Animal Helpers

Animal Helpers

Animals play very important roles in many fairy tales. They often provide precious advice or offer crucial help to protagonists, in some cases, they even become more important than humans. Of course, these are not usual animals, although they don't always possess as many human characteristics as one of the most famous animal helpers Puss in Boots.

Animals are in general friendly and empathic with a few exceptions (Big Bad Wolf, anybody?), so it's only fair to present them in their best light.

Cinderella

Cinderella is a patient and hard-working girl who is also good to animals. When she is challenged by her wicked stepmother who doesn't allow her to attend the ball in the castle, birds come to help the poor girl. Wheat is separated from the beans in record-breaking time!

credit: Adolf Munzer (1870-1953)

Gingerbread House

Gingerbread House is a less-known fairy tale which is actually a softer, more politically correct version of Hansel and Gretel. In this fairy tale brother and sister are lost (not abandoned) in the woods but seven ducks are helping them to find a safe way home. Their mother and father are happy at their return.

credit: https://nice-fairy-tales-2.carrd.co/

Note: this image was made by Carl Offterdinger (1829 - 1889), Fedor Flinzer (1932 - 1911), or Josef Emil Dolleschal (? - 1921), or maybe in collaboration of two or all three of them.

Golden Bird

The main protagonist in The Golden Bird is the third king's son. The young prince is courageous but reckless, so help from a surprisingly resourceful wolf (who is actually an enchanted prince) is more than welcome.

credit: Willy Juttner (1886-1940)

Hansel and Gretel

Birds play an important role in this classic fairy tale. People who haven't heard the story for some time probably still remember the birds who ate the bread crumbs but often forget the duck who carries the siblings over the water to their home, symbolically performing christening.

credit: Paula Ebner (1873-1949)

One Eye, Two Eyes, Three Eyes

This is a less-known story by the Grimm brothers where hunger the sister with two eyes suffers from until a fairy gives her a magic goat. This goat not only provides a table with all kinds of food to the girl but also takes care of her future when the evil mother slaughters the goat.

credit: Anne Anderson (1874-1952)

Puss in Boots

Puss in Boots is the most famous animal helper in all fairy tales. While his master at first believes the cat is useful only to provide fur for his gloves, Puss executes a magnificent plan to catapult his master from the poor miller's boy into a wealthy and Respectful royalty. He helps at the marriage with a princess too!

credit: Richard Andre (1834-1907)

Snow White and Rose Red

Snow White and Rose Red are sisters who have many friends in the woods but get into trouble with a grumpy dwarf. They rescue his life for three times just to be accused of being nosy and incompetent. Well, the troubles end with the arrival of their good friend - a bear, who is - you guessed it - an enchanted prince.

credit: Frances Brundage (1854-1937)