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The Grimm Brothers, Jacob Grimm (1785-1863), and Wilhelm Grimm (1786-1859) were renowned German scholars, linguists, and authors. Born in Hanau, Germany, they dedicated their lives to collecting and preserving folktales and fairy tales, making an indelible mark on world literature. Inspired by their passion for folklore and language, the brothers embarked on a monumental project to compile traditional German folktales. The result was the publication of their famous collection, “Grimm’s Fairy Tales,” which brought together timeless stories like “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” and “Hansel and Gretel.” Their efforts extended beyond fairy tales, as they also made significant contributions to German linguistics and folklore research. Through their work, the Grimm Brothers left a lasting legacy, enriching the literary world with captivating tales that continue to enchant and inspire readers of all ages.

THE ENCHANTED AXE

CHARACTERS:

FATHER

SON

SPIRIT

SCRIPT:

In the heart of a humble village, where a father and son faced the struggles of life, a remarkable journey of hope and unexpected magic unfolds.  Join us as we delve into the captivating tale of “The Enchanted Axe.

NARRATOR: Once upon a time, in a quaint village, there lived a woodcutter and his devoted son. Their ardent desire for a brighter future sets the stage for our tale.

FATHER: (with a determined tone) Son, I have made a decision. I shall invest all my savings to ensure you receive a proper education. I dream that you acquire an honorable profession, securing a prosperous life for us when I can no longer toil in the woods.

BOY: (gratefully) Thank you, Father. I shall dedicate myself to studying diligently and making you proud.

FATHER: (affectionately) You shall depart for the university next week.

NARRATOR: The young boy embarked on a transformative journey, spending three years immersed in knowledge and wisdom. However, a fateful turn of events would soon change their lives.

BOY: (reading the letter) Oh, no! Father has fallen on hard times, and we cannot afford my education any longer. I must return home.

NARRATOR: As the boy arrived home, worry clouded their humble dwelling.

FATHER: (anxiously) I know not what the future holds. The meager earnings from woodcutting barely sustain us.

BOY: Fear not, Father. I shall accompany you to the forest and lend a hand.

FATHER: It is arduous work, and you are unaccustomed to it. Moreover, we possess only one axe, with no means to purchase another.

BOY: (inspirationally) Why not seek our neighbor’s assistance? Perhaps he could lend us his axe.

FATHER: (brightening) That is indeed a splendid idea. Once we amass enough funds, we shall procure a new one.

NARRATOR: The following day, their neighbor graciously lent them an axe, and together they ventured into the forest. But destiny had a curious encounter in store.

BOY: (excusing himself) Father, I shall take a brief stroll. I shall return shortly.

FATHER: (admonishing) Do not tarry long, for we have much work yet to complete.

BOY: (assuringly) I shall be swift.

NARRATOR: Deep within the woods, a colossal oak tree captivated the boy’s attention. Suddenly, a plaintive voice echoed through the stillness.

SPIRIT: (pleadingly) Help! Help! Release me from this eternal confinement! I yearn for freedom!

NARRATOR: Intrigued, the boy noticed a small bottle lying on the ground, containing a peculiar creature. Carefully, he picked it up.

BOY: (curiously) What an extraordinary bottle and the voice emanates from within.

SPIRIT: (urgently) Free me! Set me loose!

NARRATOR: The boy opened the bottle but as soon as he did it, the little creature started to grow, and grow, and grow, until it became a huge giant.

SPIRIT: Prepare yourself! I`m going to eat you!  I have been here for a long time, and I am very hungry!

BOY: (hesitant) Wait! first, you must prove that it was you trapped inside the bottle. Only then may you consume me.

SPIRIT: (eagerly) But it was indeed me! You witnessed it yourself!

BOY: (insistent) Demonstrate it to me.

SPIRIT: How may I prove my identity?

BOY: (cleverly) Shrink in size once more.

SPIRIT: Very well. But beware, for after that, I shall devour you!

NARRATOR: As the giant diminished in size, the boy promptly sealed the bottle, capturing the spirit within.

SPIRIT: (frustrated) Release me! I shall grant your deepest desires! I beseech you, set me free!

BOY: First, you must vow not to harm me.

SPIRIT: I promise.

NARRATOR: Yielding to the spirit’s plea, the boy unsealed the bottle, allowing the creature to regain its towering form.

SPIRIT: I am indebted to you.

BOY: How can you aid me?

SPIRIT: Accept this handkerchief. Whenever you sustain an injury, cover it with this cloth, and it shall heal instantaneously. Moreover, any metal it touches shall transmute into silver.

BOY: Depart now, liberated one!

NARRATOR: As the giant spirit vanished into the wilderness, the boy returned to his father’s side.

FATHER: Where have you been? Darkness looms, and our work remains unfinished.

BOY: Fear not, Father. I shall accomplish all the tasks.

NARRATOR: Grasping the axe, the boy cleansed it with the enchanted handkerchief, causing it to transform into gleaming silver before shattering.

FATHER: You’ve broken the axe! We must pay for it, but our coffers are bare!

NARRATOR: Gazing at the fractured tool, the boy noticed its extraordinary alteration.

BOY: Worry not, Father. I have a revelation.

FATHER: Pray, enlighten me.

BOY: Observe, Father. This is no ordinary axe.

FATHER: What do you imply? What sorcery is this?

BOY: (smiling) It has become silver.

NARRATOR: The boy proceeded to unveil the secret of the giant and the enchanted axe to his father.

BOY: We must sell it, Father.

FATHER: Let us journey to the town forthwith!

NARRATOR: Promptly, they exchanged the silver axe for a handsome sum and acquired a new one for their kind neighbor.

FATHER: Let us bestow this new axe upon our neighbor.

BOY: With the remaining funds, I shall resume my studies at the university, aspiring to become a doctor.

FATHER: And what of the enchanted handkerchief?

BOY: With its miraculous power, I shall heal all who seek my aid.

FATHER: I am profoundly proud of you, my son!

NARRATOR: As the curtains draw to a close, the woodcutter’s son embarks on a promising future, armed with knowledge, an enchanted artifact, and a heart brimming with compassion. May this tale of perseverance and unexpected blessings forever remind us that within the depths of hardship lies the potential for extraordinary transformation.

THE END

AUTHOR: GRIMM BROTHERS

ADAPTED BY: K I D S I N C  O

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