The image of the younger brother in European fairy tales

This article examines the characteristics of the image of the younger brother in European fairy tales through the analysis of folk tales from different ethnic groups. The material for the study includes Karelian fairy tales “Tuhkimus-Tyahkimus” and “Tuhkimus and the Mouse Bride”, Swedish fairy tales “Dukken i Gresset” and “Gullfuglen”, and German fairy tales “Die drei Federn” and "Der Goldene Vogel”. The image of the younger brother, his helpful magical items, their role in the plot, as well as their similarities and differences were examined in detail using theoretical and folklore materials.