Jim Henson is often celebrated for his work with The Muppets, Sesame Street, and the fantasy cult classics The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. However, one of his most visually and narratively ambitious creations, The Storyteller, remains one of his least recognized works. This 1987 television series was a remarkable fusion of folklore, practical effects, and masterful storytelling that continues to enchant those who have discovered it.
Though short-lived, The Storyteller was a testament to Henson’s passion for myth, legend, and old-world storytelling. Through its hauntingly beautiful visuals, intricate puppetry, and an unwavering commitment to the authenticity of folklore, it stands as an underappreciated jewel in his legacy.
Origins: Jim Henson’s Fascination with Folklore
Jim Henson had always been intrigued by mythology and fairy tales, particularly their darker, more complex origins. His previous works, including The Dark Crystal, demonstrated a deep love for fantasy and world-building, moving beyond the lighthearted humor of The Muppets into the realm of mythic storytelling.
In The Storyteller, Henson sought to adapt European folk tales in a way that preserved their original depth, moral ambiguity, and eerie beauty. He partnered with Anthony Minghella, who wrote the scripts, bringing a poetic and literary quality to the series. The result was a collection of nine episodes, each telling a different folktale, woven together by a recurring framing device: a wise yet wry storyteller, played by John Hurt, and his talking dog, performed by Brian Henson.
A Window Into Ancient Folklore
Unlike the well-known fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm or Hans Christian Andersen, The Storyteller focused on lesser-known myths and legends from across Europe. Each episode adapted a different tale, bringing to life obscure but powerful stories that had been passed down for centuries.
Some of the most notable episodes include:
- “Hans My Hedgehog” – A tale of an outcast boy, born with the body of a hedgehog, who finds his way through hardship and betrayal to claim his place in the world.
- “The Soldier and Death” – A strikingly dark yet philosophical story about a soldier who gains control over Death itself, only to face dire consequences.
- “The True Bride” – A beautifully woven tale of patience, trials, and magical intervention, showcasing some of the show’s most mesmerizing effects.
- “Fearnot” – The story of a young man incapable of feeling fear, journeying through ghostly castles and monstrous trials to understand human emotion.
These episodes maintained the raw, often unsettling nature of traditional folklore. The endings were not always happy, and the morality of the characters was frequently ambiguous. The Storyteller remained faithful to the spirit of ancient oral traditions, where tales were meant to teach lessons about fate, wisdom, and human nature rather than simply entertain.
Groundbreaking Puppetry and Practical Effects
One of The Storyteller’s most stunning aspects was its breathtaking use of practical effects and animatronic puppetry. Henson’s Creature Shop was at its peak during the 1980s, having just completed work on Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal, and this expertise was fully realized in the show’s mythical creatures.
Every monster, troll, or magical being was brought to life with intricate detail. The prosthetics and puppetry blended seamlessly with live-action performances, making the fantasy world feel immersive and tangible. Some standout creations included:
- The Griffin in “The Luck Child”, a majestic and terrifying presence that showcased the Creature Shop’s mastery of movement and design.
- The Trolls in “Hans My Hedgehog”, grotesque and menacing creatures that fully embodied the eerie nature of ancient folklore.
- Death in “The Soldier and Death”, a skeletal, haunting figure that remains one of the most chilling depictions of the Grim Reaper in television history.
Henson’s reliance on practical effects over CGI has helped the show retain its magic even decades later. Unlike many 1980s fantasy productions that have aged poorly due to primitive digital effects, The Storyteller still feels timeless and visually mesmerizing.
The Dark and Mature Themes of The Storyteller
Unlike mainstream fairy tale adaptations that often soften darker themes, The Storyteller remained committed to the original intensity of its source material. Many episodes dealt with themes of fate, loss, transformation, and the consequences of greed or arrogance.
Characters often made tragic mistakes, and justice was not always straightforward. In “The Soldier and Death”, the protagonist wins power over death but ultimately loses his place in both heaven and hell, doomed to wander eternally. This kind of bittersweet, thought-provoking ending was common in the series, making it more of a philosophical exploration than a mere children’s fantasy show.
Additionally, The Storyteller did not shy away from horror elements. Many episodes featured eerie settings, supernatural beings, and genuinely unsettling moments that made it more akin to The Twilight Zone than a typical fantasy series.
Why The Storyteller Was Overlooked
Despite its artistic brilliance, The Storyteller never reached mainstream popularity. Several factors contributed to its underappreciation:
- Limited Run – The original series consisted of only nine episodes, making it difficult for it to gain widespread recognition. A follow-up series, The Storyteller: Greek Myths, aired in 1990, but it also only had four episodes.
- Dark and Complex Themes – Unlike The Muppets or Sesame Street, The Storyteller was not a lighthearted children’s show. Its mature themes and eerie atmosphere made it harder to market to a clear audience.
- Lack of Promotion – The series did not receive the same level of marketing push as other Henson productions, resulting in lower viewership.
- Television Trends of the Time – In the late 1980s, audiences were more drawn to sitcoms and high-energy dramas, leaving a slow-paced, mythology-driven show struggling to find its place.
Despite these challenges, The Storyteller developed a small but passionate cult following over the years. Fans of fantasy and folklore have continued to praise its depth, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.
A Cult Classic Worth Rediscovering
Though it remains one of Jim Henson’s lesser-known projects, The Storyteller is a masterpiece that deserves more recognition. Its dedication to traditional folklore, groundbreaking practical effects, and poetic storytelling make it one of the most unique television series ever created.
For lovers of mythology, dark fairy tales, and practical effects-driven fantasy, The Storyteller is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Though it never received the mainstream acclaim of Henson’s other works, its artistry and depth make it an unforgettable viewing experience.
If you haven’t watched The Storyteller yet, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in its mesmerizing world. You may find that these ancient tales, told through Henson’s visionary lens, are more powerful and relevant than ever.
