“The Juniper Tree (The Wicked Stepmother, The Rose Tree)”
Description
A boy is murdered by his stepmother. She feeds the body to his father and (half-)sister. The boy comes back to life as a bird, and gains revenge on his stepmother (giving gifts to his family in the process). He is restored to humanity
Notes
This tale is widely known -- reported by Chase to be known in England, Ireland, Australia, northwestern Europe, and the southern U.S. As "Von dem Machandelboom" it is #47 in the Grimm collection. As, however, the bird's accusation against his stepmother is generally sung, it perhaps deserves a place in this Index. - RBW
References
- Chase, pp. 47-50, "The Wicked Stepmother" (1 text, 1 tune)
- BI, Cha047