Ep 5: Hansel And Gretel

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by the Brothers Grimm | 1812

Hansel and Gretel are two kids dumped in the woods when food runs out and desperation takes over. Lost and hungry, they stumble across a candy-covered house that looks like a dream but hides a nightmare. Inside waits a witch with a sweet tooth for children and a plan to fatten them up for dinner. 

But Gretel's got other ideas. With some quick thinking and a lot of guts, she flips the script, torches the witch, and they make it out alive, richer, smarter, and ready to go home.

Notable Quotes:

• "What is to become of us? How are we to feed our poor children, when we no longer have anything even for ourselves?"
• "Be quiet, Gretel... I will soon find a way to help us."
• "Nibble, nibble, gnaw, Who is nibbling at my little house?"
• "Hansel, we are saved! The old witch is dead!"
• "Little duck, little duck, dost thou see, Hansel and Gretel are waiting for thee?"

Summary:

• A poor woodcutter and his wife plan to abandon their children, Hansel and Gretel, in the forest due to famine.
• Hansel overhears and twice tries to mark their path: first with pebbles (which works), then with breadcrumbs (which birds eat).
• Lost deeper in the forest, the hungry children find a house made of bread and cakes.
• The house belongs to a wicked witch who lures children to fatten and eat them.
• The witch imprisons Hansel and forces Gretel to cook for him, intending to eat them both.
• Gretel outsmarts the nearly blind witch, tricking her into climbing into the oven, then shoves her in and locks the door.
• Hansel and Gretel escape, find chests of jewels in the witch's house, and carry them.
• A friendly duck helps them cross a large body of water, and they find their way back home.
• They reunite with their father, discovering their stepmother has died, and live happily ever after with their new riches.

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