The Origin of Rip Van Winkle
Washington Irving’s Classic American Folktale Had Antecedents
Nov 2, 2009
Like many authors, past and present, Washington Irving (1783-1859) often relied on mythology and earlier tales when creating short stories. Some of these earlier stories he simply used as inspiration; others, such as "Rip Van Winkle," brought accusations of plagiarism.
Washington Irving Creates Rip Van Winkle
Irving was born in a prominent New York City family and became interested in writing at an early age. In 1809 he wrote his first major work, a satire called A History of New-York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty. In writing this book, he used the pen name Diedrich Knickerbocker.
Nearly a decade later, Irving, while residing in England, sent to a brother in New York a series of essays and short stories, many of them humorous or satirical. Published over a period of two years as The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, the collection included Irving’s two most well known stories, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle.”
The Story of Rip Van Winkle
Rip Van Winkle, a man of Dutch descent, lives in a village at the foot of the Kaatskil (Catskill) Mountains in the years immediately before the American Revolution. He is a well-liked man who would rather help his neighbors or talk politics than take care of his own farm which has become sorely neglected.
One day, feeling hen-pecked by his shrewish wife, Rip wanders into the mountains where he encounters the ghosts of explorer Henry Hudson’s crew playing nine-pins. After being offered drink
Not realizing that the American Revolution has taken place, Rip gets into serious trouble when he declares that he is a loyal subject of King George III. Fortunately, one resident remembers Rip and he is re-introduced to his now grown daughter who takes him in. Rip lives out his life entertaining people with his tale, although few believe it.
The Meaning of Rip Van Winkle
The story can be enjoyed as simply a humorous tale or it can be interpreted in several ways. One writer's theory is that Irving wanted to create an unique American literary tradition in his writings and also sees "Rip" as a Coming of Age story for the country.
Similar Rip Van Winkle Stories in Legend and Ancient Folktales
There are several tales from the past which resemble Rip Van Winkle in their basic story. As to how many influenced Irving, it is impossible to say.
The Talmud includes the story of "Honi M’agel, the Circle Maker," who falls asleep for 70 years. When he awakes and people refuse to believe who he is, Honi prays to God to take him from this world.
During the 3rd Century C.E., the Greek sage, Laertius Diogenes, tells the story of "Epimenides" who sleeps in a cave for 57 years and lives to be 299. From the same time period there is the legend of the "Seven Sleepers." They are Christians who fall asleep in a cave while avoiding Roman officials, and awake a century later to discover that Christianity has become the religion of the Empire.
A Chinese folk story from ca. 1000 C.E. is that of "Ranka." It bears a striking resemblance to "Rip" in that it features a man wandering into the mountains, strange men playing a game, and a sleep-inducing item, in this case, a fig.
The Origin of Rip Van Winkle in German Folklore
Modern scholars agree that Irving based his "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," at least in part, on German folklore. There is even stronger evidence that the same holds true for "Rip Van Winkle."
While living in England, Irving met and became friends with the writer and folklorist, Sir Walter Scott. Discovering Irving’s interest in legends, Scott encouraged his new friend to explore German folklore. It was in doing so that Irving most likely found his inspiration for "Rip" in the German folk story, "Peter Klaus the Goat Herd," first recorded by J.C.C. Nachtigal in the 1800 work, Volks-Sagen.
There is much similarity between the two stories. So much so, that critics almost immediately accused the writer of plagiarism, although charges were never filed. Irving, himself, admitted his love of German folk stories, but denied that he plagiarized. Those interested can read "Peter Klaus" and decide for themselves.
by the phantoms, Rip settles down under a shady tree and falls asleep. When he awakes and returns to his village, he discovers twenty years have passed and his wife close friends have died.
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