The Louse and the Flea

In today's article we will talk about The Louse and the Flea, a topic that has captured the attention of many people over time. The Louse and the Flea is a concept that has generated debate and discussion in different areas, from the personal to the professional level. Since its appearance, The Louse and the Flea has aroused the interest of researchers, experts and curious people who seek to further understand its meaning and its impact on society. Throughout history, The Louse and the Flea has demonstrated its ability to influence the way people think and act, and in this article we will explore some of the reasons behind its relevance and continued presence in our lives.

The Louse and the Flea
Folk tale
NameThe Louse and the Flea
Also known asLittle Louse and Little Flea
Aarne–Thompson groupingATU 2022 (An Animal Mourns the Death of a Spouse)
CountryGermany
Published inGrimms' Fairy Tales

"The Louse and the Flea" or "Little Louse and Little Flea" (German: Läuschen und Flöhchen) is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm, number 30.

It is Aarne-Thompson type 2022, An Animal Mourns the Death of a Spouse, and takes the form of a chain tale, sometimes known as a cumulative tale. Wilhelm Grimm probably heard the story from Dorothea Catharina Wild in 1808.

Synopsis

A louse and a flea are married until the louse drowns while brewing. The flea mourns, inspiring a door to ask why and start creaking, which inspires a broom to ask why and start sweeping—through a sequence of objects until a spring overflows at the news and drowns them all.

Variants

In some versions the louse and the flea are replaced by a ladybird and a fly.

References

  1. ^ Jacob and Wilheim Grimm, Household Tales, "The Louse and the Flea"
  2. ^ D.L. Ashliman, "The Grimm Brothers' Children's and Household Tales (Grimms' Fairy Tales)"
  3. ^ Lily Owens, ed. (1981). The Complete Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales. pp. 129–131. Avenel Books. ISBN 0-517-336316

External links