The Brothers Grimm’s Fairy Tale ‘The Seven Ravens’

This story shows the power of words—either to hurt or to bless another.

“The Father Curses His Sons,” 1910, an illustration by Albert Weisgerer for "The Seven Ravens." Public Domain

In their fairy tale “The Seven Ravens,” the Brothers Grimm show how children should be taught to be careful about what they say, for they'll never know how their words might affect those around them. This fairy tale follows a family and the hardships they endure because of the father’s careless words said in anger.

The father and mother have seven sons, and the mother has just given birth to their eighth child, a beautiful baby girl. However, she is very frail and the parents worry she won’t survive, so they decide christen her as soon as possible.

Brothers at the Well

The father sends one of his sons to the well to draw water for the christening. He quickly sets out on his task, but finds himself followed by his six brothers. They arrive at the well and all try to draw water for their sister’s christening.