Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest
Episode Title: Ten Thumbs (Part II)
Host/Author: Pinna
Release Date: October 24, 2024

Introduction

In the "Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest" podcast, bestselling author Adam Gidwitz masterfully reimagines classic Grimm fairy tales with unique twists, engaging a group of inquisitive children who add humor, anticipate plot twists, and share their perspectives. In the episode titled "Ten Thumbs (Part II)", Adam continues the dark and whimsical adventures of Ten Thumbs, a young man with an extraordinary number of thumbs, navigating perilous encounters with giants and a cunning princess.

Story Retelling: Ten Thumbs (Part II)

Characters and Setting

• Ten Thumbs: The protagonist with ten thumbs, captured by giants.
• Giants: Three distinct giants (young, old, and angry) who have coerced Ten Thumbs into their macabre plans.
• Princess: The princess sleeping in a tower, later revealed to be resourceful and resilient.
• Margrave: An evil, deceitful character who falsely claims to have saved the princess.
• Dog and Horse: Vicious and ferocious dog named Arrow and a horse named Horseshoe that aid Ten Thumbs.

Plot Development

Captured and Coerced (00:01 - 03:45)
Ten Thumbs finds himself under the control of three intimidating giants who demand he shoot a dog to facilitate their plan to eat the princess. Although reluctant, Ten Thumbs complies due to his dire circumstances.

Encounter with the Dog (03:46 - 06:30)
As Ten Thumbs approaches the princess's tower, a vicious dog confronts him. Despite his fear, he attempts to shoot the dog but misses, leading to a tense moment where the giants observe in astonishment.

Clever Distraction and Confrontation (06:30 - 12:19)
Ten Thumbs cleverly distracts the dog by lodging an arrow with meat, allowing him to enter the tower undetected. Inside, he navigates various rooms, including one with a golden sword. His pridefulness leads to overconfidence, resulting in the gruesome beheading of the three giants as they attempt to seize the princess.

Chase and Escaping the Castle (12:19 - 17:16)
After eliminating the giants, Ten Thumbs faces the wrath of the kingdoms' guards and the Margrave. A chase ensues through the woods, culminating in Ten Thumbs narrowly escaping with the help of Horseshoe, the horse bearing a horseshoe-shaped burn.

Reunion and Revelation (17:16 - 23:51)
A year later, Ten Thumbs reunites with the princess at a cottage. They uncover the Margrave's deceit—he falsely claimed credit for saving her and killed the giants himself. Ten Thumbs proves his heroism by showing the giant thumbs he collected, exposing the Margrave as a fraud.

Final Confrontation and Resolution (23:51 - 28:14)
During the wedding ceremony, the truth about the Margrave emerges when Ten Thumbs reveals the extra thumbs, leading to the Margrave's banishment and eventual demise at the hands of righteous giants. Ten Thumbs and the princess marry, overturning unjust rules, and live happily ever after with their daughter and loyal companions.

Interaction with the Children

Throughout the storytelling, Adam engages with the children, prompting them to contribute ideas, ask questions, and even suggest plot twists. Their lively participation adds humor and depth to the narrative. For example:

• At 05:34, Child 2 summarizes the giants' demand: "Kill the dog, bring us the princess, we eat the princess, otherwise we eat you."
• At 07:07, Child 2 expresses disbelief: "I can't believe he missed. He said, he never misses."
• At 19:40, Child 1 suggests the logical choice for the princess: "10 thumbs."

These interactions not only enhance the storytelling experience but also encourage young listeners to engage creatively with the narrative.

Notable Quotes

• Adam Gidwitz (01:28): "The original Grimm fairy tales aren't like that at all. They're weird and sometimes gross and often scary. In other words, they're grim."

• Child 1 (06:37): "So what, does she live in a tower? She could live in a palace."

• Child 1 (12:04): "Because I kill giants. All the time."

• Adam Gidwitz (25:09): "The Margrave did not save you from those giants. I did."

• Child 1 (23:31): "Ew. They're moldy. They're moldy because it's been one year and they rot. And dead bodies rot."

These quotes highlight key moments of tension, humor, and revelation within the story.

Insights and Themes

Cleverness and Resourcefulness: Ten Thumbs consistently demonstrates ingenuity, from distracting the dog to exposing the Margrave's lies.

Challenging Authority: The princess's rebellion against unjust royal decrees underscores themes of autonomy and resistance against tyranny.

Consequences of Deceit: The Margrave's deceit leads to his downfall, emphasizing the moral that dishonesty ultimately results in punishment.

Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between Ten Thumbs, his dog Arrow, and his horse Horseshoe illustrates the importance of loyal companions in overcoming adversity.

Transformation and Redemption: The princess's transformation from a trapped figure to a strong, independent individual highlights personal growth and empowerment.

Conclusion

In "Ten Thumbs (Part II)", Adam Gidwitz delivers a captivating continuation of Ten Thumbs' adventures, blending dark fairy tale elements with humor and interactive storytelling. The episode deftly navigates themes of courage, deception, and resilience, all while maintaining an engaging dialogue with its young audience. Through clever plot twists and dynamic character interactions, listeners are immersed in a richly woven narrative that redefines traditional Grimm tales for a modern audience.

This summary captures the essence of the "Ten Thumbs (Part II)" episode, highlighting key plot points, character developments, and interactive elements that make the podcast a beloved choice for families and children.