Wilhelmine von Schwertzell (1787-1863)[1] was a German author, lieder composer,[2][3] and folklorist who helped Wilhelm Grimm collect fairy tales.[4]
Schwertzell was born in Willingshausen to Luise Freiin von Bozenburg-Stadtfeld and Georg von Schwertzell.[5] Little is known about her education. She met Wilhelm Grimm through her brother Fritz, who studied with Wilhelm in Kassel and Marburg. Wilhelm and Wilhelmine corresponded extensively; at least 75 of their letters survive.[4]
The Brothers Grimm (Jacob and Wilhelm) collected folk or fairy tales from many sources.[6] Schwertzell contributed at least one: Gevatter Tod (Grim Reaper).[7] She also wrote a story about a rune stone and a buried treasure as a gift to Wilhelm on his birthday.[5]
Schwertzell’s music was published by Heinrich Albert Probst[8] (later Kistner & Siegel).[9] Her publications include: