Hermann Hesse's Marchen is a work that combines fantasy elements with philosophical themes, and it contains reflections on Hesse’s inner conflicts and human existence. Through the form of a fairy tale, the work depicts the inner journey of a person, which ultimately leads to self-discovery and enlightenment.
Marchen adopts typical fairy tale elements but focuses more on human psychology and philosophical contemplation, unlike traditional fairy tales. The protagonist’s fantastical adventures can be interpreted as a process of exploring existential anguish and the meaning of life. In this work, Hesse crosses the boundaries between reality and fantasy, guiding readers to reflect on their own lives and inner selves. Marchen is not merely a story for entertainment but a literary work imbued with profound contemplation.
The main themes of the work are the suffering and salvation of human existence, as well as self-realization. Through this, Hesse symbolically expresses the inner conflicts that humans experience, showing how one discovers their true self amid those conflicts.

Augustus
Der Dichter
Merkwurdige Nachricht von einem andern Stern
Der schwere Weg
Eine Traumfolge
Faldum
Iris