Using several revamped Grimms’ fairy tales, the author weaves a story about Hansel and Gretel and their quest to find their true home. The narrator frequently adds his own quirky opinion, warning about the gruesome scenes that lie ahead and inserting ironic comments.
The narrator begins with the story of a servant named Johannes, who has been faithful to the royal family for many years. He “under-stands” them, meaning he supports them by bearing their pains and troubles. When a young king falls for a woman destined to bring him sorrow, the faithful servant helps the king get his queen. In doing so, however, Johannes makes a number of sacrifices that lead to his own demise. When the king and queen realize what Johannes has done on their behalf, they erect a statue of him in their room so they will never forget to be grateful to him.
The king and queen go on to have twins named Hansel and Gretel. One day, the statue of Johannes speaks to the king. It tells him Johannes may live again, but only if the king will kill his children and smear their blood on the statue. The grief-stricken king feels so indebted to Johannes that he kills his own children. Johannes, alive again, also brings the children back to life.