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Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm and first published in 1812 in *Grimms’ Fairy Tales* as tale KHM 15.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hansel and Gretel is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm and first published in 1812 in *Grimms’ Fairy Tales* as tale KHM 15. It tells of two siblings abandoned in a forest who encounter a witch in a house made of edible materials and outwit her to escape with treasure.

Plot

The story follows two children abandoned in a forest by their father and stepmother or parents. After discovering a house made of edible sweets, they are captured by a witch, but Gretel eventually defeats her and the siblings return home.

Publication and classification

The Brothers Grimm included the tale in *Kinder- und Hausmärchen* in 1812, and later editions revised the text. It is commonly classified as ATU 327A and is listed as KHM 15 in the Grimm collection.

Themes and interpretation

The tale is often associated with poverty, child abandonment, survival, and the danger of deceptive appearances. Its imagery and violence have made it one of the best-known Grimm fairy tales.

Adaptations and influence

Hansel and Gretel has inspired numerous adaptations across literature, music, theatre, film, and animation. One of the most notable is Engelbert Humperdinck’s 1893 opera *Hänsel und Gretel*.

Key facts

  • Hansel and Gretel is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm and first published in 1812.
  • The story involves two siblings abandoned in a forest who encounter a witch in a house made of edible materials.
  • Gretel kills the witch by pushing her into an oven, and the children escape with treasure.
  • The tale is classified as ATU 327A and is listed as KHM 15 in the Grimm collection.
  • It has been adapted into opera, film, and other media, including Humperdinck’s 1893 opera.
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Canadian context

Hansel and Gretel is widely known in Canada through English-language children’s publishing, school curricula, stage productions, and opera performances, including adaptations of Humperdinck’s work.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hansel and Gretel about?
It is about two siblings abandoned in a forest who discover a witch’s edible house, are trapped, and escape by outsmarting her.
Who wrote Hansel and Gretel?
The tale was collected and published by the Brothers Grimm, not authored by a single known writer.
When was Hansel and Gretel first published?
It was first published in 1812 in the Grimm brothers’ collection *Kinder- und Hausmärchen*.
What is the witch’s house made of?
It is usually described as being made of bread, cake, sugar, candy, or similar sweets, depending on the version.
What classification is Hansel and Gretel assigned?
It is commonly classified as ATU 327A.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hansel_and_Gretel
    Supports: Original publication date, Grimm authorship/collection, plot summary, KHM 15, and general adaptation history.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hansel_and_Gretel
    Supports: Publication history, revision history, and the opera adaptation by Engelbert Humperdinck.
  3. German Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A4nsel_und_Gretel
    Supports: German title, KHM 15, and ATU 327A classification.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hansel-and-Gretel-fairy-tale-by-Grimm-brothers
    Supports: General identification of the tale as a Grimm fairy tale and authoritative reference context.