The Struwwelpeter by Tony Walker

[@karensmith2204]

TONY WALKER. !!!!! You are the best voice actor ever. How your voice can be so calm and help me drift off to sleep..........then the stories you write can be so Chilng, that I am scared on a texas afternoon in 105 ferenheight. True talent sir.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you, very kind. very kind

[@jennifermcdonald5432]

A fantastic story Tony! The stuff you said about military personnel is so very true. No one can do or go through the things involved in war, 24 hours a day on super high alert, facing your life ending in a millisecond, or ending someone else’s, then come home and adjust to selling 📺 in a department store. Omg the terrible scares on brain and soul! Imo, we are a failure as a species, and war is a great example of that failure!

[@mattvrabel2072]

Thank you for the commentary after the end of the story. As a veteran, it is much appreciated. We are all complicated. We all struggle with darknesses, it comes from being made of flesh and blood and meat and bone in a world like this. It is the struggle against our own darkness that gives our good any merit. Thank you for the tale, and for your thoughts on it.

[@JennyLane8666]

Beautifully said. Thank you for your service, my friend.

[@oriana5623]

❤

[@angelatheriault8855]

I have an uncontrollable urge to cover my head with the blanket and sleep with the light on. Thanks a lot, Tony.

[@ClassicGhost]

Happy to help!

[@allysonlewis1576]

I know ,me too. And I am not easily scared.

[@chuzzthefuzz1908]

I remember Struwelpeter from when i was a kid - just mainly the amazing image - I never read it. Your story was great and as usual, you read it beautifully. As far as the language goes, it was okay by me. They’re just words and when they’re appropriate, why not? And I liked that the story had layers. I suspected fairly early on that Marcus wasn’t all he seemed. All in all, thank you!

[@ClassicGhost]

But Marcus was exactly what he seemed to be

[@craigoliver8712]

I thought of this advert before you mentioned it, think it went "beware the Jubberman when the moon is fat". Great story Tony+it is a disgrace how we+other nations treat our veterans, they should all have a job to come out to after their service

[@SMichaelDeHart]

Amen!! It's absolutely infuriating how countries (especially the United States) screws the men and women who serve. My father was a WWII Combat Veteran with the US Army Air Force in the South Pacific Campaign. The VA treated him well, but he never relied on them for health care, his Class A Transmission Lineman job for Appalachian Power Company in West Virginia paid well and had great coverage. I served 30yrs as a Firefighter/ EMS Medical First Responder, but never served in military.

[@Boogie_the_cat]

I hit "play" and 3 minutes later it started raining IRL. Perfect! Nice to hear another T.W. original.

[@mistydevillier2197]

I have the children's book of srewwelpeter but I've never heard this version. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Nice connection to Edward Scissorhands. Thanks for your talk on war and people who return from them. As a combat vet your words ring true. Your comment on profits is spot on! As Alexander W. Drake said in "The Yellow Globe", "Only a man with a haunted heart can paint a haunted house." That is how many of us feel at times. I never knew you were a Reservist. Awesome!! You are a sage!

[@Hannahxx1971]

I'd almost forgotten The Judderman, it was a great advert. Beware the Judderman when the moon is high....or night is still... Something like that, my memory aint what it used to be 😄 Great story! I kept it to watch in bed tonight. Thanks Tony.

[@ClassicGhost]

Sleep well 😴

[@Hannahxx1971]

@ClassicGhost I did thanks 😄

[@craigoliver8712]

"When the moon is fat"

[@sugarfalls1]

"and the promise of eternal darkness" yikes! Omg, you are an expert storyteller! Your scary voice and German accent are fantastic.

[@vivwray6082]

Tony Walker makes verbal narration of every story seem easy. It really is not! ❤ You are truly gifted TW

[@markportwood4045]

Excellent, I’ve just listened to The Highgate Vampire for about the tenth time in a couple of years; I do enjoy a Tony Walker original, and here’s another one to discover.

[@ClassicGhost]

wow 😯 thank you

[@ChronoTriggerHappy85]

Dude. Thanks for writing this. There is a lot in this. My poor poor stepfather came home with PTSD. Struggling with what he saw… and what he did. What he had to do. My god, you really captured something with the horror and ghost and fantasy side, then you ground it so so horribly in reality and it creates something more terrifying, more terrible, and more haunting than if it was actually a monster. Anyway, this one hit me.

[@michelleanderson943]

When this popped up on my feed and I saw you wrote it, I knew I was in for a treat. I love you reading to me, but when it’s your own material I’m especially mesmerized. And you saw Peter Gabriel!!!

[@StoryVoracious]

Peter Gabriel! I know right?! How cool is that?

[@paulthompson52]

Totally had me going in the wrong direction for predictions. Very well done!!

[@sugarfalls1]

I love to listen to your synopses. It's always interesting to listen to where the author got their impetus from and also lovely to get to know a little bit more about you! Thank you, Tony for such a well-written story! (I hope that wasn't too traumatic - you crack me up Tony! lol)

[@ClassicGhost]

i’m glad this story has gone down so well

[@appalachianamerican7171]

Excellent, deliciously dark tale Mr. Tony . 👍

[@jenniferno2402]

Excellent. Love the classic/modern influence combo and great reading as always.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you kindly!

[@donaldmccleary9015]

I love how you link this story to Crogglin. This is a damn fine story, my friend. Fantastic job!

[@jaceek2030]

What a great story, Mr. Walker! You're not only an excellent narrator, but an excellent writer as well. Bravo!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you . that means a lot

[@matthewpilarski4857]

Great story, and the German dialog was a nice touch

[@martiwilliams4592]

Gripping, also this time around. The accents, the comments, our Shadows. We are complex. Much needed, especially just now. Thank you!

[@martiwilliams4592]

Could you say something--wherever you might be able to fit it in--about the Shadow? Also for those like me whose knowlage of Jung isn't put into any system as yet. Thank you again.

[@emnorfolk5559]

Wow... Creepy, spooky, nasty, with a twist! ❤ love it! Well done!

[@kellycasperhanson4426]

Great story. I could feel and smell that dank house. Gave me shivers😬! Awesome narration. Very enjoyable👌.

[@jessisage4708]

That was riveting! Nicely done Tony ❤❤❤

[@meese9140]

Oh boy! Always excited to see an original tale from my favorite modern horror author :) will listen later

[@DenWell-SeedsOfChaos]

This is superb! I am enjoying it so much. You have a knack for describing what it feels like to be in a strange house trying to sleep upstairs, and then hearing someone/something slowly climbing the stairs. (Like "My Niece Allison") It terrifies me. I get so into it that my heart pounds in my chest and I tense up, it's fantastic. (I'm commenting as I listen...) Okay, I swear I had not gotten to the part where Edward's "heart pounded in his chest" when I said the same thing. Fascinating, I am covered in goosebumps now. I like how you brought one of your other stories The Croglin Vampire into this.

[@ClassicGhost]

Very very kind

[@blixten2928]

Oh yeah, I forgot "My niece Allison"! I gotta re-listen to that one!

[@DenWell-SeedsOfChaos]

@@blixten2928 My Niece Allison is so good and so chilling! I have listened to it three times and it scares me in the best ways every time. I think about it after I hear it and I have questions, but maybe they are better left unanswered. Or unwritten...

[@DenWell-SeedsOfChaos]

@@ClassicGhost Every time I say "Struwwelpeter" it comes out of my mouth differently...

[@TheFirefishe]

⁠Strew Vell Pay Ter (Tuh(r) )

[@ainemoroney9965]

I was hoping the end was how it played out! 😊🎉 Gold star for the story, German pronunciation and reading 🌟-may your talents reward you ❤

[@MaggieatPlay]

First impression on listening: Well done, you! I very much enjoy the stories you pen. Thank you, Tony.

[@ClassicGhost]

Glad you like them!

[@kevin-robertbrian8559]

Really good scary story. Great reading.

[@dougjamesberwick2625]

Another superb story, Tony. Great twist!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you kindly!

[@susannowak5544]

Wow. This story, with its acknowledgment of the dark within us all…oh, so true! As was the noting about sending warriors out, and…not truly welcoming them back. I know a Dineh traditional practitioner, as he prefers to be called, and he pointed out that in his culture, as in many other more tribal traditions, there are ceremonies to readjust the warrior back to peacetime rôles. Hmm, eh..? Thank you again from me, who grew up with a copy of Strüwelpeter, as well as reading my mother’s old EC comics, The Crypt of Horror, etc… ( and my friends think I’m sweet…heh..)😉

[@TC.Lee33]

Absolutely fantastic little story Tony, and extremely well read. I do love listening to a great, short, bedtime story but there are very few good British narrators with an authentic, relatable accent. I look forward to listening to many more from you.. well done.

[@ClassicGhost]

Many thanks!

[@janflower4068]

I think you did a great job Tony on your German accent

[@ronaldmussulman2735]

Hi, I listened to your darkworlds story so I am not shocked by the darkness here. I'm going to listen again because I think different parts will stick out, some stories change. I just wanted to say thanks, I really appreciate your writing.

[@ClassicGhost]

Means a lot. so many years of rejection

[@shroomyk]

Kind of interesting thinking the inspiration for at least the look of Edward Scissorhands (one of my favorite movies btw) was inspired by the illustration of Der Struwwelpeter. I can definitely see it. I also remember the commercial you are talking about. lol This is why I love your commentaries at the end. Your thoughts on veterans at the end are great too. I wish governments wouldn't send poor young men to go do violence and have violence done to them, and then completely neglect the men who return. Although I am not a veteran and have not seen combat, I have C-PTSD and many people would think I overreact to certain things, when really my nervous system is sort of wired to be defensive now. It is quite a task to not let those defenses cause harm to others or to let the anger of what happened take over the loving and gentle parts of myself. Thank you Tony for sharing both the light and the dark with us.

[@StoryVoracious]

Yay Tony! One of yours. Your thumbnail looks like "The Judder Man". Can hardly wait to hear it all.

[@ClassicGhost]

The judderman is a definite influence

[@AlgorithmEngagementEntity]

Your expressions and creations are literally outstanding and evocative. The waffle is a substantial dessert. Thanks sir. Scratch the dogs.

[@lesleykaygosson315]

That was fantastic! Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Narration ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐❤

[@politicalcorrectionfacilit2644]

Any thing to me is sweeter Than to see Shock-headed Peter

[@scoutrifle6827]

I enjoy everything you do, Tony, but your original stores are by far my favorites.

[@ClassicGhost]

that is lovely to hear. thank you

[@susanmercurio1060]

Wow, Tony! Another Tony Walker-written story. Sounds great, as usual. ❤ 34:20 or so "He had to go down into the cellar"? I would have packed up the sleeping bag and left the place.

[@blixten2928]

Beautiful blend of the modern (Afghanistan war, phone flashlights) and the dark, awful, well-known folkloric. And your German is great!

[@KarensOpinionsMayDiffer]

That was really good!

[@miladachudickova1096]

Thank you again for your honest, open and still thoughtful attitude to all these issues, Tony, you are really doing a marvellous job here, both as an artist and as a health care professional. Stay strong, stay brave, you are helping and inspiring the others so much!

[@mq9893]

😊🍻

[@fetlock]

I was blown away by this story. I found it oddly and compellingly poetic. The last sentence will resonate in my head for a long, long time.

[@ClassicGhost]

It just came to me fully formed

[@TheCrone]

You should check out one of his books they're awesome

[@csj9619]

Great work Tony. I'm impressed.

[@ClassicGhost]

Many thanks!

[@SueCooke]

WHOA! Now THAT'S what I call talent. Tony, you're bloody marvellous. Fantastic story. Would make a brilliant film. Thank you so, so much for all your hard work. Totally awesome.

[@ClassicGhost]

Wow, thank you!

[@angelaroberts2803]

Wonderful story.Now it's getting dark early and Halloween soon,I'm back listening to your stories.

[@chikaka2012]

I actually loved and was disturbed by this story at the same time. Normally I like a somewhat happy ending but this was such an interesting tale. I kind of expected Carl’s discovery when he went back into the house and especially the basement but the finale and explanation was deeper and more chilling than I expected. Well done.

[@70schild420]

Your mastery of languages is impressive!

[@ClassicGhost]

I am a dabbler

[@hathorearthfyre]

Ooooooooh, spine-tingling story. Yes, darkness and light exists within us all. Exploring our darkness is important to achievng balance. Some reject the light. Thank you for this.

[@ClassicGhost]

I agree ☝️

[@nalunoa]

Absolutely fantastic!! I must say, while I very much enjoy all your readings, I really really love your original stories! They have become somewhat of a highlight for me. This coming from a life-long horror literature enthusiast, from classics to modern and pulp. And I, for one, really enjoy your post story breakdowns, chats and thoughts. I look forward to them each time. At long last, I should soon be in a position to buy at least a couple of your books and will do just that as soon as I can. All the best, Mr Walker. And many thanks for all your fine work, sir!

[@ClassicGhost]

Great praise indeed. At the moment my books aren’t available but i hope they will soon be again

[@nalunoa]

I too hope they will be again soon. For me, and all the others who will undoubtably enjoy them. In the meantime, I'll support in other ways as soon as I'm able. Many thanks for the reply, sir.@@ClassicGhost

[@Bbergster]

That was great! I know u are a great writer by listening to u speak! Hope that nonsense u mentioned has cleared up. I steal words from everywhere I can. Figure someone else has already said it better…. 💜

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you . i am a word thief too.

[@joanieann6179]

Very appropriate for this time of war. How many young people are dying so the military industrial complex and big backup companies can get rich. Why not have peace talks?

[@ellenmendoza7246]

Was my favorite book as child..I'm 63 I read it to my children and many other people children it dark .. brilliant book

[@psychopomp888]

I loved the story , an it is truly relatable you don't have to be in the military either or witness physical killings. There are other types of murder, an trauma that helps us to know or shape our darkness. There is a saying that goes like this " That a Man can not Die in Peace until he has faced his own Demons. Take care to All.... P.s This story had me wanting to hear Oscar Wilde's The Ballad of Reading Goal because there too , True Words have been Wrote as well.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you for this comment. Much appreciated

[@bluegreenglue6565]

oof! When I saw the title, I remembered the German story books my best friend owned that were gifts from her extended family in the old country. One of them was the collection you mentioned, and the image of Der Struwwelpeter with a big pair of sheers, having just cut off the thumbs of a naughty boy was horrifying and haunting. I had never seen anything but Disney versions of the old fairy tales, and couldn't believe people would read these to their children! : D Excellent story, Sir. Grim and gruesome, but also quite revealing. "See the soldier with his gun who must be dead to be admired." "The insatiable thirst for power has made idles out of mortals, gods into clay, soldiers into heroes, children into slaves..." There is a place in art, in life, in self-reflection for dark tales. Thank you very much.

[@simonkeys17]

The Metz drink advert was The Judder man. This is what I was thinking when I read this fantastic story. One of your best performances to date. Thanks.

[@ClassicGhost]

The Judderman deserves his own story

[@amandalee215]

I am looking forward to this love your work

[@susanhague4719]

Loved this. Thank you so much!

[@louiseselfe616]

Great depiction of the gruesome folk character! And a superb reading. I too have a fascination for puppetry , automata and all manner of dancing jerky creatures ... remember Raggedy from Rupert the Bear? Twiggy, jerky thing of nightmares that he was. I also loved those Metz adverts: "Beware the Judderman my dear, when the moon is full" has long been a catchphrase in my household. 😆 Also , I'm reminded of the stunning work of the early 20th century German director and animator Lotte Reiniger. She pioneered silhouette animation. Some of it is really dark and creepy (deliciously so!) and all of it is very beautiful. If anyone here isn't familiar with her work you can find some on KZbin. Compliments on your German accent too. (I was born in Germany coincidentally, but grew up in England). Thank you Tony for another great reading and composition!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you very much . Yes, I d ok remember Raggedy! It’s the jerkiness I think

[@stacycentral]

As I was listening, I thought "Hotel California." (Eagles) while studying for my master's in clinical psychology, I did a practicum in a state mental hospital. That was 50 years ago, but the experience remains. Thanks for this selection and performance.

[@debra333]

Great concept realized. ❤

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you 🙏

[@oriana5623]

Holy sh^t. THAT was a great story. ✨️ Congratulations! And thank you, Mr. Walker.

[@ClassicGhost]

thanks a lot. It always means a lot more to me when it’s one of mine

[@nancynickerson4341]

Wow, well done, Tony!

[@roxanavasilakis9435]

Hey dear Tony🌷, thank you so much 🌳

[@ClassicGhost]

You are so welcome

[@DanHunterSportsWriter]

Fuckinelll Tony!! What a piledriver of a story!! I've listened to dozens of your Classic Ghost Stories on Spotify but I think this might be the best one.

[@ClassicGhost]

My evil side was working hard

[@SC-jh9qp]

Great stuff. What a wonderful admixture of: fairytale; gothic horror; psychology; philosophy and politics. My bedroom door swinging open onto the dark landing half way through only added to the chills. Well I'm off to dip myself into an inkwell now... I mean have a bath. Keep up the great work. ❤️ 🙏

[@ClassicGhost]

If you hear singing in German in the middle of the night close the door.

[@SC-jh9qp]

@@ClassicGhost I will, don't worry 😀

[@davidk6269]

Bravo!!! Well done!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you!

[@fivesidedpolygon]

Überraschend genauer Akzent

[@Josephinejefferies]

As a daughter and wife of soldiers I understand the background of this story. Everyone associated with war assimilated the fear and horror generated. So indulge in watching and listening to horror stories and wake up feeling “at least my life isn’t as bad as that.

[@ClassicGhost]

+@Josephinejefferies ❤️

[@allysonlewis1576]

What a refreshingly different aspect to a subject very well covered. I bloody well thought this was brilliant. Excellent writing and narration. More please.

[@ClassicGhost]

Wow, thank you!

[@LiaLe-mk9bf]

Love your stories! They feel like they could really happen to you too 😨😊❤

[@ClassicGhost]

I hope not though !

[@lucysky384]

I really enjoyed the imagery in this, and the swearing didn't bother me at all. Dark, but entertaining ....

[@MrsWilberforce2]

Ya know, I really really liked this story! It was definitely dark (and super creepy) but it needed to be dark. Great work!

[@lobotron01]

❤ damn bro this is going to be right up there with one of your best and one of my all-time favorites you do have a talent that is for damn sure I should have done this a long time ago because I've lived it work for a while now but because of this story I began patreon for you because you're awesome please never stop

[@ClassicGhost]

I just saw you sign up! Thank you :))

[@julierobinson3633]

Cracking story. I remember the 'Millenium with Metz' adverts and the creepy figure. One thing has always struck me, we are all completely horrified at the idea of someone killing someone else - but we are almost all related to those who have killed. One of my Grandfathers - who died long before I was born - was in the first world war. The other fought in the second. Both will have likely have killed men -as that is what they were sent overseas to do. And these were not professional soldiers, who at least are hopefully trained in the mindset a little, but everyday men who one week were in Church hearing 'thou shalt not kill' and then a few weeks later were on foreign soil with fixed bayonets being told that for King and Country they had to do just that.

[@lyndabrennan4560]

I don't mind swearing when needed Tony, one of your own too, can't wait to bedtime, not long now, hope you're well 🙏 💛

[@popevimtoripkeefhappysackXXX]

Thank fuck for that.

[@shakonoheyraven1639]

Another awesome story Thank you for sharing 💐💐 🦋 👣🐾

[@sleethmitchell]

now, when i hear the word, 'vicarious', i immediately think, 'like a vicar.'

[@CoLLectiNgCAtS-q2q]

My dad is from Germany. Muenster. Came to America in 50's to restore a cathedral in Ohio. Met mom and stayed. He just passed in June at age 91. Best poppa ever! We grew up speaking some German and dad had all these kids' story books that were creepy. 😂 Today's parents woukd freak. The boy who had his fingers snipped off was one I kept reading, and it's picture is on the cover. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@StoryVoracious]

Don't look back. Just drive *this* car. Keep saying this. I think I know what you are... I saw Struwwelpeter in the ED the other day. His hair had begun to dreadlock, his beard was short and stragled, his skin was purple, he was bone thin, and he fidgeted constantly. Picking, relentlessly, jerkily, rearranging his blankets with his bony fingers. Man you really nailed it this time Mr Walker. Best yet in my opinion. Bravo. My late Hamburg mother in law was raised on Struwwelpeter, she would have been impressed too. (apologies to Mr G for bastardising his lyrics) If you ever have time, have a listen to Tori Amos's song "Waitress". Live version is best. It think it resonates with your talk. Thanks.

[@ClassicGhost]

i haven’t listened to her for a long time. i’ll go back

[@ClassicGhost]

Oh yeah I know that one :)

[@shivikewl6003]

I loved this! I can't decide whether I want to call him an anti-hero or a villain. Perfect characterization and beautiful narration.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thanks a lot

[@martiwilliams4592]

"Soaking rain" days of it. How appropriate, Tony. Fortunately my flat isn't so dilapidated and Dog Nico is quite contented under the duvet. Ditto on everything from 9-10 months ago. Thank you.

[@martiwilliams4592]

PS: Still a pacifist...and yet.

[@ClassicGhost]

very rainy here today too

[@martiwilliams4592]

@@ClassicGhost

[@LadyEng]

I loved this story and I can relate very much in feeling this pleasure from scaring people. I always reflect on what it says about me.

[@ClassicGhost]

Yes. gulp. me too

[@martiwilliams4592]

Ditto ditto ditto also this time around, caught details I missed previously. Masterful as always, thank you, Tony. Agree, agree, agree. Still a pacifist...and yet... .

[@deadletteroffice9356]

Currently, you are my 2nd favorite Gen-Xer. (Holding steady in 1st is Anthony Bourdain-RIP) . I’ve listened to this story twice and was frightened both times. Worse though was the near constant references to rain and wet and cold and spineshivers -ugh! When you are in the US next, head to Montana! We have cowboys, bears, and loads of real ghost towns! Also an interesting dialect… Keep writing

[@davidhughes8661]

Great narration , especially the way a soldier would

[@ClassicGhost]

thank you

[@tracibrown6431]

Thanks!

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you very much :)

[@amandine512]

More of these please! I enjoy your writing, F bombs and all.

[@ClassicGhost]

I am having a radical think about how i get my work out. Maybe books are a thing if the past. This is the first place this story had been published . maybe that’s the way to go

[@amandine512]

@@ClassicGhost I guess my comment got deleted. :/

[@dismith73]

I like the swearing

[@alieschabel3983]

Great story, sir.

[@ClassicGhost]

Thank you 🙏

[@thurayya8905]

I didn't notice that you swore in it, but it's fine if you did. Very well done story and I quite enjoyed it. I laugh at people who listen to dark stories and then complain if they are too dark. There's no hard and fast line, just a sliding scale. When listening to a story, we tend to identify with the main character and then don't want to acknowledge anything they do that we don't like -- but it isn't our story, we are the listeners. We have already given you permission; no sense in trying to take it back later.

[@julialewis8794]

This is a super dark story. It has the feel of a much older story despite it's obvious modernity. I felt like the cussing was not over the top but rather as you say, true to the character. Karl made me feel horrified by his actions and horrified by what he's seen and horrified by how we as a nation treat our veterans. Amazing story.

[@dawnmorris5978]

Bloody hell that was Scary I was eating my lunch listening to this and with Bones and sinews and blood Nearly put me off my sandwich well done great story

[@ClassicGhost]

Nobody likes a sinew sandwich (except Struwwelpeter)

[@danalynbegin6991]

The return of the Croglin vampire!! 😱

[@ClassicGhost]

he gets a reprise

[@meganmcnelis7136]

You really portrayed Carl with empathy. I imagine your day job gives you insight into people's experiences (and medications...). The swearing bit was spot on--my dad was in WW2 and I never heard him swear much unless he was talking about the war. I agree with your thoughts on how our countries seem to simultaneously cut people off from means and advantages and then offer military service as the only way to acquire them. I'd like to know what kind of power banks these characters were carrying for their phones to last so long! Even an iPhone doesn't have that kind of battery life. 😄

[@ClassicGhost]

lol. Very good point about the battery life

[@violetfemme411]

You won't scare me away...well not with cursing 😊💜