Bibi Blocksberg
Encyclopedia
Bibi Blocksberg is a German
audio theatre series for children, created in 1980 by Elfie Donnelly
. The main character is a girl called Bibi Blocksberg, who is a witch. As of winter 2008, there have been 92 episodes. The original title of the series was Eene meene Hexerei. This title was used for the first seven episodes, after which the series was renamed to Bibi Blocksberg. The first episodes were later released under the new title and with a new cover. The old episodes are very sought after among collectors. The length of the episodes originally varied between 35 and 40 minutes and nowadays between 40 and 45 minutes. An exception is episode #78 with a length of 52 minutes.
In the series, Bibi, who is fond of playing practical joke
s, experiences numerous adventures with her friends. Magic
often plays a major part, and often leads to troubles, and Bibi's mother, who is also a witch, must come to set things straight. Bibi's antagonist is often the mayor of Neustadt, who is presented as lazy and incompetent. This leads to conflict with the helpful Bibi.
The surname of Bibi is a reference to the old name of the Brocken
, a mountain in Saxony-Anhalt (Germany) that is traditionally connected with witches (Walpurgis Night
), most famously in Goethe's Faust
.
Karla Kolumna reports her jokes and adventures. Apart from her tendency to make jokes, Bibi has a big heart. She rescues the townspeople in many episodes, tries to help her friends and is opposed to injustice in the world.
. Like many other adult witches, Barbara is a member of the Hexenrat (witches' council).
Bernhard Blocksberg has no magic powers, as these are exclusive to women. He would like to have a normal family, which he mentions in nearly every episode. He often forbids Barbara and Bibi to use magic, but they never listen to him. However, he is proud of "his" witches. He has a habit of reading the town newspaper every morning. Although Bernhard and Barbara often have arguments, which sometimes escalate to divorce
threats, they love each other and in some later episodes go on romantic cruises, for example to Venice
.
The first seven episodes also feature Bibi's little brother Boris. He is often very jealous of Bibi's magical powers, which leads to many arguments between them. According to episode #1, he is eight years old. In episode #9, he moves to his grandparents' house at the North Sea. The reason that is given is that he has a cough and needs fresh sea air. He is never mentioned again and doesn't return to his parents and sister, not even on important occasions, such as when the Blocksbergs are moving into a new house.
guru. In later episodes, he also became a fan of Sherlock Holmes
. He has helped Bibi raise a dinosaur
and was present at many other adventures, which would often involve him looking up things on his computer. Bibi and the others often call him "Flori". It is sometimes implied that Bibi's friend Moni might have a crush on Florian.
. In episode #64 Die neue Schule (The new school), for instance, he orders a new city hall to be built in the shape of a castle
, and in episode #63 Die Wahrsagerin (The fortune-teller), he visits a fortune-teller, who tells him he is going to be King of Neustadt, which causes him to order a regal robe and sceptre. He often appears a bit stupid and gullible, and his character is defined by a lust for profit and a habit of emphasising his own importance. However, he is never cruel. He has a good heart hidden deep inside of him.
on her job. Her notable attributes are her high-pitched voice and loud laugh, her habit of talking very quickly and her catchphrase Sensationell!. She sometimes refers to the Mayor as her "dearest enemy". She enjoys presenting him as greedy. Karla also appears in the radio drama series Benjamin Blümchen and the Bibi Blocksberg spin-off, Bibi und Tina.
clothes and always wears deep red lipstick
.
and also a witch. She first appears in episode #8, and afterwards in episodes #36 and #82. She is married to Patrick Thunderstorm, who, like Bernard Blocksberg, has no magic powers. Patrick owns a flying car, which has been enchanted by his wife. Their daughter Margie first had problems with Bibi, but when Bibi learned of the castle's financial problems, she helped Margie and they became friends. The two girls have stayed in touch since. Despite the fact that the Thuderstorms are Irish, they always speak German, even among themselves. Only occasionally do they use English terms or phrases, such as "darling" or "Oh yeah!".
s about Bibi Blocksberg:
There is also a cartoon show with three seasons with 26 episodes each, and the cartoon film Geht's auch ohne Hexerei?. There are also two spin-offs: Elea Elunda, appearing as a guest in episode #78, and Bibi und Tina, in which Bibi has adventures on a riding farm.
Bibi has several cameo appearances in the series Benjamin the Elephant
, also by Elfie Donnelly. In fact, Bibi was first introduced in that series alongside Benjamin, and the general setting and some of the characters (especially Karla Kolumna) are the same in both audio play series.
It has however received criticism from the scientist Gerd Strohmeier. The cause of the criticism is the character of the incompetent and corrupt mayor of Neustadt, which Strohmeier claims will give a negative view of politics to children.
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
audio theatre series for children, created in 1980 by Elfie Donnelly
Elfie Donnelly
Elfie Donnelly is a British-Austrian author, who has written numerous books and radio dramas for children. Her major works are Benjamin Blümchen and Bibi Blocksberg.-Biography:...
. The main character is a girl called Bibi Blocksberg, who is a witch. As of winter 2008, there have been 92 episodes. The original title of the series was Eene meene Hexerei. This title was used for the first seven episodes, after which the series was renamed to Bibi Blocksberg. The first episodes were later released under the new title and with a new cover. The old episodes are very sought after among collectors. The length of the episodes originally varied between 35 and 40 minutes and nowadays between 40 and 45 minutes. An exception is episode #78 with a length of 52 minutes.
In the series, Bibi, who is fond of playing practical joke
Practical joke
A practical joke is a mischievous trick played on someone, typically causing the victim to experience embarrassment, indignity, or discomfort. Practical jokes differ from confidence tricks in that the victim finds out, or is let in on the joke, rather than being fooled into handing over money or...
s, experiences numerous adventures with her friends. Magic
Magic (paranormal)
Magic is the claimed art of manipulating aspects of reality either by supernatural means or through knowledge of occult laws unknown to science. It is in contrast to science, in that science does not accept anything not subject to either direct or indirect observation, and subject to logical...
often plays a major part, and often leads to troubles, and Bibi's mother, who is also a witch, must come to set things straight. Bibi's antagonist is often the mayor of Neustadt, who is presented as lazy and incompetent. This leads to conflict with the helpful Bibi.
The surname of Bibi is a reference to the old name of the Brocken
The Brocken
The Brocken, Blocksberg or Bocksberg, is the highest peak of the Harz mountain range and also the highest peak of Northern Germany; it is located near Schierke in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt between the rivers Weser and Elbe. Although its altitude of is below alpine dimensions, its...
, a mountain in Saxony-Anhalt (Germany) that is traditionally connected with witches (Walpurgis Night
Walpurgis Night
Walpurgis Night is a traditional spring festival on 30 April or 1 May in large parts of Central and Northern Europe. It is often celebrated with dancing and with bonfires. It is exactly six months from All Hallows' Eve.-Name:...
), most famously in Goethe's Faust
Faust
Faust is the protagonist of a classic German legend; a highly successful scholar, but also dissatisfied with his life, and so makes a deal with the devil, exchanging his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures. Faust's tale is the basis for many literary, artistic, cinematic, and musical...
.
Bibi
Bibi (Brigitte) is a 13-year-old girl, depicted on the cover with blond hair tied to a pony tail with a red strap and wearing a green dress (her favourite colour), white socks and no shoes. Bibi likes to use her magical powers to make practical jokes. Not only the mayor, but also the school principal, the teachers and many other people of Neustadt fall victim to her jokes. Her favourite mode of transport is her broomstick Kartoffelbrei (mashed potato) which she can make fly by chanting spells such as Eene meene Mei, Kartoffelbrei mein Flugzeug sei or Eeene meene Schmieg, Kartoffelbrei los, flieg. Often, the journalistJournalist
A journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
Karla Kolumna reports her jokes and adventures. Apart from her tendency to make jokes, Bibi has a big heart. She rescues the townspeople in many episodes, tries to help her friends and is opposed to injustice in the world.
Bibi's family
Bernhard and Barbara Blocksberg are Bibi's parents. Barbara is also a witch, and flies to the Walburgisnacht every year on her broomstick Baldrian (Baldrian is a common sleeping draught). In the first episodes, her eccentric cooking is a source of annoyance for her family. Barbara insist on cooking witches' food with ingredients such as spiders and frogs, even though no member of her family likes it. Once, she admits that she doesn't even like the food herself, but merely tries to uphold old witch traditions. When Barbara is tired of her family, she flies to visit her friend Amanda. She has a witch's laboratory, in which she often makes foul-smelling magical potions and experiments with various herbs. She feels responsible for upholding a "normal" life in her household and has thus set many rules in the Blocksberg house (for example no flying in through the window, no flying to school on the broomstick, use magic only in an emergency), but these rules are often broken. She frequently reminds her daughter of the witches' honour code, which for example forbids conjuring up moneyMoney
Money is any object or record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts in a given country or socio-economic context. The main functions of money are distinguished as: a medium of exchange; a unit of account; a store of value; and, occasionally in the past,...
. Like many other adult witches, Barbara is a member of the Hexenrat (witches' council).
Bernhard Blocksberg has no magic powers, as these are exclusive to women. He would like to have a normal family, which he mentions in nearly every episode. He often forbids Barbara and Bibi to use magic, but they never listen to him. However, he is proud of "his" witches. He has a habit of reading the town newspaper every morning. Although Bernhard and Barbara often have arguments, which sometimes escalate to divorce
Divorce
Divorce is the final termination of a marital union, canceling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties...
threats, they love each other and in some later episodes go on romantic cruises, for example to Venice
Venice
Venice is a city in northern Italy which is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. It is the capital of the Veneto region...
.
The first seven episodes also feature Bibi's little brother Boris. He is often very jealous of Bibi's magical powers, which leads to many arguments between them. According to episode #1, he is eight years old. In episode #9, he moves to his grandparents' house at the North Sea. The reason that is given is that he has a cough and needs fresh sea air. He is never mentioned again and doesn't return to his parents and sister, not even on important occasions, such as when the Blocksbergs are moving into a new house.
Monika
Moni (Monika) is Bibi's best friend. She first appears in episode #10 Bibis neue Freundin (Bibi's new friend), when she comes to Bibi's class. Originally, she was unpopular. She often was unfriendly to her classmates. Because of her old-fashioned clothes and the fact that she used to live in a small village, she was called a Landpomeranze (derogatery term used for a girl from the countryside). Only when Bibi found out that Moni has trouble with her very strict parents, she decided to help her, and they have been good friends since.Marita
Marita is Bibi's best friend in later episodes. Bibi meets her in episode #19. Marita is a lot more self-confident than Bibi's other friend, Moni. Even though they sometimes have arguments, Bibi and Marita remain close friends. Marita appears often in later episodes and has many exciting adventures with Bibi.Florian
Florian is one of Bibi's best friends and a computerComputer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
guru. In later episodes, he also became a fan of Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The fantastic London-based "consulting detective", Holmes is famous for his astute logical reasoning, his ability to take almost any disguise, and his use of forensic science skills to solve...
. He has helped Bibi raise a dinosaur
Dinosaur
Dinosaurs are a diverse group of animals of the clade and superorder Dinosauria. They were the dominant terrestrial vertebrates for over 160 million years, from the late Triassic period until the end of the Cretaceous , when the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event led to the extinction of...
and was present at many other adventures, which would often involve him looking up things on his computer. Bibi and the others often call him "Flori". It is sometimes implied that Bibi's friend Moni might have a crush on Florian.
The Mayor
The Mayor's name is Bruno Presssack (A Pressack is a type of German sausage, as well as a derogatory term for a corpulent person), but he is nearly always referred to as "The Mayor". He often makes many good promises, but his motive is always only money. He refers to Bibi as "Bibi Blocksbergi". This is due to the fact that in episode #3 Die Zauberlimonade (The magic lemonade), Bibi made him drink magic lemonade that forced him to add an "i" to every word he said. He has kept the habit ever since. He is dominant and rude to his secretary Pichler. He loves food and is portrayed as overweight. He is sometimes presented as megalomanicMegalomania
Megalomania is a psycho-pathological condition characterized by delusional fantasies of power, relevance, or omnipotence. 'Megalomania is characterized by an inflated sense of self-esteem and overestimation by persons of their powers and beliefs'...
. In episode #64 Die neue Schule (The new school), for instance, he orders a new city hall to be built in the shape of a castle
Castle
A castle is a type of fortified structure built in Europe and the Middle East during the Middle Ages by European nobility. Scholars debate the scope of the word castle, but usually consider it to be the private fortified residence of a lord or noble...
, and in episode #63 Die Wahrsagerin (The fortune-teller), he visits a fortune-teller, who tells him he is going to be King of Neustadt, which causes him to order a regal robe and sceptre. He often appears a bit stupid and gullible, and his character is defined by a lust for profit and a habit of emphasising his own importance. However, he is never cruel. He has a good heart hidden deep inside of him.
Karla Kolumna
Karla is a reporter, who is always looking for a big story. She is good friends with the Blocksberg family and often helps them. She often rides a motorcycleMotorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
on her job. Her notable attributes are her high-pitched voice and loud laugh, her habit of talking very quickly and her catchphrase Sensationell!. She sometimes refers to the Mayor as her "dearest enemy". She enjoys presenting him as greedy. Karla also appears in the radio drama series Benjamin Blümchen and the Bibi Blocksberg spin-off, Bibi und Tina.
Flauipaui
Flauipaui is a young witch who is friends with Bibi and Schubia. She is obsessed with her appearance, often combing her long hair and looking at herself in the mirror. She is very easily scared. She is afraid of her magic teacher Tante Mania, because she never understands her homework. However, she can be very brave in dangerous situations. She goes to magic school with Schubia Wanzhaar and Bibi Blocksberg. Her broomstick is called Gänseblümchen (Daisy).Schubia
Schubia Wanzhaar is a young punk witch. She attends magic school with Bibi and Flauipaui. She has green hair and a motor broomstick called Kawakasi (probably a pun on the motorcycle manufacturer Kawasaki). She often has problems with her magic teacher Tante Mania because she's inattentive. She is over-confident, but is good friends with Bibi and Flaupaui, whom she often teases. She appears tough, but has a soft heart. She wears punkPunk fashion
Punk fashion is the clothing, hairstyles, cosmetics, jewelry, and body modifications of the punk subculture. Punk fashion varies widely, ranging from Vivienne Westwood designs to styles modeled on bands like The Exploited. The distinct social dress of other subcultures and art movements, including...
clothes and always wears deep red lipstick
Lipstick
Lipstick is a cosmetic product containing pigments, oils, waxes, and emollients that applies color, texture, and protection to the lips. Many varieties of lipstick are known. As with most other types of makeup, lipstick is typically, but not exclusively, worn by women...
.
Amanda
Even though Bibi refers to her as "Tante" (aunt), Amanda is not actually related to the Blocksbergs. She is a friend of Barbara's, who doesn't only have magical powers as well, but also shares her passion for witchcraft. In episode #77, it is revealed that she is the chairwoman of the witches' council's progressive wing.Mania
Mania is the oldest witch in and a foundation member of the witches' council. In early episodes, she is portrayed as the typical evil witch of fairy tales, with a strong dislike for other people. In episode #35, she even conjures up eternal winter, only to spite her fellow witches. In later episodes, she is shown as friendlier, but still very strict and set in her own ways. She becomes the teacher of the young witches Bibi, Flauipaui and Schubia. She doesn't care much for Flauipaui and Schubia, but she likes Bibi's kindness and her good heart, as well as her talent in witchcraft. Mania owns several cats, owls and a black raven named Abraxas, whom she uses to send messages, as well as to keep her company.Walpurgia
Walpurgia is the head of the witches' council. She is very strict and insists on rules to be followed. In addition to her position in the witches' council, she runs a boarding school for young witches, to which Bibi, Flauipaui and Schubia are sent temporarily in episode #77.The Thunderstorms
Cecily Thunderstorm is Bibi's aunt from IrelandIreland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
and also a witch. She first appears in episode #8, and afterwards in episodes #36 and #82. She is married to Patrick Thunderstorm, who, like Bernard Blocksberg, has no magic powers. Patrick owns a flying car, which has been enchanted by his wife. Their daughter Margie first had problems with Bibi, but when Bibi learned of the castle's financial problems, she helped Margie and they became friends. The two girls have stayed in touch since. Despite the fact that the Thuderstorms are Irish, they always speak German, even among themselves. Only occasionally do they use English terms or phrases, such as "darling" or "Oh yeah!".
Cast
| Character | Voice actor |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Ulli Herzog (episodes 1-7), Joachim Nottke (episodes 8-68), Gunter Schoß Gunter Schoß Gunter Schoß is a German television actor.He also was the German voice of Frank Langella as Moses in the movie: The Bible.-External links:*... (since episode 69) |
| Bibi | Susanna Bonaséwicz, Katja Nottke (episodes 3-5) |
| Bernhard Blocksberg Bibi's father | Bodo Wolf (since episode 93), previously Guido Weber |
| Barbara Blocksberg Bibi's mother, witch | Gabriele Streichhahn (since episode 93), previously Hallgard Bruckhaus |
| Boris Blocksberg Bibi's brother | Frank Schaff-Langhans |
| Karla Kolumna local reporter | Gisela Fritsch |
| Mayor mayor of Neustadt | Heinz Giese, Richard Hemmo (since episode 89) |
| Secretary Pichler Mayor's employee | Wilfried Herbst |
| Schubia Bibi's friend, young witch | Ghada Al-Akel (since episode 65), previously Sabine Thiesler |
| Flauipaui Bibi's friend, young witch | Melanie Hinze Melanie Hinze Melanie Hinze is a German voice actress, and the German voice of Holly Marie Combs.She was married to the late voice actor and actor Matthias Hinze and is the sister of Julien Haggége.- Voice acting :... |
| Aunt Amanda Barbara's friend, witch | Barbara Ratthey (since episode 40), previously Edith Teichmann |
| Aunt Mania Barbara's friend, eldest witch | Luise Lunow (since episode 73), previously Tilly Lauenstein |
| Aunt Walpurgia old witch | Astrid Bless (since episode 77), previously Maria Axt |
| Moni Bibi's friend | Julia Ziffer (since episode 66), previously Natascha Rybakowski |
| Marita Bibi's friend | Uschi Hugo (since episode 74), previously Tatjana Gessner |
| Florian Bibi's friend | Gerrit Schmidt-Foß (since episode 68), previously Oliver Elias |
| Frau Müller-Riebensehl Bibi's nasty teacher | Eva-Maria Werth |
Further works
There have been two filmFilm
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
s about Bibi Blocksberg:
- 2002 Bibi Blocksberg
- 2004 Bibi Blocksberg und das Geheimnis der blauen Eulen
There is also a cartoon show with three seasons with 26 episodes each, and the cartoon film Geht's auch ohne Hexerei?. There are also two spin-offs: Elea Elunda, appearing as a guest in episode #78, and Bibi und Tina, in which Bibi has adventures on a riding farm.
Bibi has several cameo appearances in the series Benjamin the Elephant
Benjamin the Elephant
Benjamin the Elephant is an animated children's television show produced by Kiddinx Studios in Berlin. The show is based on audio stories by Elfie Donnelly. On the show, the eponymous main character resides at the Newtown Zoo, with friends Otto and Stella...
, also by Elfie Donnelly. In fact, Bibi was first introduced in that series alongside Benjamin, and the general setting and some of the characters (especially Karla Kolumna) are the same in both audio play series.
Cartoon show
- Season 1
- 1. Der Wetterfrosch ("The weather frog")
- 2. B.B. als Prinzessin ("B.B. as a princess")
- 3. B.B. als Babysitter ("B.B. as a baby sitter")
- 4. 3x schwarzer Kater ("Three times black cat")
- 5. Der Superhexspruch ("The super spell")
- 6. B.B. im Dschungel ("B.B. in the jungle")
- 7. B.B. und das Dino-Ei ("B.B. and the dinosaur egg")
- 8. B.B. und die Vampire ("B.B. and the vampires")
- 9. Wo ist Kartoffelbrei? ("Where is Kartoffelbrei?")
- 10. Das Wettfliegen ("The flying competition")
- 11. Die Mathekrankheit ("The math sickness")
- 12. Die neue Schule ("The new school")
- 13. B.B. im Orient ("B.B. in the Orient")
- Season 2
- 14. B.B. und die Weihnachtsmänner ("B.B. and the Santa Clauses")
- 15. B.B. verliebt sich ("B.B. falls in love")
- 16. Geht's auch ohne Hexerei? ("Do things work even without magic?")
- Season 3
- 17. Der weiße Kakadu ("The white cocktaoo")
- 18. Superpudel Puck ("Puck, the super poodle")
- 19. Das verhexte Dromedar ("The magical dromedary")
- 20. Abenteuer bei den Dinos ("Adventure among the dinosaurs")
- 21. Der Hexenbann ("The magical ban")
- 22. Die Computerhexe ("The computer witch")
- 23. Der Hexengeburtstag ("The witch birthday")
- 24. Die Schlossgespenster ("The ghosts in the castle")
- 25. Hexerei im Zirkus ("Magic at the circus")
- 26. Mamis Geburtstag ("Mummy's birthday")
Radio dramas
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Theme song
Originally, the series had an instrumental theme. In the new episodes there is a vocal theme song. The melody was arranged by Heiko Rüsse. Since episode #83, there has been a new theme song, arranged by Wolfgang W. Loos and Heiko Rüsse.Criticism
Bibi Blocksberg is generally considered a good, entertaining and educational children's series.It has however received criticism from the scientist Gerd Strohmeier. The cause of the criticism is the character of the incompetent and corrupt mayor of Neustadt, which Strohmeier claims will give a negative view of politics to children.