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Iron Hans: A Grimms' Fairy Tale
Matt Tavares’s luminous illustrations and Stephen Mitchell’s wry text transform this classic Grimms’ fairy tale into a splendid edition to treasure.
"Deep in a forsaken wood, a wild man keeps watch over a golden spring."
Iron Hans is nine feet tall and as brown as rust, with hair to his knees. He is cursed, a terror to all, until a young prince finds the courage to befriend him. But when the boy betrays Iron Hans’s trust, he must make his way in the world alone, penniless and unknown — save for a little help from a certain forgiving wild man. Stephen Mitchell’s deft retelling and Matt Tavares’s elegant illustrations gracefully render this timeless Grimms’ tale about pride and humility, wealth and poverty, and the importance of doing good, whether servant or prince, wild man or king.
"Deep in a forsaken wood, a wild man keeps watch over a golden spring."
Iron Hans is nine feet tall and as brown as rust, with hair to his knees. He is cursed, a terror to all, until a young prince finds the courage to befriend him. But when the boy betrays Iron Hans’s trust, he must make his way in the world alone, penniless and unknown — save for a little help from a certain forgiving wild man. Stephen Mitchell’s deft retelling and Matt Tavares’s elegant illustrations gracefully render this timeless Grimms’ tale about pride and humility, wealth and poverty, and the importance of doing good, whether servant or prince, wild man or king.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2007
61 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Mitchell
171 books579 followersStephen Mitchell was educated at Amherst College, the Sorbonne, and Yale University, and de-educated through intensive Zen practice. He is widely known for his ability to make old classics thrillingly new, to step in where many have tried before and to create versions that are definitive for our time. His many books include The Gospel According to Jesus, The Second Book of the Tao, two books of fiction, and a book of poetry.
Mitchell’s Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke has been called “the most beautiful group of poetic translations [the twentieth] century has produced.” William Arrowsmith said that his Sonnets to Orpheus “instantly makes every other rendering obsolete.” His Book of Job has been called “magnificent.” His bestselling Tao Te Ching, Bhagavad Gita, and Gilgamesh—which are not translations from the original text, but rather poetic interpretations that use existing translations into Western languages as their starting point—have also been highly praised by critics, scholars, and common readers. Gilgamesh was Editor’s Choice of The New York Times Book Review, was selected as the Book Sense 2004 Highlight for Poetry, was a finalist for the first annual Quill Award in poetry. His translation of the Iliad was chosen as one of the New Yorker’s favorite books of 2011. He is a two-time winner of the Harold Morton Landon Translation Award from the Academy of American Poets.
His books for young readers include The Wishing Bone, winner of the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award as the best book of poetry for children published in the United States in 2003, and Jesus: What He Really Said and Did, which was chosen by the American Library Association’s Booklist as one of the top ten religious books for children in 2002.
He is also coauthor of two of his wife Byron Katie’s bestselling books: Loving What Is and A Thousand Names for Joy. www.thework.com
You can read extensive excerpts from all his books on his website, www.stephenmitchellbooks.com.
Mitchell’s Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke has been called “the most beautiful group of poetic translations [the twentieth] century has produced.” William Arrowsmith said that his Sonnets to Orpheus “instantly makes every other rendering obsolete.” His Book of Job has been called “magnificent.” His bestselling Tao Te Ching, Bhagavad Gita, and Gilgamesh—which are not translations from the original text, but rather poetic interpretations that use existing translations into Western languages as their starting point—have also been highly praised by critics, scholars, and common readers. Gilgamesh was Editor’s Choice of The New York Times Book Review, was selected as the Book Sense 2004 Highlight for Poetry, was a finalist for the first annual Quill Award in poetry. His translation of the Iliad was chosen as one of the New Yorker’s favorite books of 2011. He is a two-time winner of the Harold Morton Landon Translation Award from the Academy of American Poets.
His books for young readers include The Wishing Bone, winner of the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award as the best book of poetry for children published in the United States in 2003, and Jesus: What He Really Said and Did, which was chosen by the American Library Association’s Booklist as one of the top ten religious books for children in 2002.
He is also coauthor of two of his wife Byron Katie’s bestselling books: Loving What Is and A Thousand Names for Joy. www.thework.com
You can read extensive excerpts from all his books on his website, www.stephenmitchellbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 24, 2017
If you come upon a story that you’ve read before, you might ignore it. “I know this story,” you say. “Another book can’t tell me anything new about it. My life’s too short to keep re-reading old books.” But perhaps the new book has gilded edges, marbled paper, sumptuous illustrations or is re-told by a different author. What then? Do you take it or let it stay on the shelf? If it’s the former, if you find yourself re-visiting old books in new binders, then you’re probably a bibliophile. I know I am.
This re-telling of the Grimm fairy tale gives the reader a prince more curious than foolish. The boy (who remains nameless) has a restless spirit that chafes at all the rules a prince must suffer. His attraction to the wild man in the cage is that of someone who craves to know more than the narrow confines of his world. The prince’s desire to run off with Hans makes sense; all children rebel at the senseless rules of adulthood and imagine anything must be better.
When the little boy fails at his tasks and is sent away, he’s very unhappy and the text and illustrations show this. Here when the boy leaves, he’s still something of a boy and his grief is almost palpable. He must fend for himself in the outside world and it’s difficult for him since he’s never learned any trade that would make him useful. Quite a change from stories about scullery maids becoming princesses.
In this story, there is only one princess but she’s curious about the gardener’s new assistant after she spies his golden hair. Their relationship doesn’t seem to deepen (he gives her flowers; she tosses him fruit) but they get married anyway after he does great service for his king and proves himself in battle. (It’s strange how the princes in versions of this märchen show more affection for the wild man they befriend rather than their respective brides. Perhaps that explains why the stories are named after him.)
The color illustrations show impressionistic versions of greenery (the trees are all of a similar bushiness) and men in armor who are so alike in appearance that they appear more like robots on horseback than human beings. But they are impressive in the small details (the prince’s golden hair which shines like the sun; Iron John’s initial appearance that dwarfs everyone around him even at the bottom of a drained pool; a princess who is a touch homely). They complement the story action very ably.
The end picture of Iron Hans shows the restored king gazing thoughtfully out the window at a distant forest as if mourning the loss of his tranquil life; it emphasizes the enigma behind the titular character. Perhaps he is meant to be a being without real explanation save as the victim of an evil spell. Wouldn’t that be a story worth reading?
This re-telling of the Grimm fairy tale gives the reader a prince more curious than foolish. The boy (who remains nameless) has a restless spirit that chafes at all the rules a prince must suffer. His attraction to the wild man in the cage is that of someone who craves to know more than the narrow confines of his world. The prince’s desire to run off with Hans makes sense; all children rebel at the senseless rules of adulthood and imagine anything must be better.
When the little boy fails at his tasks and is sent away, he’s very unhappy and the text and illustrations show this. Here when the boy leaves, he’s still something of a boy and his grief is almost palpable. He must fend for himself in the outside world and it’s difficult for him since he’s never learned any trade that would make him useful. Quite a change from stories about scullery maids becoming princesses.
In this story, there is only one princess but she’s curious about the gardener’s new assistant after she spies his golden hair. Their relationship doesn’t seem to deepen (he gives her flowers; she tosses him fruit) but they get married anyway after he does great service for his king and proves himself in battle. (It’s strange how the princes in versions of this märchen show more affection for the wild man they befriend rather than their respective brides. Perhaps that explains why the stories are named after him.)
The color illustrations show impressionistic versions of greenery (the trees are all of a similar bushiness) and men in armor who are so alike in appearance that they appear more like robots on horseback than human beings. But they are impressive in the small details (the prince’s golden hair which shines like the sun; Iron John’s initial appearance that dwarfs everyone around him even at the bottom of a drained pool; a princess who is a touch homely). They complement the story action very ably.
The end picture of Iron Hans shows the restored king gazing thoughtfully out the window at a distant forest as if mourning the loss of his tranquil life; it emphasizes the enigma behind the titular character. Perhaps he is meant to be a being without real explanation save as the victim of an evil spell. Wouldn’t that be a story worth reading?
December 13, 2019
Years ago I began reading a book called Iron John, a book about manhood, which was all about this fairytale and how it related to the quest for masculinity. I had never read the actual fairytale, so when I came across this in the children’s section of my library I snagged it. It was wonderfully told with beautiful illustrations. The story is worth reflection. It has deep symbolism into the search for identity.
January 23, 2019
The illustrations are very much in the uncanny valley, BUT this is a solid retelling of a story that provides a much needed perspective counterpart; after all, boys sometimes need fairy godmothers and pretty clothes, too.
March 17, 2019
A good book for a child who reads at a high level but doesn't want to read chapter books. Recommended in The Enchanted Hour.
April 14, 2020
Great story. Enjoyed reading with my sons after reading Iron John: A Book About Men by Robert Bly myself
November 16, 2020
Basic fairy tale.
November 16, 2021
SO good. My boys loved it and I think it’s one of my favorites! I compared it to the original Grimm’s version and it’s right on.
April 7, 2016
Iron Hans is a Grimm’s Fairy tale that would be best suited for students in the second and third grade. Iron Hans could be used as a lesson on comparison between Iron Hans and a more famous Grimm story. Iron Hans could also be used to teach a lesson on respecting the environment. In the story it talks about the wild man watching over and protecting the spring. This part of the story would be an excellent way to talk about recycling and protecting the earth.
Summary
After several huntsman vanish after going into the nearby forest the king forbids anyone to enter it. One day a huntsman who is looking for work offers to enter the forest at his own risk. The king is at first resistant but then after a little convincing allows it. The huntsman soon comes upon a stream that swallows up his dog. The huntsman returns with buckets and several townsfolk and they remove all the water in the spring which reveals a wild man and the dog. The wild man is captured and taken to the castle where only the queen holds the key. The prince is out one day playing with his golden ball, and he loses it in the wild man’s cage. The boy demands it back, but the wild man refuses unless he is freed. Several days go by and the boy becomes less afraid of the wild man, and starts to befriend him. Eventually he helps him escape and goes with him into the forest. The wild man is cursed to look after the spring and he is not allowed to let anything enter it. The wild man instructs the prince to be the watchman during the day and checks in with him daily. After three mishaps the wild man sends the prince back into the world, but says that he will be in the forest if the prince needs any help. The prince goes to another kingdom where no one knows who he is, and lives a life of poverty. After living a life of poverty the prince aids the king in battle with a fierce horse provided by the wild man. In the end the prince reveals to the king that he is from another kingdom and marries the princess. The curse is broken and the wild man turns out to be a king from another kingdom, and gives his kingdom as a wedding present.
Summary
After several huntsman vanish after going into the nearby forest the king forbids anyone to enter it. One day a huntsman who is looking for work offers to enter the forest at his own risk. The king is at first resistant but then after a little convincing allows it. The huntsman soon comes upon a stream that swallows up his dog. The huntsman returns with buckets and several townsfolk and they remove all the water in the spring which reveals a wild man and the dog. The wild man is captured and taken to the castle where only the queen holds the key. The prince is out one day playing with his golden ball, and he loses it in the wild man’s cage. The boy demands it back, but the wild man refuses unless he is freed. Several days go by and the boy becomes less afraid of the wild man, and starts to befriend him. Eventually he helps him escape and goes with him into the forest. The wild man is cursed to look after the spring and he is not allowed to let anything enter it. The wild man instructs the prince to be the watchman during the day and checks in with him daily. After three mishaps the wild man sends the prince back into the world, but says that he will be in the forest if the prince needs any help. The prince goes to another kingdom where no one knows who he is, and lives a life of poverty. After living a life of poverty the prince aids the king in battle with a fierce horse provided by the wild man. In the end the prince reveals to the king that he is from another kingdom and marries the princess. The curse is broken and the wild man turns out to be a king from another kingdom, and gives his kingdom as a wedding present.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 17, 2011 Stephen Mitchell’s retelling of a lesser-known fairy tale from the brothers Grimm has a traditional feel. The tale tells of a wild man who was freed from captivity by a prince. The prince then joins the wild man in the woods but is forced to leave when he betrays the wild man’s trust. The prince grows up to be a kind, good man and receives help from the wild man when he needs it most. Mitchell’s style is fitting with the genre and the book’s grand illustrations from Matt Tavares make for an enjoyable read-aloud experience. No details about the origin of the story are provided; such information would have been a welcome addition.
October 1, 2011
The illustrations are amazing! The tale is a Grimm's story retold, but the author sticks to original story. The prose start of strong, but I found the ending to be weakly written; the very last line is "...the music began again." This left me ready for more action, action that didn't involve closing the book.
One thing I never understood was: since the boy was already a prince, why should we care that Hans was a king who hands over his kingdom. The prince would have his own anyway. In fact, as the story goes, he has three kingdoms. He married the princess, remember?
One thing I never understood was: since the boy was already a prince, why should we care that Hans was a king who hands over his kingdom. The prince would have his own anyway. In fact, as the story goes, he has three kingdoms. He married the princess, remember?
Read
October 29, 2013I absolutely loved this book. The format, font and pictures in this book all worked so well together to give an old-fashioned feel to this book. The story was also fantastic! The plot and development made the reader fall in love with the characters and really feel for them through the problems they were facing. I loved the illustrations because they were so life like and very bright and detailed. The story would not be as interesting without the pictures to look at. I would recommend this book to everyone.
November 1, 2010
I enjoyed reading this book because it's one of the Grimm's fairy tales that isn't really common. (Or at least I've never heard of it. The illustrations are really well done. The story is also really interesting. Iron Hans is a giant man who is cursed and must watch over a magical stream who's water turns everything it touches into gold. A young prince tries to help him but keeps messing up so Iron Hans sends him on his way to learn how to be a man. Really fun story, very well done!
January 24, 2012
My son and I really enjoyed reading this book together. The book was a little longer than we both thought, but the illistrations along with the story captivated us to keep reading.
August 12, 2014
I enjoyed reading this to my five children as much as they enjoyed hearing it. A great story with rich illustrations.
May 15, 2014
My 6 year old son and I loved the story and illustrations! I do not recommend for children under 6, though.
August 28, 2016
I had to read this for Sci Fi & Lit class. I mean...it's okay. I like it. It's not the best Grimm story, but it's better than some of the fairy tales.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews