The Two Travelers | Read Aloud Grimm’s Fairy Tales with Olivia | KHM 107

The Two Travelers Grimm’s Fairy Tales KHM 107 Once upon a time, there were two travelers: a cheerful shoemaker named Fritz and a grumpy tailor named Karl. Fritz saw the world as a place full of wonder, while Karl grumbled at every bump in the road. They decided to journey together, seeking their fortune. One sunny afternoon, they came across a bird trapped in a thorny bush. “We should help it!” said Fritz, freeing the bird gently. To their surprise, the bird turned into a glowing fairy. “Kind-hearted Fritz,” she said, “for your compassion, I grant you a magical flute. Play it, and doors will open for you.” Fritz took the flute gratefully, but Karl muttered, “A flute won’t fill our stomachs.” Their journey continued until they reached a great forest. There, they found a giant lying across their path, snoring thunderously. Around his neck hung a pouch of coins. Karl’s eyes gleamed with greed. “We’ll take it while he sleeps,” he whispered. “No!” Fritz protested. “We mustn’t steal.” Karl ignored him and crept toward the pouch. But as he grabbed it, the giant awoke with a roar. “Who dares steal from me?” he bellowed. Fritz quickly played his flute, and the giant’s rage melted into a laugh. “Ah, music! I love a good tune,” said the giant. “Fritz, you may pass. But you,” he growled at Karl, “will carry my burdens.” Karl was handed a heavy sack of stones, which he had to carry for miles. Fritz helped him as best he could, but Karl refused to apologize. As they reached a kingdom in trouble, Fritz’s kindness led him to offer help. The king’s only daughter had been turned into a golden statue by an evil wizard. Fritz played his magical flute, and the melody broke the spell, restoring the princess to life. The grateful king showered Fritz with riches. But Karl, envious, tried to claim credit. “It was my idea to come here!” he boasted. The wizard, overhearing this, cast a spell on Karl, making his nose grow as long as a walking stick. Karl fled in shame, his nose wobbling with every step. Fritz, now a beloved hero, invited Karl to share his fortune. But Karl, embarrassed and bitter, chose to wander alone, grumbling as he always had. Fritz lived happily, using his riches to help others, while Karl learned the hard way that greed and lies only lead to trouble.