This paper examines how Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm's "Kinder und Hausmarchen" (
Children's and Household
Tales), published in 1812, is one of the most recognized and influential books ever circulated in German and how, today, these classic
fairy tales are still told to children around the world. In particular, it looks at one of the tales that has endured many changes since the
original was written, "Snow White". It discusses how, although modernizations of "Snow White" have become distorted from the original Brothers Grimm version, "Snow White" in all its forms continues to be recognized as one of the greatest fairy tales in
history; it transcends the bounds of time and culture to remain a popular and relevant tale to both children and adults alike today. It also looks at how although "Snow White" can be considered an important part of German history and can be analyzed to find hidden meanings, sometimes it must be viewed the way a child sees it - as a magical fairy tale.