The Grimm Brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm, were German scholars who collected and published folk and fairy tales in the early 19th century. Their first volume, titled "Children's and Household Tales," was released in 1812 and included stories like Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White. These tales often feature moral lessons and reflect the cultural values of their time. The Grimm Brothers' fairy tales are known for their dark themes and complex characters, which differ from the more sanitized versions popular today. Over the years, their stories have been adapted into various forms of media, including films, plays, and animated features, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.