The Duration Of Life

From Grimm Reading by Grimm Reading

March 22, 2026 · 50 min · Season 8 · Episode 11

About this episode

The episode explores a Grimm fairy tale about animals negotiating their lifespan with God, followed by a discussion on life stages and a performance of a Shakespeare soliloquy.

Four animals negotiate their time on Earth with God. Who will emerge with the most years? And is there a twist awaiting the victor? Join us as we read the Grimm fairy tale, “The Duration Of Life”. After the story, we discuss ideas of ‘the stages of life’ and ‘the ages of mankind’ from throughout history. Plus, we hear from a grumpy Sphinx and Matt reads his first Shakespeare soliloquy in a desperate attempt to win an Olivier Award. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Johannes Brahms' Op. 81 performed by Musopen Symphony // Johannes Brahms' Hungraian Dance No. 3 - Allegretto in F Major performed by Luis Sarro // Johannes Brahms' Hungraian Dance No. 7 - Allegretto in F Major performed by Andreas Pfaul

People in this episode

Host: Matt

Topics covered

negotiation of life
stages of life
ages of mankind
Grimm fairy tales
Shakespeare
music

Keywords

Grimm fairy tale
duration of life
negotiation
stages of life
Shakespeare soliloquy
Sphinx
music

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Goodbye Kumiko, Musopen Symphony, Luis Sarro, Andreas Pfaul

Books & works: The Duration Of Life