Özet:

Fairytales which first started to be seen in 14th century correspond to an understanding of literature which embodies mystery, magic and the extraordinary. Mystery is one of the main characteristics which triggers curiosity in people and inspires interest in this respect. The fairytale genre serves to experience the extraordinary, to derive meaning from these extraordinary experiences placed within the real life and in accordance with these meanings to lift the veil of mystery within the cycle of the world that is lived in which is based on reality. This is the reason why numerous works appeared a short period after this genre emerged and there was such a great interest in the genre. The interest of mankind in mystery allowed fairytale writers such as Charles Perrault, Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Andersen to gain popularity. A majority of these three writers’ works in the fairytale genre (Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, etc.) have taken a significant place in almost every child’s life since the first time they were published until the present time. The adventure that began in childhood drives for lifelong and fairy tales continue to attract the reader who has reached adulthood. In the study, German Romantic Period writer Ludwig Tieck’s fairytale The Elves will be dealt within the axis of the fairytale genre and the genre will be analyzed with respect to the characteristics and characters which frequently appear in fairytales. Besides in the study will be predicated on the theorists' datas about the fairytale and the tale will be analysed to use work-immanent method.