In the Brothers Grimm tale “The Three Snake-Leaves,” the husband places three snake leaves on his dead wife’s eyes.
The husband has promised to be buried alive with his wife if she dies first. After her death, he is placed in the tomb with her body. Inside, he notices a snake and kills it. He then sees another snake bring three leaves, which revive the dead snake when placed on its body.
The husband takes the leaves and lays them on his wife’s eyes and mouth. She returns to life, allowing the couple to leave the tomb. The leaves therefore serve as a healing or resurrection charm rather than as an ordinary botanical remedy.
The title is sometimes rendered “The Three Snake Leaves.” The important detail is the number three and the leaves’ connection with snakes; versions that describe rose petals or herbs refer to different stories.