In the Brothers Grimm tale “The Twelve Brothers,” the twelve brothers transform into ravens.
The king has twelve sons and wants a daughter, but he fears that the sons would prevent her from inheriting the kingdom. He prepares twelve coffins and threatens the boys with death if a daughter is born. The boys flee into the forest, and the king’s curse or magical command transforms them into ravens.
Their sister later learns what happened and undertakes a long rescue mission. She must live in silence for seven years while making shirts for her brothers. Her devotion eventually restores the brothers to human form, although the transformation and rescue differ in minor details among translations.
This story should not be confused with “The Six Swans” or “The Seven Ravens,” two other Grimm tales involving enchanted brothers or ravens. The number twelve is the defining feature of this tale’s family and title.