A new comic book series by Suske & Wiske tells the "real" story of the Snow White fairy tale, which illustrates the life of a German princess who lived in Brussels and is buried under the Bourse.
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of beloved Dutch comic series, Standard Publishers have released a new Suske & Wiske comic album, entitled Het Ware Witje, which translates to 'The Real White' in English.
On Wednesday, the new series on Snow White was presented at the Brussels Bourse, the album was rendered by scriptwriter Peter Van Gucht with aid from historian Kurt Deswert, inspired by the latter's article about the "real Snow White" for Kortweg Magazine.
'The Real White'
The legend of Snow White is widely believed to be based on the life of German noblewoman Margaretha von Waldeck, currently buried beneath the Brussels' Bourse.
First fictionalised by the Grimm brothers in 1812, the theory of the Brussels Snow White was developed by German historian Eckhard Sander. He argued that the tale is based on the life of German countess Margaretha von Waldeck (1533).
Born in the German region of Hessen in 1533, Margaretha's family owned copper mines that employed child labourers – also depicted in the fairytale with the seven dwarves. In her youth, Margaretha's mother died tragically young and her father, Count von Waldeck, remarried twice – depicted as her evil step-mother.
The von Waldeck family castle also contained a windowless prison to "lock up witches" – the 16th century saw widespread witch-hunts in Europe. Of course, there is no credible evidence that Margaretha's stepmother was a witch.
After coming of age, Margaretha was sent by her father to the court of his aunt Mary of Hungary at the Coudenberg Palace in what today is Brussels. Her beauty caught the attention of many young nobles, including the crown prince Philip II of Spain, who was Mary's nephew and an extreme Catholic.
Her death also has a link to the tale of Snow White, just without the happily ever after. The countess died at the age of 21 from arsenic poisoning. Researchers believe that her protestant background would have prevented any kind of relationship from ever blooming, and is believed to have been the cause.
She is buried under the Brussels Bourse, which at the time used to be a monastery. Its remains can be viewed today in the archaeological Bruxella 1238 museum.
Screenwriter Peter Van Gucht and historian Kurt Deswert pictured at the launch of the comic strip 'The True White' by Suske and Wiske. In this new adventure, Suske and Wiske delve into the history of the real Snow White. Credit: Belga / Timon Ramboer
This story compelled the creation of comic strip rendition ‘Het Ware Witje,' translating directly to "The Real White" preserving and spotlighting to new generations the poignant tale of the life that inspired decades of popular children's culture.
Currently published in over 20 languages and counting, the popularity of Suske & Wiske continues to rise, retaining loyal fans and garnering a newer fanbase.
Suske & Wiske first debuted in 1945 in the De Nieuwe Standaard, becoming one of the most popular comic series in Belgium and the Netherlands. It was originally written by Antwerp-born Willy Vandersteen.
Vandersteen's eldest daughter Helena took charge of the studio in 2002.
Focusing on remaining relevant to current audiences, Vandersteen plans to launch a Suske & Wiske manga series said to debut in November 2025 to appeal to young adult audiences and bring the comic into the 21st century.
