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Though I've read plenty of Grimm's Fairy Tales, this was the first I had heard of The Bremen Town Musicians. I liked that the "musicians" of the title were animals, each having been cast off or slated for death by their owners and reinventing themselves on a journey to Bremen for musical fame. I think there's a hardy lesson of utility to be learned here. Where as the humans in the story think nothing of the old animals, to each other, they have talents and usefulness aplenty.
I also love the moral about teamwork and cooperation. Each animal plays a part in scaring off the robbers by playing their own role and doing what each one does best. The rooster does not try to be the cat. The donkey does not try to take the dog's place. There is a theme that each is exactly where they belong, and that is why, as a team, they succeed. It's a model that works in a fairy tale but is equally potent in business, friendships, family, and multiple other aspects of everyday life.
What are your thoughts on The Bremen Town Musicians? Which theme resonates more with you - seeing usefulness in those abandoned by others or each individual using unique talents for the best of a team? Or perhaps there's another moral or theme that I haven't mentioned? Leave a comment here or check out Tif's blog and join in Fairy Tale Fridays (FTF) for yourself. Next week's tale is The Invisible One and The Rough-Faced Girl (A Native American Tale)!
October 2, 2010 at 10:49 AM
Oh, it's been a long time since I've read this particular fairy tale. Thanks for the link!
October 4, 2010 at 10:05 AM
I still have the book of fairy tales I had as a child. Actually, it's one of the only things I still have from back then, no dolls, no toys, just this one book. It looks pretty shabby, but I want to pass it on to my granddaughters. I loved fairy tales, still do. Love all the morals, but especially the one about using one's special talents to help others.
October 6, 2010 at 8:29 PM
Oooohhh, I love your moral and theme that you focused on for this one!! I did something a bit different, but I really love what you took away from this story! I love the teamwork, and despite their differences, they all work towards the common goal and succeed!!
I am so excited to have you participate more in FTF!! :)
September 13, 2012 at 5:20 PM
I purchased a nice copy of the Grimm's fairytales last year to prepare for the birth of our daughter. I would read to my wife's beautiful swollen belly during the last months of the pregnancy; in hopes that my daughter would become accustomed to the sound of my voice. When my daughter arrived this tale was one of the first I read to comfort her into sleep. My wife and I had some genuine laughs at the aloud telling of this tale for reasons of juvenile humor. Our version had more colorful classic nomenclatures for the donkey and rooster. We questioned if we would have to censor this tale in the telling later on. However; in the interim, we have collected a great deal of knick-knacks which feature these great animals poised together as a towering team. This tale has now become our daughter's special fairy tale. I came across your insightful analysis on the moral to the tale and fully agree with it. While my daughter is still too young for explanations; my wife and I also want her to take away our little moral to the tale. Even though the animals were not so good at being musicians; they had set this high goal for themselves and were intent on achieving it. Although they never actually made it to Bremmen or became musicians; by trying their best, their efforts were rewarded.