TEHRAN (IBNA) -- First published in 1970, ‘Little King Kalle Wirsch’ (German: Kleiner König Kalle ‎Wirsch) a children’s book by Tilde Michels (1920-2012) has been rendered into Persian ‎and is sold in Iranian bookstores. ‎
This work has been translated into Persian by Mehdi Shahshahani. Iran’s Institute for the Intellectual Developments of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) in Tehran has released ‘Little King Kalle Wirsch’ in 256 pages and 2500 copies.
Kalle Wirsch, king of the earth manikins, rules over the 5 peoples: Wirschs (blond), Wolds (blue eyed), Gilchs (two little plaits), Trumps (green and black haired) and Murks (red plaits). Zoppo Trump, chief of the Trumps, wants to challenge Kalle Wirsch for a duel for the kingdom. According to earth manikin laws the royal dignity appertains to the winner. The fight shall be fought at full moon at the earth manikins stronghold Wiwogitrumu castle.
Zoppo Trump wants to gain royal dignity without fight. So, he tries to thwart Kalle Wirsch to reach the fighting ground by several traps. The plans for the traps are made by Rat, whom Zoppo promised a ministerial portfolio. The plans are conducted by awkward Trumps Querro and Quarro and the Spider.
The conspirators of Zoppo kidnap Kalle to the earth’s surface where he is baked into a garden gnome. Thanks to human children Jenny and Max, he is freed of his carceral. With the aid of the root Raxel, the kids are shrunk to follow Kalle into the inner of the earth.
During the journey to the earth manikin’s stronghold, Kalle and the children escape further traps and obstacles. Kalle even has to vanquish Murrumesch the Dragon before he can reach the stronghold in the belly of a fireworm. To Zoppo’s dismay the fight happens. The fight consists of three challenges. Despite an injured hand, Kalle wins 2:1.
In 1970, ‘Little King Kalle Wirsch’ was adapted into a German children’s television series by the Augsburger Puppenkiste marionette theatre company.