KNAPSACK, HAT AND HORN

Because I couldn’t think of a book, that I’ve read, with the letter K in the title, I’m going to give the first and last lines of another of my short stories from Grim Tales, but with a twist.

During my first A-Z blogging experience, I gave myself a challenge. I was to write a short story/flash fiction to the tune of a Grimm’s fairytale title.  I would use one of their titles, create my own story for that title, and give it a rural flavor.

So what’s the twist?

Just for the fun of it, I’m going to give my first and last line of KNAPSACK, HAT, AND HORN and the Brothers Grimm’s first and last line of their story, THE KNAPSACK, THE HAT AND THE HORN.  Because I’m so polite, I will let the (dead) Brothers go first. Let’s begin.

K is for:

THE KNAPSACK, THE HAT AND THE HORN by Brothers’ Grimm

First Line: Once there were three brothers, and they grew poorer and poorer, until at last their need was so great that they had nothing left to bite or to break.  

Last Line: After this no one dared to withstand him, and he made himself King over the country.

KNAPSACK, HAT AND HORN by ME!

First Line: In a barn, a knapsack, a hat and a horn were hanging out, wondering about their fate.

Last Line: In the barn, a knapsack, a hat and a horn now knew their fate.

So there’s a funny story associated with my copy of Grimm’s Complete Fairy Tales. I bought my book probably 30+ years ago for a cousin, as a Christmas gift (I think she was in grade school). I mean what little girl wouldn't want a storybook about Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty or the Golden Goose. Thankfully, I thumbed through it before I gave it to her. Yes, there were fairytales in the book, but they were a translated version of the real stories and a bit harsh. No Disney fairytales included. I kept the book and bought by cousin something else.


Comments

The Brothers were Grimm weren't they? Sometimes very grim indeed. Torture and maiming were the order of the day.
Hi Teresa - I probably did read the story .. but certainly don't remember it - the magic powers of the Grimm brothers come to life ...

That is funny - that you kept your book ... and look how it's turned that purchase around to help you publish your Grim Tales ..

Cheers Hilary
Good thing you reviewed the book! Some of those fairy tale-bedtime stories might have meant for insomnia!

I can't think of a K book either...maybe something Russian, though.
JoJo said…
I'm not sure I've read a lot of Brothers Grimm. Those fairytales are so dark and scary for kids. It's like the 'rock a bye baby' song....poor kid comes tumbling out of the tree cradle and all. lol
shelly said…
I've never read A Brother's Grimm. Good you checked through that book though
Mary Aalgaard said…
Yes, the unedited versions are much harsher! I like yours.
Pat Hatt said…
Not the Disney kind can sure scare, as their origin was far less song worthy haha
Jay Noel said…
Ah, the 'ol "I Love This Gift I Got For You, So I'm Going to Keep It And Give You Something Else" trick.
You might have traumatized her for life with that book!
cleemckenzie said…
Laughing here. You probably saved your cousin from a few nightmares. Loved your version of the story's beginning and end.
cleemckenzie said…
Laughing here. You probably saved your cousin from a few nightmares. Loved your version of the story's beginning and end.
Naqvee said…
I think this story is one of the realization of the Bothers' minds that how power can be achieved by immoral means and though the retention of power comes with sacrifice, a person so evil must make all that sacrifice.
When in the end the wicked brother blew the horn, he knew its powers and still blew the horn to tumble down the fort killing his own wife. This gives a straight message to KIDS.. Power, riches and Wickedness are better than Relations and relatives.
The Brothers Grimm were reincarnated as George R.R. Martin! You never read KIM by Rudyard Kipling? Kim helped spark a bit of my own gypsy, Victor Standish.
Jemi Fraser said…
Good plan - those tales are not for the faint of heart!
Nick Wilford said…
Yes, the original versions are pretty hardcore. I don't know this story, now I want to read both versions!
David P. King said…
In was given a complete Grimm's tales by a good friends. One of my most cherished gifts. I know I read this one, but I need a refresher. :)
Deborah Weber said…
What a fun post. And you've inspired me to pull out my Grimm. :-)

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