What did Jacob Grimm investigate in Deutsche Mythologie?

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The Brothers Grimm — Brothers Grimm Jacob (right) and Wilhelm Grimm, oil portrait by Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann, 1855; in the National-Galerie, Berlin.

In his influential work Deutsche Mythologie, Jacob Grimm investigated the pre-Christian faith and superstitions of the Germanic people.1

By analyzing poetry, fairy tales, and various folkloristic elements, he traced these ancient beliefs and contrasted them with the traditions of Christianity and classical mythology. This study was a significant contribution to the modern study of folklore, reflecting the academic diligence and meticulousness that defined the work of the Brothers Grimm.123