Why was Grimm's Fairy Tales considered controversial at the time of its release?

Grimm's Fairy Tales was viewed as controversial at the time of its release primarily because the stories often contained graphic violence and dark themes that were deemed inappropriate for children. The original tales frequently included brutal elements, such as murder and punishment, which contrasted sharply with the more sanitized versions that later became popular for children. These aspects led to concerns from parents and educators who felt that the content could have a negative influence on young readers. The tales presented moral lessons through extreme consequences, which raised questions about the suitability of exposing children to such harsh realities. Thus, the perception of excessive violence played a significant role in the controversy surrounding the collection upon its publication.