The Elves and the Shoemaker is a fairy tale written by the Brothers Grimm. The tale is about a poor shoemaker who receives much-needed help. One evening, shortly before Christmas, the shoemaker said to his wife, "Why don't we stay up tonight and see who is giving us this helping hand," and his wife agreed. Hiding in a corner of the room, they saw two little men working quickly and nimbly on the shoes, then running away after their work was completely finished.