Grimm's Fairy Tales as Cultural Memory Texts: Preserving Collective Identity through Folklore

Abstract

Scholars have traditionally approached Grimm's Fairy Tales as a classic collection of children's literature. From the perspective of Jan Assmann's and Aleida Assmann's Cultural Memory Theory, Grimm's Fairy Tales emerge as powerful vehicles for preserving and transmitting the cultural values, beliefs, and historical experiences of nineteenth-century Germany. The theory of cultural memory, articulated by Jan and Aleida Assmann, helps to navigate how these fairy tales play a pivot role in preserving cultural memory among young readers. Using a qualitative textual approach, this study examines tales such as Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, and Cinderella to investigate how their recurring narratives, symbols, and motifs reflect the collective cultural memory of nineteenth-century Germany. In addition, exploring the origins of these fairy tales and the editorial interventions of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm demonstrates that the brothers were active agents in the formation and transmission of folklore-based cultural memory. This study also investigates the interdisciplinary significance of fairy tales, specifically in relation to the fields of memory studies and cultural theory. The application of Cultural Memory Theory to Grimm's Fairy Tales illustrates the enduring role of literature in preserving cultural memory across generations and enriches contemporary discussions in children's literature, folklore, and memory studies.