It represents a divine power, that realizes the queen's wish for children. The important part is the following one: > Ein König und eine Königin kriegten gar keine Kinder, und hätten so gern eins gehabt. Einmal saß die Königin im Bade, da kroch ei... read more
(Little Briar-Rose, 1884, transl.: Margaret Hunt) Note that in the translation, as in the later Grimm Edition, the animal is not a cancer but a frog. The lake in which the queen supposedly bathes is very important. A lake is often associated with a gate to the underworld, the mystical world. read more
After many, many years there came a king’s son into that land: and an old man told him the story of the thicket of thorns; and how a beautiful palace stood behind it, and how a wonderful princess, called Briar Rose, lay in it asleep, with all her court. read more
Sleeping Beauty (Little Briar Rose) In times past there lived a king and queen, who said to each other every day of their lives,"Would that we had a child!" and yet they had none. read more