Little Zaches, Called Cinnabar

Historical Context and Significance

«Little Zaches, Called Cinnabar» is a fantastical novella by Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann, first published in 1819. The work characteristically combines motifs of German folk tales and elements of the Gothic novel, typical of Hoffmann's oeuvre. The novella describes the story of Little Zaches, an ugly gnome who, through magic, is perceived by others as a handsome man. This work explores themes of illusion, deception, and moral choice, relevant to early 19th-century European Romanticism. Through its unique fairy-tale lens, the novella critiques the vanity and superficiality of social life, showing how external attractiveness can manipulate perceptions of personality and values. «Little Zaches» had a significant impact on the development of the fantasy literature genre, as well as on culture and art, inspiring many writers and artists.