Modern Fairies. Set in the Paris and Versailles of Louis the XIV, the novel drops us into the heart of Madame D’Alnouy’s illustrious, raucous, and radical salon. It's "Disney meets Dangerous Liaisons" and a brilliant, cosy read. We talk to Clare about fairy tales, writing, salons, audiobooks and plenty more besides.  Discover Clare's writings through her website. You can also subscribe to her Substack and follow her on Instagram.  And treat yourself to a copy of The Modern Fairies while you're at it. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko

Adam's Christmas comes early as we find ourselves in an enchanted cat castle in this week's Grimm story.  When an old miller challenges his apprentices to find the best horse, one befriends a cat who promises to help. But is she more than she seems? After the story, we find ourselves in early-modern Paris where we meet fairy tale behemoth Madame D'Aulnouy. We hear of her extraordinary life as well as a short version of her related story, The White Cat.  ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Liszt's Waltz aus dem Ballet Die Amazonen // Leroy Anderson's The Waltzing Cat, performed by Markus Staab // Schumann's Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15 - III. Blind Man's Buff, performed by Donald Betts

We take on Donkey Cabbages - one of the most bizarre and barmy tales we've heard in a while. Not only do we get witches, giants and magic clouds, we also discover a new concept - the minimal counterintuitive hypothesis. What makes a story stick? Some scientists think they've found the answer... We then briefly look at man-donkeys in storytelling, say hi to Shakespeare, and meet the long-forgotten German folkhero Fortunatus. Here's a link to the paper we discuss in the episode: Memory and Mystery: The Cultural Selection of Minimally Counterintuitive Narratives ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Grieg's Holberg Suite, from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston // Massenet's Toccata Jules Massenet, performed Jean Dube

It’s getting spooky in the castle as we read Baba Yaga and the Brave Youth.   Will our hero escape the clutches of our favourite Slavic witch? Why does Baba Yaga love spoons so much? And has she secretly been a mother all along?   Join us round the fire to find out all this and more. Happy Halloween everyone!   Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Rachmaninoff's Canon in E Minor, performed by Luis Kolodin // Rachmaninoff's String Quartett No. 2 performed by Steve Jones // Rachmaninoff's Etudes-Tableaux Op. 39 performed by Peter Bradley-Fulgoni // Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor

We’re back with a brand new series and a brand new volume of tales... And we begin with The Four Skillful Brothers, a story of masterly thievery, improbable astronomy, dastardly dragons, and a man who sews up eggs. After the story, we explore its origins before doing a deep dive on dragons: including the history of rescuing princesses from dragons in storytelling, and a patriotic stretch where we look into the Welsh red dragon and the story of St. George. We can’t wait to get stuck into Volume 2; thanks for sticking around! Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Dvorak's Romance for violin and piano, performed by Goldstein and M Pavel // Schubert's Fantasy in C Major Op.15 D.760 'Wanderer' - I. Allegro con fuoco

We have our winner! Step on into the castle for a glitzy awards night where we reveal the Grimmbledon champion, as well as the results of the Special Awards. Thank you so much to everyone who's listened and taken part. We're away now for the rest of the summer. Click here to pick up a copy of our special Aladdin episode to see you through the hot (northern) summer days, otherwise we'll meet again round the fire for the Grimms' Volume 2 later in the year! As always, keep it grimm. Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, op. 58, G major (1st movement, allegro moderato), performed by Debbie Hu // Brahms' Waltz op. 39, No. 15, performed by Paul Cantrell 

Find out which four stories survived the Semi-Finals and made it to the finals! Voting for the final is live right now. Cast your vote here: https://forms.gle/xkvy8aVEd9EH4qkT9  Or visit www.grimmreading.wordpress.com/final In the episode, we also read out voters' comments with their reasoning for their choices. And we launch a final Special Awards Poll. It's all go here as we ramp up for the final! We'll be back soon to crown a champion. In the meantime, keep it grimm! Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music:  Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C Minor Pathétique, Op. 13 - III. Rondo - Allegro 1

The time has arrived to finish off the Grimms’ Children’s Legends, and in this episode we hear the four remaining stories: The Twelve Apostles, Poverty And Humility Lead to Heaven, The Heavenly Wedding, and The Hazel Branch. We again do our best to parse the piety and manage the misery, and rate them out of 10. Still one day left to vote in Semi-Final 2. Link here: https://forms.gle/TjJnhyuZ3uVKEvrRA Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Brahms' Piano Sonata no. 3 in Fm, Op. 5 - I. Allegro maestoso, performed by Luis Sarro 

It's the second (and last) of the Semi-Finals. Re-discover the sweeping and strange histories of the four competing stories and then cast your vote!  Semi-Final 2 voting link: https://forms.gle/TjJnhyuZ3uVKEvrRA Battling it out are the tales: The Two Brothers The Valiant Little Tailor The Fisherman And His Wife The Elves And The Shoemaker The top two tales from the poll will secure themselves a place in the Grand Final. Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Brahms' Cello Sonata Cello Sonata No.1, Op.38, performed by Colliard and Ligoratti

It's the first of the two Grimmbledon Semi-Finals, where four of the stories that survived the Group Stage are battling it out for a place in the Grand Final... Semi-Final 1 voting poll link: https://forms.gle/DeeZ9bpmxsMUFDJ86 After recapping the stories in the Group Stage, this episode we delve a little deeper into some background information, ATU types, and related tales, to help inform your decisions. The top two tales from the poll will secure themselves a place in the Grand Final... so vote carefully! Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Brahms' Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn Op. 56b Var. VII performed by Neal O'Doan

Twenty Grimm stories have fought it out in the Group Stages, but only eight have made it through to the Semi-Finals... Find out which tales got the most public votes and secured their spot!  Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music:  Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C Minor Pathétique, Op. 13 - III. Rondo - Allegro 1

This time we take on the Grimms’ Children’s Legends, including the stories: The Three Green Twigs, God’s Food, The Aged Woman, and The Rose. We do our best to make sense of the misery and rate them out of 10. Still one day left to vote in Group D. Link here: https://forms.gle/BJSvF6SVVkYGdHcF8   Twitter Facebook Instagram Patreon   [email protected] Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Brahms' Piano Sonata no. 3 in Fm, Op. 5 - I. Allegro maestoso, performed by Luis Sarro 

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   [email protected] 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   [email protected] 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   [email protected] 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   [email protected] 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   [email protected] 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   [email protected] 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   [email protected] 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 // Sergei Prokofiev - Lieutenant Kije Suite: Troika, performed by Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra // Peter Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker: Decorating the Christmas Tree, performed by Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra // Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Flutes" and "Waltz Of The Flowers" from The Nutcracker Suite performed by Kevin Macleod

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   [email protected] 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