In the heart of Germany, a treasure trove of 500 forgotten fairy tales was rediscovered in an archive in Regensburg, shedding new light on the rich cultural heritage of the Bavarian region of Oberpfalz. These tales, collected by Franz Xaver von Schönwerth (1810–1886), a contemporary of the Brothers Grimm, offer a unique glimpse into the folklore and traditions of 19th-century Bavaria.
Background on Franz Xaver von Schönwerth
Von Schönwerth was a local historian and civil servant who spent decades gathering myths, legends, and fairy tales from country folk, laborers, and servants in Oberpfalz. His meticulous approach to collecting folklore earned him high praise from Jacob Grimm, who noted that no one in Germany was collecting folklore with such accuracy and sensitivity[6][8]. Despite his contributions, von Schönwerth’s work remained largely unknown until recent years.
The Rediscovery and Publication
In 2009, Erika Eichenseer, a cultural curator from Oberpfalz, uncovered von Schönwerth’s extensive collection of fairy tales in the Regensburg archive. She published a selection of these tales in a book titled Prinz Roßzwifl, which translates to “scarab beetle” in local dialect. Eichenseer sees these tales as holding ancient knowledge and wisdom, symbolically protecting valuable cultural heritage like the scarab protects its eggs[5][7].
Unique Aspects of the Tales
Von Schönwerth’s collection includes both unique tales and local versions of well-known stories like Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin. Unlike the Grimm brothers, who often embellished their tales for literary appeal, von Schönwerth recorded the stories faithfully without alteration, preserving their authenticity and charm[5][6]. These tales were not just for children but served as guides for young adults, teaching them how to navigate life’s challenges through virtue, prudence, and courage[5].
Impact and Significance
The rediscovery of von Schönwerth’s fairy tales has enriched the German fairytale landscape and provided new insights into European folklore. His work has been recognized internationally, with translations and publications in multiple languages, including English. For instance, Maria Tatar translated several of the tales into English in *The Turnip Princess and Other Newly Discovered Fairy Tales* in 2015[5].
Recent Developments
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in von Schönwerth’s tales, with new editions and translations being published. The stories continue to captivate audiences of all ages, offering a fresh perspective on traditional European folklore and highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage[1][4].
In summary, the rediscovery of Franz Xaver von Schönwerth’s fairy tales has opened a new chapter in the world of folklore, providing a unique window into the past and enriching our understanding of European cultural traditions.
Read More
[1] https://www.schoenwerth.de/aktivitaeten-projekte/publikationen/
[2] https://dillingerbuchhandlung.de/shop/item/9783955871116/franz-xaver-von-schonwerth-oberpfalzer-marchen-von-erika-eichenseer-gebundenes-buch
[3] https://andrewnurnberg.com/book-author/franz-xavier-von-schoenwerth/
[4] https://www.kulturkaufhaus.de/de/detail/ISBN-9783955871116/Eichenseer-Erika/Franz-Xaver-von-Sch%C3%B6nwerth—Oberpf%C3%A4lzer-M%C3%A4rchen
[5] https://debeysklenar.wordpress.com/2016/01/13/grimm-inspiration-for-franz-xaver-von-schonwerth/
[6] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Xaver_Sch%C3%B6nwerth
[7] https://www.schoenwerth.de/aktivitaeten-projekte/schoenwerth-international/
[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Xaver_von_Sch%C3%B6nwerth
1 comment
That is so very cool!!! That is like finding a pot of good for an archivist!!!