Parents: Please note that this fairy tale includes violence (murder) and can be scary for some children. Since all children are different, and only you know your child(ren), please pre-listen so that you may decide whether this fairy tale is right for your family.
We include this fairy tale because it explains a modern-day phrase and gives the origin of "open sesame" and because it is one of few Grimm's fairy tales that is from the Middle East; we love to hear oral traditions from around the world which teach us about different cultures and their values! This story gives many opportunities for deep discussion!
Discussion questions:
1. What kind of relationship did these brothers have? Would you describe them as a good example of "brotherly love"?
2. How does the pursuit of wealth motivate characters in this story?
3. What clues of danger did characters use to protect themselves during the story?
4. How did characters use wisdom and wit to help them in this story?
5. Did the slave in this story find true freedom?
6. Would you have acted differently or in the same manner as the main character? How?
