Grimm Reading
Two amateur Grimmologists sit by the fireside and read and review the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, one twisted tale at a time.
Episodes
Jack And The Beanstalk
Fee fi fo fum, it’s time for a famous one... Join us as we read and review Jack And The Beanstalk.
When a strange old man sells Jack some magic beans, his angry mother throws them out the window and sends Jack to bed.
But the next morning, a giant beanstalk stretches up into the clouds. What will Jack find up there? Will it end well for Jacky boy and his mum? And how many beans make five?
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The Old Man Made Young Again
From the origin of hominids to The Fountain of Youth, join us on a mad romp with the Grimms' story, 'The Old Man Made Young Again.'
When God shows off his skills to a blacksmith, the latter gets delusions of grandeur and tries to perform his own miracle - with predictably disastrous results. But just when he thought things couldn't get worse, his wife then suffers a peculiar and unexpected fate.
A
Semsi Mountain
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 sto
Sweet Porridge
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.
The Lambkin And The Little Fish
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 sibli
The Duration Of Life
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 despera
One-Eye, Two-Eyes, and Three-Eyes
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 o
The Sparrow And His Four Children
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 dis
Death's Messengers
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 str
Christmas Special 2025
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
The Dark Side of Christmas – Interview with author Sarah Clegg
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
Lean Lisa
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.
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The Glass Coffin
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
The Hurds + Looking For A Bride
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.
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Koshchei The Deathless (Halloween Special 2025)
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!
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The Twelve Dancing Princesses
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 fr
Series 7 Live Quiz
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.
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Series 7 Wrap-Up
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.
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Goldilocks And The Three Bears
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 r
Old Rinkrank
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
The Owl
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
Grimmflix: The Princess Bride
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 s
The Three Sluggards
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.
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The Turnip
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
The Fox And The Horse
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
Dr Know-All
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)...
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The Gnome
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...
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Christmas Special 2024
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.
The Devil And His Grandmother
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 th
An Interview With Clare Pollard (Author of The Modern Fairies)
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
The Poor Miller's Boy And His Cat
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
Donkey Cabbages
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
Baba Yaga And The Brave Youth (Halloween Special 2024)
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!
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The Four Skillful Brothers
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
Grimmbledon: Grand Final Results
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
Semi-Final Results + Grand Final Launch
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 fina
Children's Legends: Part 2
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/TjJnhyuZ3uVKEv
Grimmbledon: Semi-Final 2
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 p
Grimmbledon: Semi-Final 1
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 de
Grimmbledon: Group Stage Results
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!
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko
Other Music: Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C Minor Pathétique, Op. 13 - III. Rondo - Allegro 1
Children's Legends: Part 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
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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodby
Grimmbledon: Group D
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
Grimmbledon: Group C
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
Grimmbledon: Group B
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
Grimmbledon: Group A
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 s
Grimmbledon Playoff Draw (The Tournament Begins...)
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.
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Theme music: B
88. The Princess And The Pea (World Exclusive)
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 head
Christmas Livestream Quiz
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
Christmas Special 2023
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 Strasbur
5-Year Anniversary Livestream
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
Series 5 Wrap-Up
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
Cinderella (Part 2)
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 exp
Cinderella (Part 1)
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
The Old Man And His Grandson
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 wi
Faithful John
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,
Christmas Special 2022
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,
An Interview With Nick Jubber, Author Of The Fairy Tellers (Extra Grimm)
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, B
The Two Brothers
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 w
The Tailor In Heaven
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 sp
Vasilisa The Beautiful (Halloween Special 2022 ft. Baba Yaga)
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 G
Frederick And Catherine
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
The Valiant Little Tailor
Welcome to series 5 of Grimm Reading! We kick things off with The Valiant Little Tailor, story number 20 in the Grimms’ Fairy Tales.
When a little tailor takes down a swarm of flies ruining his jam on toast, he can’t believe his own bravery. His studio is now too small for a man like him, so he embroiders a commemorative girdle and sets off into the world to make his name.
Several vanquished giant
Series 4 Wrap-Up (ft. Red Riding Hood Extras)
We tie a bow on the latest series as we reveal the winning and losing Grimm stories from the season. Who gave out the most points? How many 9s did we give? What does it take to become the worst ever story? Discover all in 'Story Stats', where we please everyone by bringing out the spreadsheets and crunching some numbers.
After that, we share a piece of 'Bonus Audio' from Little Red Riding Hood - i
Little Red Riding Hood
It’s the series four finale so it’s time for a big bad story - join us round the fire for a rendition of the one, the only, Little Red Riding Hood (aka Little Red Cap)!
A young girl heads out from home to her grandmother’s - but en route she meets a wolf in the deep of the woods. After engaging in some polite small talk, the wolf weaves a dastardly plan to capture girl and granny alike. Will it en
Little Brother And Little Sister
Have you ever been so thirsty you’d risk turning into a tiger? Can you die from an overly hot bath? Is there a dark side of the moon? Discover the answers to all this and more in our latest episode on the Brothers Grimm story Little Brother and Little Sister.
When an evil witchy step-mother turns her step-son into a fawn, he and his sister move into a cottage together. But when the fawn boy is
The Fox And The Geese
This time we read the final story from the first volume of the Grimms' fairy tales: The Fox and the Geese. A tale in which our trusty cunning fox may have taken on more than he bargained for...
After the story things get mega foxy as we hear two other stories - that's right, two! - where things don't turn up entirely roses for Reynard: "The Hare And The Fox" by Ludwig Bechstein, and "Beasts In A P
Frau Trude
This time we read the shocking tale of Frau Trude. A young girl is enamoured with her neighbour Mrs. Trude. But her parents absolutely forbid her to go on a visit. Naturally, the young girl ignores her parents and before long we've got heads literally on fire among other bizarre happenings.
Will the girl escape or has curiosity killed the cat? Join us round the fire as we try to decipher this str
An Interview With Dr Jamie Tehrani On The Origins Of Fairy Tales
In this episode, we talk with Dr Jamie Tehrani of Durham University about his research into the origins of fairy tales.
In his 2016 paper, co-authored with Sara Graça da Silva, they took phylogenetic modeling techniques - borrowed from the world of evolutionary biology where they're used to trace genetic lineages - and put them to work tracing the origins of folk tales.
The results seemed to prov
The Golden Bird
Join the king's youngest son on an adventure of a lifetime, as he seeks the mystical golden bird that's been pinching his dad's apples. Helped by a patient, omnipotent fox, the prince gets more than he bargained for when he deceives his way into a princess's bathing house.
Will he ever find the golden bird? And will his older brothers' jealously drive them to do the unthinkable? Find out in this w
The Twelve Huntsmen
Twelve hunters, three lovers, and one sexist lion - join us for the Brothers Grimm story The Twelve Huntsmen!
A prince and princess are happily engaged. But when the prince’s dying father makes him promise to marry another, the princess is cast aside. Unperturbed, the princess gathers together twelve doppelgangers and gets the team employed as her ex's huntsmen. But when a magical sexist lion th
The Six Swans
When a king is forced to marry a witch’s daughter, his new bride turns her seven step sons into swans. Now it’s up to their only sister to undo the curse. But when her new husband condemns her to death for baby eating, it looks like all might be lost.
In fan favourite The Six Swans, we find magical yarn, star flowers, and a strip tease up a tree (no joke).
It’s the final installment in 'The Maiden
Brother Lustig
In Brother Lustig, a discharged soldier is bankrupted by Saint Peter. The two then team up to start a venture bringing the dead back to life. But when Lustig eats an undercooked lamb's heart, St. Peter decides to go his own way. Will this mismatched pair ever make up? And how will St Peter keep Brother Lustig on the straight and narrow?
Find out in this epic buddy road caper, filled with haunted
The Summer And Winter Garden (Beauty And The Beast)
A surprise story this time - the Grimms' version of Beauty And The Beast!
Called ‘The Summer And Winter Garden’, join us on a breathtaking journey of kidnapping, heartache, and love against the odds.
In the deep of winter, a father’s most beautiful daughter asks him to bring back a rose from his work trip. When he takes a rose belonging to a hideous beast, the monster demands the man’s daughter i
Christmas Special 2021
It's once more time to the annual Grimm Reading Christmas party! Get cosy round the fire for another dose of festive joy, complete with presents, pies, crackers, alcohol-free mulled wine and more!
We get two stories this year. Firstly, a radical choice with the unseasonal story The Steadfast Tin Soldier by Hans Christian Andersen. Soon followed by the decidedly Dickensian tale The Story of a Cat b
The Little Peasant
In a village full of rich peasants, one little peasant alone remains destitute. But through a series of cunning and devious tricks, this little guy is going to turn the tables on everyone in quite spectacular fashion. Join us for The Little Peasant by the Brothers Grimm, where we meet a fatally gullible Shepard, a soothsaying squeezable raven and - shocker - a nice miller!
After the story we uncov
The Good Bargain
In The Good Bargain, a peasant loses all his money and possessions to some animals. Angered, he goes to the king for justice. But instead of helping him, the king has other ideas.
This 'humorous' tale is the first one we've come across that is anti-Semitic. So, once we've finally deciphered the convoluted story, we then explore antisemitism in the Grimm's collection, putting the Grimm brothers on
The Three Feathers
In The Three Feathers, an old king tests his three sons to see who will inherit the kingdom after his death. When the youngest brother emerges triumphant - thanks to an overweight toad - the older brothers demand satisfaction, and plot a jump to the death to settle the succession once and for all.
Join us on the final adventure of The Simpleton Trilogy, where we find magical turnips, a popcorn-mun
Our Lady‘s Child
We’re back for series 4! We open the series with a poor family starving to death and the Virgin Mary abducting their daughter. Years later, the Virgin goes off on a work trip and forbids the girl from opening a certain door. When the inevitable happens, the child is banished from heaven and things get weirder from there.
Join us once more round the fire for “Our Lady’s Child” (aka “Mary’s Child”),
Patreon Special Ft. The Tortoise And The Hare
Another mini-special before the new series. This time we shamelessly plug our Patreon!
We explain how you can support the podcast through our Patreon platform, then we announce some exciting new things we've got coming up for our patrons - including a Q&A episode and the release of The Pied-Piper.
We then play a clip from our patron-only podcast Grimm Fables, before finally giving some patron
Series 3 Wrap-Up (plus Snow White and the trojan war deleted scene)
Greetings from a grim meadow! Massive constitutional changes are afoot in this special episode as we share our roundup of the winners and losers of series 3 for the first time for non-Patrons.
We then share a piece of deleted audio from our Little Snow White recording - the incredible connection between Snow White and the siege of Troy.
Finally we're pleased to announce our new Grimm Reading Spoti
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