Yet, the “evil” was still vanquished. Perhaps that counts for something? Not quite. Taking a look at the tale how it was originally written may prove to be enlightening. Rumpelstiltskin is described differently in translations of the German tale. In the original German text, Rumpelstilzchen, the Brothers Grimm describe Rumpelstiltskin as a männlein (Grimm, Rumpelstilzchen). In English translations he is often called a manikin or a hobgoblin. The männlein is a fairy that is helpful and wise, but can have a darker side (Carruthers 8). Männlein appear in other grimms stories such as The Three Männlein of The Forest, where three magical little men give a girl beauty, wealth, and king for a husband in return for sharing a little piece of bread.
