STORY
2. THE
SEVEN RAVENS
by Jacob
and Wilhelm Grimm
SUMMARY
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, renowned as the Grimm
Brothers, were 19th-century German folklorists celebrated for their collection
of fairy tales. Their notable work, "Grimm's Fairy Tales" (1812),
revolutionized the study of folktales. Timeless stories like "Hansel and
Gretel", "The Frog Prince", and "The Seven Ravens"
have captivated audiences of all ages. These narratives, originating from the
oral traditions of villagers, have been translated into numerous languages,
including Nepali. "The Seven Ravens" stands as a poignant tale of a
sister's unwavering love and sacrifice for her transformed brothers,
exemplifying the enduring bonds of family.
A man who
initially had seven sons, longed for a daughter. When she was born frail, he
sent his sons to fetch water for her baptism, but in their haste, they dropped
the pitcher into the well. The anxious father, fearing his daughter might die
without baptism, unintentionally wished his sons turned into ravens.
Immediately, seven coal-black ravens flew over the house. The parents, unable
to undo the curse, mourned their loss. They kept the truth from their daughter
until she overheard strangers speculating about her brothers' mysterious
misfortune.
The girl, upon
learning about her brothers' enchantment, confronts her parents and decides to
set them free. She leaves home with determination, carrying only a ring, bread,
water, and a stool. She embarks on a journey that takes her to the end of the
world, encountering the scorching sun, the cold moon, and the stars. Her
unwavering determination drives her to face various challenges in her quest to
break the enchantment and reunite with her brothers.
The Morning Star,
along with the other stars, assists the maiden on her journey. They provide her
with a key to unlock the iceberg where her brothers are trapped. However, in
her excitement, she forgets to wrap it in her handkerchief. Undeterred, she improvises
by using her finger to open the lock. Inside, she meets a friendly dwarf who
inquires about her purpose. She explains her quest to find her seven raven
brothers. The dwarf informs her that the ravens are currently absent but
invites her to wait. He guides her to a room set with supper for the seven
ravens.
The sister
cleverly places her ring in the last cup, leaving a clue for her brothers. As
the ravens return, she hides behind the door, eager to witness their reaction.
The ravens, noticing the disturbance, express their surprise and concern over
the touched plates and cups. They discover the ring, a precious memento from
their parents. Recognizing it, they express their longing for their sister's
presence. The sister, hearing their wish, steps forward, revealing herself. In
an instant, the enchantment is broken, and the seven ravens transform into
handsome young men. Overjoyed, they embrace each other and their little sister,
setting off happily to reunite with their parents.
A.
Multiple Choice Questions.
1. Grimm brothers were from...............
a)
France
b)
England
c)
Germany
d)
Persia
2. The father sent his seven sons to bring water from a
nearby............
a)
spring
b)
well
c)
pond
d)
river
3. The seven brothers changed into the ravens because of the
...............given their father.
a)
blessing
b)
beatings
c)
curse
d)
push
4. The ...............star helped the small girl to find her
brothers.
a)
Pole Star
b)
North Star
c)
Morning Star
d)
Evening Star
5. The seven ravens remembered their home after seeing
the............
a)
handkerchief
b)
ring
c)
knife
d)
purse
Extra
MCQs.
1.
How many sons did the man initially have?
a) Five
b) Six
c) Seven
d) Eight
2.
What did the man send his sons to fetch?
a) Water
b) Firewood
c) Food
d) Flowers
3.
What happened to the jug they were using to fetch water?
a) It broke
b) It fell into the well
c) It was lost
d) It was taken by a bird
4.
What happened to the sons when their father cursed them?
a) They turned into ravens
b) They disappeared
c) They fell into a deep sleep
d) They turned into stones
5.
Why did the parents keep the truth about the brothers from the daughter?
a) They were ashamed
b) They wanted to protect her
c) They forgot
d) They didn't trust her
6.
How does the daughter find out about her brothers?
a) She overhears people talking
b) Her parents tell her
c) A fairy tells her
d) She has a dream
7.
What items did the daughter take with her on her journey?
a) Ring, bread, water, stool
b) Key, lantern, map, book
c) Hat, shoes, gloves, coat
d) Mirror, comb, necklace, bracelet
8.
What happened when the daughter reached the sun?
a) It burned her
b) It was too hot, so she ran away
c) It gave her a warm hug
d) It turned into a golden bird
9.
Where did the daughter go after leaving the sun?
a) Moon
b) Stars
c) Ocean
d) Forest
10.
Who helped the daughter at the stars?
a) Moon
b) Morning star
c) Sun
d) Dwarf
11.
What did the morning star give to the daughter?
a) A key
b) A magical wand
c) A piece of advice
d) A star-shaped locket
12.
What did the daughter lose on her way to the iceberg?
a) Her ring
b) Her handkerchief
c) Her shoes
d) Her stool
13.
How did the daughter open the door of the iceberg?
a) She used a key
b) She used her fingers
c) She kicked the door
d) She called for help
14.
Who did the daughter meet inside the iceberg?
a) A giant
b) A dwarf
c) A dragon
d) A wizard
15.
What did the dwarf suggest the daughter do while waiting for the ravens?
a) Read a book
b) Take a nap
c) Eat some food
d) Play a game
16.
What did the sister put in the last cup of the ravens' meal?
a) A diamond
b) A pearl
c) A ring
d) A coin
17.
How did the ravens react when they saw someone had eaten their meal?
a) They laughed
b) They cried
c) They got angry
d) They danced
18.
What did the seventh raven find in the cup?
a) A key
b) A ring
c) A feather
d) A coin
19.
What did the eldest brother wish for?
a) For their sister to come
b) For more food
c) For wings
d) For a magic spell
20.
How did the sister free her brothers from the enchantment?
a) She used a magic wand
b) She called a fairy for help
c) She stood before them
d) She sang a special song
21.
What did the ravens turn into after being freed?
a) Horses
b) Dogs
c) Young men
d) Trees
22.
How many brothers did the daughter have in the end?
a) Three
b) Five
c) Seven
d) Nine
23.
How did the parents react when the daughter and her brothers returned?
a) They were angry
b) They were sad
c) They were overjoyed
d) They were indifferent
24.
What was the theme of the story?
a) Love and sacrifice
b) Adventure and discovery
c) Revenge and betrayal
d) Magic and fantasy
25.
Who played a crucial role in helping the daughter find her brothers?
a) The sun
b) The moon
c) The morning star
d) The dwarf
B. Short
Questions and Answers.
1.
Why do you think the father spoke "I wish the youngsters were all turned
into ravens"? Was it the expression of desperation or excitement or anger?
Give reasons.
The father's
statement, "I wish the youngsters were all turned into ravens," was
likely an expression of anger and frustration, rather than excitement or
desperation. This outburst was a result of his impatience and worry for his
newborn daughter's life, which he believed was in jeopardy due to the delay
caused by his sons' accident with the water jug.
In the heat of the
moment, the father, fearing the worst for his daughter, impulsively lashed out
at his sons. He may not have actually wished harm upon them, but rather, he was
venting his anxiety and disappointment. Unfortunately, his words had unintended
consequences, as they were immediately followed by the appearance of the seven
ravens.
This turn of
events highlights the power of words and the potential consequences of spoken
wishes or curses, even when made in haste or frustration. It also serves as a
cautionary tale about the importance of thinking before speaking, especially in
moments of high emotion. The father's statement ultimately led to the
enchantment of his sons, underlining the story's theme of unforeseen
consequences and the impact of our words and actions on the lives of others.
2.
What made the girl take a strong commitment to finding her brothers?
The girl's strong
commitment to finding her brothers was fueled by a deep sense of familial love
and responsibility. When she learned the truth about her seven brothers, she
was undoubtedly shocked and saddened. This revelation compelled her to take
action, as she couldn't bear the thought of her brothers being trapped in their
raven forms.
Her determination
was further bolstered by her understanding of the situation. She knew that her
birth had inadvertently caused their enchantment, making her feel a sense of
guilt and responsibility for their plight. This guilt, combined with her
natural affection for her family, drove her to make a solemn commitment to set
things right.
Additionally, the
girl displayed remarkable empathy and compassion. She couldn't simply accept
that her brothers were suffering, and she couldn't rest knowing that she had
the power to potentially free them. This empathy motivated her to embark on a
perilous journey, facing challenges from the scorching sun to the chilling
moon, and finally reaching the stars.
The girl's
commitment was a testament to the strength of family bonds and the lengths one
is willing to go for the well-being and happiness of loved ones. Her selfless
dedication to her brothers showcases the enduring power of familial love and
the willingness to take personal risks for the sake of those she cared about.
3.
How was the girl discouraged in her long march?
The girl faced
numerous challenges and discouragements during her long journey to find her
brothers. Firstly, she encountered the scorching heat of the sun, which made
her journey extremely arduous and uncomfortable. The intensity of the sun's
rays likely left her exhausted and drained, as it was a harsh and unforgiving
environment.
Next, when she
reached the moon, she was met with a stark and desolate landscape. The moon's
cold and eerie atmosphere would have been incredibly discouraging, especially
for a young girl on a mission fraught with uncertainty. The lack of warmth and
life on the moon would have been a stark contrast to the vibrant world she
knew, making her feel isolated and disheartened.
Additionally, she
heard a voice saying, "I smell man’s flesh," which likely filled her
with fear and urgency to leave the moon as quickly as possible. This encounter
with an unknown presence would have heightened her sense of vulnerability and added
to her discouragement.
Despite these
hardships and discouragements, the girl pressed on, displaying remarkable
determination and courage. Her unwavering commitment to her brothers and her
refusal to give up in the face of adversity speaks to her extraordinary
strength of character and the depth of her love for her family.
4.
Usually, fairy tales are full of tricks and deceits. Draw a list of the tricks
used in this story and write why these tricks are important in the story.
Fairy tales often
feature tricks and deceits as crucial plot elements. Characters employ cunning
strategies to overcome challenges or outsmart adversaries. These elements add
depth and intrigue to the narrative, engaging readers with unexpected twists and
turns. Through clever schemes, protagonists demonstrate wit and
resourcefulness, creating a dynamic and captivating storytelling experience for
audiences of all ages. In "The Seven Ravens," several key tricks and
deceits play a pivotal role:
The Trick with the
Finger:
When the girl loses the key to the iceberg, she uses her finger to open the
lock. This is a clever and resourceful trick that allows her to bypass a
potential obstacle. It showcases her quick thinking and determination to save
her brothers.
The Concealment
Behind the Door:
When the seven ravens return, the girl hides behind the door to observe their
reactions. This trick allows her to eavesdrop on their conversation and gauge
their sentiments before revealing herself. It gives her crucial insight into
their situation and emotions.
The Culinary
Deception:
The girl consumes a bit of food and drink from each plate, and in the last cup,
she drops her ring. This trick is significant as it sets up a mystery for the
ravens. It intrigues them and ultimately leads to the revelation of the girl's
identity.
The Feigned
Ignorance of the Dwarf: The dwarf pretends that the ravens are not at home,
creating a suspenseful atmosphere. This trick builds tension and keeps the girl
on her toes, heightening the narrative's dramatic impact.
These tricks serve
to add layers of complexity to the story. They demonstrate the protagonist's
intelligence, adaptability, and courage. Moreover, they contribute to the
story's suspense and engage the reader by introducing elements of surprise and
mystery. Without these tricks, the plot might have unfolded in a more
straightforward manner, potentially diminishing the emotional and narrative
impact of the tale. Therefore, in this fairy tale, tricks and deceits are vital
elements that enhance the story's richness and captivate the audience's
imagination.
5.
How was the girl able to rescue her brothers from the iceberg?
The girl's
resourcefulness played a crucial role in rescuing her brothers from the
iceberg. When she reached the gate, she realized she had forgotten the key
given by the Morning Star. Undeterred, she improvised, deciding to use her
finger instead. Despite the pain, she persevered until she successfully
unlocked the gate.
Inside, she
encountered a dwarf who guided her and informed her that the ravens were not
present but would return soon. This allowed her to prepare a meal for them,
demonstrating her practicality and adaptability.
Her strategic use
of the ring from home also proved pivotal. By placing it in the last cup, she
provided a vital clue to her brothers about her true identity. This subtle act
of leaving a familiar token amidst the unfamiliar environment underscored her determination
to reconnect with them.
It was her
combination of courage, quick thinking, and a willingness to adapt to
unexpected situations that led to her success. This resourcefulness not only
showcases her love for her brothers but also highlights the theme of
determination and clever problem-solving that is often a hallmark of fairy
tales. The tale emphasizes the power of ingenuity in overcoming seemingly
insurmountable obstacles.
6.
What role does the dwarf play in the story?
The dwarf in the
story of "The Seven Ravens" serves as a pivotal intermediary and
guide for the girl on her quest to rescue her brothers. When she arrives at the
iceberg, the gate is closed, and she realizes she has lost the key. The dwarf
emerges and offers her assistance. He informs her that the seven ravens are
currently absent but will return shortly.
The dwarf's
presence represents a moment of crucial support and encouragement for the girl.
He provides her with information about the whereabouts of her brothers,
offering a glimmer of hope in her journey. Moreover, his advice to wait for the
ravens' return shows his wisdom and understanding of the situation.
Additionally, the
dwarf prepares a meal for the ravens, allowing the girl to demonstrate her
resourcefulness and care for her brothers. This gesture showcases the dwarf's
role as a facilitator in the story, aiding the girl in her mission to reunite
with her siblings.
Overall, the dwarf
acts as a benevolent figure, assisting the girl and providing her with
essential information and resources. His presence is instrumental in advancing
the plot and ultimately leads to the resolution of the enchantment that held
the seven brothers captive.
C. Long
Questions.
1.
Supernatural stories deal with events that normally do not happen in the
ordinary lives of the natural world. Explain.
Supernatural
stories delve into phenomena or events that defy the laws of the natural world
as we understand them. These narratives often incorporate elements like magic,
mythical creatures, ghosts, or extraordinary powers, which go beyond the scope
of regular human experiences.
In the story of
"The Seven Ravens," several supernatural elements contribute to the
plot. Firstly, the curse placed upon the seven brothers, transforming them into
ravens, is an overtly supernatural occurrence. This event is beyond the realm
of ordinary life, as it involves a magical transformation that defies
biological and physical constraints.
The girl's journey
also incorporates supernatural elements. Her encounters with celestial bodies,
such as the sun, moon, and stars, represent a departure from typical human
experiences. These entities are anthropomorphized, having the ability to
communicate and assist her. For example, the Morning Star grants her a key to
the iceberg, which is an inherently supernatural act.
Furthermore, the
ability of the girl to unlock the iceberg with her finger instead of a key adds
another layer of the supernatural. This demonstrates a departure from
conventional reality, where physical objects typically require specific
instruments for operation. The unlocking of the iceberg through unconventional
means underscores the story's supernatural elements.
Additionally, the
dwarf's role in the narrative introduces an element of the otherworldly. His
knowledge of the ravens and their absence, as well as his capacity to prepare a
meal, hint at a deeper understanding or connection to the magical elements at play.
The story of
"The Seven Ravens" incorporates numerous supernatural elements,
ranging from curses and transformations to interactions with celestial bodies
and the involvement of a mystical dwarf. These aspects serve to transport the
narrative into a realm beyond the boundaries of everyday reality, engaging the
reader in a world where the supernatural is an integral part of the story's
fabric.
2. You
may have heard some fairy tales or folk stories in your childhood. Recollect
those days and remember a story you heard that is similar to "The Seven
Ravens." Rewrite that story in about 300 words.
One of the fairy
tales that bears a resemblance to "The Seven Ravens" is the classic
story of "The Twelve Brothers." In this tale, there once lived a king
and queen who longed for a child. Finally, after years of waiting, a daughter
was born to them. However, their joy was short-lived when a wicked sorceress
cast a spell on the newborn princess. The curse foretold that she would prick
her finger on a spindle and die.
Desperate to
protect their daughter, the king and queen banished all spindles from the
kingdom. Despite their best efforts, on her sixteenth birthday, the princess
discovered an old woman spinning in a tower. Curious, she approached and
pricked her finger on the spindle.
As the princess
fell into a deep slumber, the entire kingdom was affected. In anguish, the king
and queen sought advice from a wise fairy, who revealed that their daughter's
fate was tied to twelve enchanted brothers who had been turned into ravens by
the same sorceress.
The brothers had
taken refuge in a distant forest, far from the reach of the curse. The fairy
instructed the king to seek out the forest and find a special flower that held
the power to break the enchantment. The king embarked on a perilous journey,
facing trials and tribulations along the way.
Meanwhile, in the
forest, the twelve ravens awaited their sister's arrival. They believed that if
she could sew twelve shirts from the petals of the magical flower, they would
be freed from the spell. Time passed, and the princess completed the shirts just
as the king returned with the flower.
Upon her arrival,
the shirts were donned by the ravens, and they transformed back into humans.
The princess, now awakened from her slumber, was joyfully reunited with her
brothers.
This story shares
similarities with "The Seven Ravens" in its themes of transformation,
familial bonds, and the quest to break a powerful enchantment. Both tales
highlight the enduring love and sacrifices made by family members to overcome
seemingly insurmountable challenges.
3. The
girl's search for her brothers can be compared with the quest myth. Some
important elements of the quest myth can be found in this story. Discuss how
tests, allies and enemies approach the innermost cave, ordeal and reward match
in this story.
A girl, born after
seven brothers, embarks on a perilous quest to rescue them after learning of
their enchantment. Enduring trials from sun, moon, and stars, she reaches an
iceberg. Losing the key, she uses her finger to unlock it, freeing her
brothers. The enchantment breaks, reuniting them in joy. Their familial bond
triumphs over adversity. The story of "The Seven Ravens" indeed
contains elements reminiscent of the classic quest myth.
Tests: The girl's
journey to find her brothers is fraught with tests and challenges. Her
encounter with the sun, moon, and stars serves as a series of tests. The
extreme heat of the sun, the chilling cold of the moon, and finally, the
friendly guidance of the stars all test her determination and perseverance.
Allies and
Enemies:
Throughout her journey, the girl encounters various beings who can be seen as
allies or potential adversaries. The stars become her allies, providing her
with crucial information and a key. On the other hand, the sun and moon, with
their extreme conditions, can be viewed as temporary adversaries, testing her
resolve.
Approach to the
Innermost Cave:
The climax of her quest can be seen as her arrival at the iceberg, which can be
considered the innermost cave in her journey. Here, she faces the pivotal
moment of unlocking the cave to rescue her brothers.
Ordeal: The girl's ordeal
comes when she realizes that she has lost the key. This moment is a critical
turning point in the story, as it tests her resourcefulness and determination.
She improvises, using her finger as a makeshift key, and successfully unlocks the
iceberg.
Reward: The ultimate
reward is the successful reunion with her brothers. This is the culmination of
her long and arduous quest. The enchantment is broken, and her brothers are
restored to their human forms. This reunion is not only a personal reward for
the girl but also a victory for familial bonds and the power of love.
These elements
mirror the structure of a quest myth, where the protagonist faces a series of
trials and tribulations, gains allies, confronts adversaries, undergoes a
pivotal ordeal, and ultimately reaps a significant reward. The girl's journey
in "The Seven Ravens" exemplifies the archetypal quest narrative,
emphasizing the enduring themes of love, sacrifice, and the triumph of the
human spirit.
4.
Comment on the ending of the story. Is it a predictable ending or not? Give
reasons.
A girl, born after
seven brothers, embarks on a perilous quest to rescue them after learning of
their enchantment. Enduring trials from sun, moon, and stars, she reaches an
iceberg. Losing the key, she uses her finger to unlock it, freeing her
brothers. The enchantment breaks, reuniting them in joy. Their familial bond
triumphs over adversity.
The ending of
"The Seven Ravens" carries elements of both predictability and
surprise. On one hand, the resolution aligns with typical fairy tale
conclusions, where familial bonds are ultimately reaffirmed, and characters are
reunited after overcoming adversity. This is a familiar and comforting pattern
in many fairy tales, offering a sense of closure and emotional satisfaction for
the reader.
On the other hand,
the story introduces an unexpected twist with the protagonist's use of
unconventional means to rescue her brothers. Her innovative approach of using
her finger instead of a lost key adds a unique element of problem-solving and
resilience. This unexpected turn keeps the reader engaged and introduces an
element of surprise.
Additionally, the
breaking of the enchantment by the little sister's presence is a powerful
moment that might not have been entirely anticipated. The immediacy of the
transformation adds a touch of magic and wonder to the conclusion.
While the story
follows a general pattern of fairy tale endings by reuniting family members, it
incorporates inventive and surprising elements that make it stand out. This
blend of predictability and unexpected twists enhances the narrative, offering
a satisfying yet memorable conclusion. It keeps the reader emotionally invested
and leaves a lasting impression, making "The Seven Ravens" a
well-crafted and engaging tale.
Best of
Luck
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