Aller au contenu
The Library
of Alexandria

A character in Grimms' Fairy Tales

Who is the Brave Little Tailor?

By the Library of Alexandria · 2 minute read · Updated 23 oct. 2026

In short

  • The Brave Little Tailor is a small, quick-witted craftsman whose boast brings him fame in Grimms' Fairy Tales.
  • In Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm's collection, he faces danger with tricks rather than strength.
  • A belt celebrating his success against seven flies makes people believe he has defeated seven men.

Who the Brave Little Tailor is

The Brave Little Tailor begins with a small victory, killing seven flies with a single blow. He sews a belt to celebrate the feat, but people misunderstand what his message means. They take the seven victims to be men, turning an ordinary tailor into someone with a fearsome reputation.

What the Brave Little Tailor wants

The tailor sets out into the world to enjoy the fame his boast has brought him. That reputation also gives him something to live up to when he meets challenges beyond his original feat. He uses tricks to outwit giants, while a king puts him to harder and harder tests. His tale takes a comic approach to cleverness, showing how a small person can face much larger opponents.

Questions

Who is the Brave Little Tailor?

The Brave Little Tailor is a clever craftsman who gains fame through a misunderstood boast.

Does the Brave Little Tailor kill seven men?

No, he kills seven flies in one blow. Other people mistake the message on his belt for a claim about men.

How does the Brave Little Tailor face giants?

He outwits the giants with tricks. His cleverness matters more than his size.

The classics, in your inbox

Characters, key ideas and where to start, by email. Leave any time.

Read Grimms' Fairy Tales, and 200,000+ more

Start free and open 200,000+ books to read and to hear, with a 15-minute summary of every one, and any book printed at cost as a paperback, hardcover or large print.

Free to start. Renews every year. Cancel anytime.

Start free