Child-Eater

The folktale of Hansel And Gretel has its origins in stories from various European countries, relating to periods of extreme famine when families were often driven to murder, and even cannibalize, their own offspring in order to survive. As well as featuring such horror staples as an evil witch, a dark forest, and the cooking and devouring of human flesh, it also stands as the blueprint for tales of children in jeopardy. This special ebook collection of texts relating to the Hansel And Gretel legend starts with the definitive Grimms version from 1812, followed by an earlier Italian variant, Giambattista Basile’s Nennillo And Nennella (1674). It also features two classic tales from France: Le Petit Poucet (“Hop O’My Thumb”) by Charles Perrault (1697), and Finette Cendron (“Cunning Cinders”) by Madame d'Aulnoy (1721); both of these works feature elements (abandoned children, incinerating cannibal monsters) which would later crystallize in the Grimms classic. As a bonus, this collection also includes two parallel tales of Baba Yaga, the cannibal witch of Russian legend: Baba Yaga, and Baba Yaga And Vasilissa The Beautiful, both dating from the 19th century. With a cover illustration by Arthur Rackham.