It's the end of the series and the end of volume one for us here at Grimm Castle! So join us as we reveal the winners and losers of series 5 of Grimm Reading and indulge in some classic story stats.

We then share some clips from our latest special episodes (The Little Mermaid and Sinbad The Sailor), and finally resurrect story stats as we reveal the top and bottom stories of the entire five years of the podcast. 

5 Year Grimmversary YouTube Livestream

The Little Mermaid Payhip

Sinbad The Sailor (Part 1) Payhip

Sinbad The Sailor (Part 2) Payhip

Series 5 Spotify Playlist

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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Komiko.

Other music: Dvořák's Humoresque Op.101 No. 7 // Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade Suite: The Sea and Sinbad's Ship // Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata no. 18 in G major, D.894 IV. Allegretto 

In part two, discover the origins and history of cinderella as we embark on “The Story Of The Story”.

First up, we follow the trail of Cinderella from ancient Greece through Basile, Perrault, and the Grimms, by way of medieval France, as we trace her literary origins. We then attempt to work out where Cinderella really came from, and seek help from some expert friends as we define the tale and explore what exactly it's trying to tell us.

Enjoy the final installment of this gripping two-parter where we delve into one of the most famous stories of all time - Cinderella (aka Cenrillon, Cennerentola, and the Cinderella Cat).

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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko

Other Music: Beethoven's Violin Sonata No.8 in G major 1. Allegro assai // Brahms' Waltz Op 39 No 15 // Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48: II Moderato, Tempe Di Valse

A plucky young heroine, an avian stylist, and an axe-wielding dad make for a special season 5 ending - join us round the fire for some comically extreme violence as we read the Cinderella (aka Aschenputtel).

Think you know Cinderella? Well, think again! Yes, we've got the lost slipper, we've got the evil step sisters, we've got the fateful ball - but there's plenty Disney unforgivably left out.

It's a momentous occasion at Castle Grimm: it's all at once the series 5 finale, the last famous Grimm story, and the final story from volume 1. As such, we've split it into two episodes. 

Part 1 we hear the story and discuss our initial thoughts. We also learn about the Grimms' sources for the story - or perhaps we don't learn about the sources. In Part 2, we'll do a deep dive into the history and origins of Cinderella in the world of literature and folklore. 

Settle in for an epic Grimm Reading two-parter; we're thrilled to have you along. 

This episode is Certified Grimm and may not be suitable for all listeners. 

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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko

Other Music: Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48: II Moderato, Tempe Di Valse //  Mendelssohn's Lieder ohne Worte, Op.19b - 1. Andante con moto 

In this story, a psychopathic couple get a schooling from their son when the little boy witnesses the harsh treatment of his grandfather. Things get moralistic this week's as we read the Grimm story, The Old Man And His Grandson. 

After the tale, we explore the world of old men in folktales, specifically three ATU types that deal with old men looking for care in their twilight years - finishing with a harrowing story from the Philipines, or possibly Mexico.

This episode is Certified Grimm and may not be suitable for all listeners. 

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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko

Other Music: Brahms' 4 Piano  Pieces, Op. 119 - 2. Intermezzo in E minor  & Sonata in C major Op.1 - III. Scherzo performed by Peter Bradley-Fulgoni 

On his deathbed, a King commands trusty John, his most loyal servant, to protect his son and heir. But when the boy falls in love with a forbidden painting, John's loyalty is pushed to the limit. Will he sacrifice himself for the sake of the boy?

Find out in Faithful John! The Brothers Grimm story responsible for Oscar Wilde's greatest work and your favourite scene in Star Wars. 

After the story, we try to tracy its lineage from West to East, by way of a medieval French romance and the unexpected story of Hercules' run in with a poisoned shirt.

This episode is “Certified Grimm” for adult themes and may not be suitable for all listeners.

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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko

Other Music: Dvorak's Romantic Pieces, Op. 75 - 3. Allegro appassionato // Maria Szymanowska's Polonaise No. 3

Welcome to our fifth Christmas party AND our 100th episode! Join us round the fire as we get festive in a bumper episode.

This year we get an American story, The Poor Count's Christmas, featuring a greedy giant, an underhanded fairy, and an aristocrat with a Christmas addiction. That adventure is swiftly followed by the opening few mini chapters of the classic tale The Nutcracker.

But before that, we share the usual gifts, pull a cracker or two, and also take a trip around the world on a culinary tour of global festive food traditions, thanks to an amazing response from our Instagram followers.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to one and all!

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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko

Other Music: Tchaikovsky's "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" from The Nutcracker Suite from the music.org European Archive // Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kije Suite: Troika performed by the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra

In this episode we talk to travel writer Nicholas Jubber about his latest book The Fairy Tellers, which unearths the incredible lives of the people behind famous fairy tales.

The Fairy Tellers introduces us to seven of the most influential story tellers, including Hans Christian Andersen, Dortchten Wild, Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve, and Hanna Dyab, who between them gave us Hansel and Gretel, Beauty And The Beast, The Snow Queen, and Aladdin, to name a few.

Who were these people? What’s behind the magic of their story telling? And just how good really is Basile? We talk about all this and more, and end with Nick sharing his favourite fairy tale.

Learn more about Nick Jubber at his website. And pick up a copy The Fairy Tellers just in time for Christmas!

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We finally land at the feet of the longest story in the entire collection, The Two Brothers. And this one's got it all. Dragons, witches, heroes, villains, damsels - this may well be the fairy tale story you’ve been waiting for!

When two brothers are banished from home, they gather a retinue of animal disciples and hit the road. Deciding to go their separate ways, the eldest battles a dragon and wins the heart of a princess. But when a tree-climbing witch turns him to stone, it’s up to the younger brother to save the day. But will he stay true when he’s mistaken for his brother?

Join us on an epic adventure that eventually takes us all the way to ancient Egypt and arguably the earliest fairy tale ever recorded...

Link to The History Of Egypt Podcast's episode on The Tale Of The Two Brothers.

This episode is “Certified Grimm” for adult themes and may not be suitable for all listeners.

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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko

Other Music: Schmidt's Notre Dame - Intermezzo (performed by

Left alone in heaven, Saint Peter hears a knock at the door; a light-fingered tailor wants in. Against the wishes of the Good Lord, Peter lets the tailor through the pearly gates and into paradise. What will happen when the big chief returns home to find heaven in disorder? And why does everyone love Spanish cavalrymen? Find out in The Tailor In Heaven!

We discuss tailors in fairy tales, Odin’s special seat, a Swiss party town, and finally hear another folk tale of crafty tailors cheating their way into heaven.

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Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko

Other Music: Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata in A major D. 664 - III. Allegro (performed by Paul Pitman) // Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata no. 16 in A minor, D. 845 (performed by Paul Pitman) // Franz Schubert's Piano Sonata no. 18 in G major, D.894 (performed by Paul Pitman)