Once upon a time, in a small cottage at the edge of a great dark forest, there lived a poor woodcutter with his two beloved children...

Chapter 1: The Woodcutter's Family and Hard Times

Deep in the heart of an enchanted forest lived a kind woodcutter named Wilhelm with his two precious children: Hansel, a brave ten-year-old boy, and Gretel, his clever eight-year-old sister. Their mother had passed away when they were very young, leaving behind only warm memories and the father's endless love for his children.

After many lonely years, Wilhelm married again, hoping to give his children a mother's care. However, his new wife was selfish and cruel. She resented having to care for someone else's children and constantly complained about how much food they ate.

"These children eat too much!" the stepmother would shout. "We barely have enough bread for ourselves!" She filled the father's ears with complaints until he sadly agreed that something had to be done.

Chapter 2: Lost in the Enchanted Forest

One terrible evening, Hansel overheard his stepmother's wicked plan. "Tomorrow, we'll take the children deep into the forest to gather berries," she whispered to their father. "We'll leave them there where they can't find their way back."

Hansel quickly woke his sister and shared the terrible news. But clever Hansel had a plan! That night, when everyone was asleep, he snuck outside and filled his pockets with white pebbles that sparkled like tiny stars in the moonlight.

The next morning, the family ventured deep into the forest. As they walked, Hansel secretly dropped the white pebbles along the path. When their parents abandoned them in the darkest part of the woods, the children waited for moonrise, then followed the glowing pebbles safely home.

The stepmother was furious to see them return! A few days later, she insisted they try again. This time, she locked the children in their room the night before, so Hansel couldn't gather pebbles. Instead, he took pieces of bread from breakfast, dropping crumbs along the forest path.

Chapter 3: The Magical Gingerbread House Discovery

But oh no! When they tried to follow the bread crumbs home, they discovered that hungry forest birds had eaten every single piece. The children were truly lost in the vast, mysterious woods.

For three days and nights, they wandered hungry and scared. Just when they thought all hope was lost, they spotted something incredible through the trees - a house made entirely of gingerbread, candy, and sweet treats!

The walls were made of the softest gingerbread, the roof sparkled with colorful candy tiles, and the windows were made of clear sugar glass. Lollipops grew like flowers in the garden, and gum drop stepping stones led to the front door.

Unable to resist their hunger, the children began nibbling on the delicious house. Hansel broke off a piece of the candy roof while Gretel tasted the sweet window frame.

Chapter 4: The Wicked Witch's Trap

Suddenly, a croaky voice called out: "Nibble, nibble, little mouse! Who's that nibbling at my house?" Out came a terrifying old witch with wild gray hair, a hooked nose, and eyes as red as burning coals.

But the witch pretended to be kind. "Oh, my dear sweet children!" she cackled with a false smile. "Come inside where it's warm. I'll give you a proper feast!" She had wicked plans - the witch wanted to fatten them up to cook them for her dinner!

The next morning, the witch locked poor Hansel in a cage and forced Gretel to work as her servant. Every day, she fed Hansel the most delicious foods - honey cakes, roasted chicken, fresh bread with butter - trying to make him plump and tender.

Chapter 5: Gretel's Clever Escape Plan

Each morning, the nearly-blind witch would feel Hansel's finger to see if he was fat enough to eat. But clever Hansel had found an old chicken bone, and every time she checked, he stuck out the thin bone instead of his finger!

"This boy never gets any fatter!" the witch complained. Finally, she grew impatient. "Fat or thin, I'll cook him today!" she declared, ordering Gretel to heat up the great oven.

When the oven was blazing hot, the witch told Gretel: "Climb inside and check if it's ready for baking." But smart Gretel suspected a trap. "I don't know how to get inside," she said innocently. "Could you show me?"

The greedy witch, eager to cook both children, leaned forward into the oven to demonstrate. WHOOSH! Quick as lightning, brave Gretel gave the witch a mighty push, sending her tumbling into the burning oven, and slammed the door shut!

Chapter 6: Treasure, Freedom, and Happy Reunion

Free at last! Gretel quickly found the key and released her brother from the cage. As they explored the witch's house, they discovered chests overflowing with sparkling jewels, golden coins, and precious pearls - the witch's treasure from years of wicked deeds!

They filled their pockets with as much treasure as they could carry and set off to find their way home. After walking for hours through the forest, they came to a wide river. A beautiful white swan, taking pity on the children, carried them safely across on her back.

Soon they recognized the familiar trees near their home. Their father, who had been heartbroken since losing his children, cried tears of pure joy when he saw them running toward the cottage. The cruel stepmother had died while they were gone, so the family was finally free from her wickedness.

With the witch's treasure, they never went hungry again. Hansel and Gretel had learned the power of courage, cleverness, and working together. Their father learned to treasure his children above all else, and they lived happily ever after in their cozy cottage by the forest.

The Moral Lessons of Hansel and Gretel

This beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tale teaches children important life lessons about bravery in scary situations, the importance of sibling love and cooperation, and how quick thinking can overcome danger. It shows that even when adults fail to protect them, children can be resourceful, brave, and save themselves through cleverness and teamwork.

And so ends the magical tale of Hansel and Gretel - a story that has delighted children for over 200 years and continues to teach us about courage, love, and the triumph of good over evil.