Germany is a land of fascinating customs and traditions. Through the work of the Grimms, many of its folk and fairy tales have become widely read around the world. German folklore has also inspired numerous literary, artistic, and musical works. Written especially for school students and general readers, this volume is an accessible introduction to German folklore. The volume begins by defining and classifying different types of German folklore. It provides numerous examples of German folkways and presents a wide ranging selection of texts. The book reviews critical and scholarly approaches and discusses the pervasive influence of German folklore on literature and popular culture. The work closes with a bibliography of print and electronic resources suitable for student research, a glossary, and a detailed index. Numerous illustrations bring folklore to life for general readers.