Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
(The Joyful Days)
Brothers Grimm

After escaping from her evil stepmother, Snow White wandered lost in the forest, terrified and weary. But when she discovered a little cottage hidden among the trees, hope flickered within her. She cautiously stepped inside and found a cozy, albeit messy, home with seven small chairs, seven little bowls, and seven tiny beds. Exhausted from her escape, she lay down, drifting into a peaceful sleep that only a heart seeking refuge could find.
Not long after, as the sun began to set, the cottage’s owners returned from their day in the mines. The seven dwarfs, a merry yet peculiar group, came bustling through the door, loudly chatting about their day. There was Sneezy, forever sneezing, Grumpy, who was always muttering about something or other, Skinny, the tallest and leanest, Red Nose, with cheeks as bright as winter cherries, Curly Hair, whose wild curls seemed to have a life of their own, Long Beard, who took great pride in his carefully braided beard, and finally, Big Head, the leader with a grand sense of his own importance and a voice loud enough to rattle the windows.
As they entered, they froze in surprise, spotting Snow White asleep across three of their beds. The dwarfs crept closer, whispering among themselves. “Who is she?” Sneezy sniffled, holding back yet another sneeze.
Grumpy grumbled, “She’s an intruder, that’s who.”
But Big Head, always one to make a decision, declared, “She’s our guest for now — we’ll see what she has to say in the morning.”
When Snow White awoke, she was startled by the seven little faces peering at her. She told them her story, of how her evil stepmother, the Queen, had tried to have her killed. The dwarfs, touched by her tale and the kindness in her heart, took her in without a second thought.
Life with the seven dwarfs was filled with joy and laughter. Each dwarf had his own unique quirks that made every day lively and unpredictable. Every morning, they would gather around for a hearty breakfast before heading to the mines. Snow White was an excellent cook, and she prepared the dwarfs’ favorite dishes, from hearty stews to fluffy biscuits. Sneezy adored her honey tea, although it always made him sneeze, sending crumbs flying. Grumpy, though he would never admit it, looked forward to her apple pies, mumbling under his breath as he devoured slice after slice.
After the dwarfs left each morning, Snow White would tidy up the little cottage, humming as she dusted and swept. When the dwarfs returned, they would find the table set and a delicious aroma wafting through the air. Their evening meals became a joyful ritual. Big Head, in his booming voice, would start a round of songs, which would inevitably lead to laughter and clapping. Snow White’s delicate laugh joined theirs, filling the cottage with warmth.
Sometimes, the dwarfs would clash with each other in the silliest of ways. Grumpy was always irritated by Big Head’s loud singing, while Skinny often had to dodge Sneezy’s eruptions. Long Beard often found his beard mysteriously braided in odd shapes by Curly Hair, who couldn’t resist pranking his friends. And Red Nose, ever shy, blushed whenever Snow White complimented his carving skills, which led him to spend hours perfecting little wooden animals that he secretly left on Snow White’s pillow.
On sunny afternoons, they would go for strolls through the forest. Big Head would lead, of course, proudly marching forward while the others chatted and laughed along the way. Snow White delighted in these outings, feeling safe and cherished among her unusual friends. Together, they sang songs, skipped stones by the river, and told stories around campfires as the sun set.
But unbeknownst to Snow White, her stepmother, the Evil Queen, had discovered that her stepdaughter still lived. Enraged and consumed by jealousy, the Queen disguised herself as a peddler and set out to finish what she had started.
One day, while the dwarfs were at work, Snow White was visited by an old woman selling ribbons. Snow White’s kind heart wouldn’t allow her to turn the woman away, and she eagerly accepted a gift of a beautiful ribbon for her hair. But as the Queen tied it, she pulled it so tightly that Snow White gasped and fell unconscious. Thinking she had succeeded, the Queen disappeared, leaving Snow White lifeless.
When the dwarfs returned home that evening, they found her lying on the floor, her face as pale as snow. Horrified, they cut the ribbon, allowing Snow White to breathe again. She told them about the old woman, and the dwarfs, fearing for her safety, warned her never to speak to strangers.
But the Queen was relentless. Days later, she returned, disguised this time as a comb-seller. The dwarfs had only just left for the mines when she knocked on the door. She held out a dazzling, jeweled comb that sparkled in the sunlight. Snow White hesitated, remembering the dwarfs’ warning, but the old woman insisted it would suit her so well. Once again, Snow White could not resist. But as soon as the comb touched her hair, she collapsed to the floor. The Queen slipped away, believing Snow White to be dead.
When the dwarfs returned, they found Snow White again lying on the floor. Grumpy was furious, muttering angrily about strangers, while Big Head promised to keep better watch over her. Carefully, they removed the enchanted comb, and Snow White revived once more. She listened as each dwarf warned her in his own way, with Long Beard solemnly advising her, Sneezy nodding emphatically between sneezes, and Big Head ordering her not to open the door for anyone.
But the Evil Queen returned a final time, bearing the most tempting gift of all — a shining, crimson apple. Disguised as a kindly grandmother, she approached Snow White with soft, gentle words and the warmest smile. When Snow White hesitated, the Queen took a small bite of the apple herself. “See, dear? It’s perfectly safe,” she assured her.
At last, Snow White accepted the apple. But as soon as she took a bite, she fell to the floor, her eyes closed, her lips still stained by the sweet taste of the fruit. The Queen smiled in cruel satisfaction, certain that this time her plan had worked.
When the dwarfs returned, they were devastated to find Snow White motionless, with no sign of life. One by one, they knelt beside her, their hearts heavy with sorrow. Even Grumpy, who rarely showed his emotions, wiped away a tear. They crafted a glass coffin for her, so pure and clear that they could always see her gentle face.
Together, the seven dwarfs kept watch over Snow White, guarding her with all the love and devotion they had, waiting and hoping that someday, somehow, their beloved friend would awaken.