I apologize for the delay in posting Fairy Tale Fridays this week. I had meant to get it posted earlier today, but unfortunately, Mother Nature had a few unexpected things that arose . . . or maybe I should say touch down. My neighborhood was hit by a storm this afternoon with portions anywhere from 3 blocks to mile from me being hit by a tornado. Thankfully, we only saw the effects with debris scattering our yard and power back on in no time at all. Others in the neighborhood are without power and others even without homes as they were leveled to the ground. All I can say is that I am thankful for only minor injuries for all involved and the quick action of those to the rescue. Now that is out of the way, let's move on . . .
This week's selection for Fairy Tale Fridays is
Thumbling by The Brothers Grimm. The tale is about a childless couple that is blessed with a small child, one that never grows larger than the size of a thumb, and thus named Thumbling. Thumbling wants to be helpful to his father and volunteers one day to bring the cart to the forest. This trip results in the title character going on quite a round of adventures, including with thieves, inside a cow's mouth, and the within the stomach of a wolf. He tricks the wolf to carry him back to his parents' home, resulting in the death of the wolf, the return of Thumbling to his family, and new clothes for the unfit state that his were in!
I remember having fond memories of this tale growing up, but to be honest, this time around I found it a bit gross! To sit in the stomach of a cow, both alive and dead as well as that of the wolf is nothing compared to the end when his dear parents cut him out of the mess! The visual that I get is a less than tasteful! But it is fun to think about the adventures a little one can take, especially when he uses his mind to his benefit! I will say that Thumbling was at least raised with a good head on his shoulders!
Next week is our last week of assigned selections with
The Ice Maiden, followed by a tale of your choice, whether it may be a classic or modern one. The last week will include a wrap-up for the year, featuring links to all of the selections that we have read and discussed as well as some final thoughts on the adventure from this past year. It will be sad to see the series go here at Tif Talks Books, but you have nothing to fear! If you want to continue with fairy tales in 2011, I will be launching later this evening a new challenge as a continuation of Fairy Tale Fridays. Be watching for it!!
Any thoughts on Thumbling this week? Is it what you remember from your childhood or is this your first read of the tale?
UPCOMING TALES:
Friday, January 14th: Your Choice, Classic or Modern!
Friday, January 21st: Fairy Tale Fridays Happy Ending & Wrap-Up Post
