Grimm fairy tales are a collection of German folktales published by the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm in the early 19th century. These stories, originally gathered from oral traditions, include well-known tales like Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White. The brothers aimed to preserve these tales and reflect the culture and values of their time. The tales often feature moral lessons, magical elements, and a mix of dark themes alongside whimsical adventures. Over the years, Grimm fairy tales have been adapted into various forms of media, including films, plays, and animated series, making them a lasting part of global storytelling.