The Sparrow And His Four Children

From Grimm Reading by Grimm Reading

February 22, 2026 · 43 min · Season 8 · Episode 9

About this episode

The episode discusses the Grimms' tale 'The Sparrow And His Four Children' and its lessons on safety in a dangerous world.

After a vicious attack on the family nest, four young sparrows are left to fend for themselves. When they return home, their anxious father enquires how they fared in the wide world. As each recounts their harrowing tale, we learn a valuable lesson in how to stay safe in a dangerous world. Join us as we read the Grimms' tale, The Sparrow And His Four Children! More a sermon than a story, we discuss the origins of the tale, from the bible through to the Grimms, before hearing an Indian sparrow story about violent retribution - much more familiar ground. ... Linktree Patreon Merch Store Instagram Twitter/X Facebook grimmreadingpodcast@gmail.com Theme music: Bicycle Waltz by Goodbye Kumiko Other Music: Beethoven's Sonata no. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 no. 2 - III. Allegretto performed by Paul Pitman // Motzart's Sonata No. 13 In B Flat Major, K.333 - I. Allegro performed by Brendan Kinsella // Beethoven's 12 German Dances performed by Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra

People in this episode

Host: Grimm Reading

Topics covered

safety
family
storytelling
Grimm's tales
cultural origins
retribution

Keywords

Grimm Brothers
safety lessons
sparrow story
cultural origins
family dynamics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra

Books & works: The Sparrow And His Four Children