In the organizer's words:

Goethe's "Fairy Tale", published in 1795, is one of the most enigmatic texts in German literature. With characters such as the snake, will-o'-the-wisps, prince and princess, it unfolds an ambiguous play of symbols that has challenged readers for over two centuries. Written at a time of political upheaval and social crisis, the text can also be read as a subtle reflection on violence, responsibility and community action. At the same time, it retains a cheerful, stubborn openness that deliberately undermines unambiguous interpretations. The recurring sentence "It's about time" seems surprisingly contemporary. In a discussion, Ariane Ludwig (Goethe and Schiller Archive, Klassik Stiftung Weimar) and Roman Gibhardt (Goethe Museum) approach the text, its genesis and its history of impact. An afternoon for the curious who want to re-read a classic text - and think about it further. In keeping with the motto of the new discussion series, we invite everyone to listen, talk and linger over mulled wine and cookies. To round off the afternoon, Heike Spies (Goethe Museum) will give a guided tour of the current special exhibition "Everyone needs fairy tales. Goethe's 'fairy tales' today".