Michael Ende

Date of Birth: November 12, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: August 28, 1995

Biography

Michael Andreas Helmuth Ende was a German writer born on November 12, 1929, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. He is best known for his fantasy novels, particularly “The Neverending Story” and “Momo”. Ende’s works often explore themes of imagination, time, and the battle between good and evil, and his storytelling has captivated audiences of all ages. Ende grew up in a tumultuous era, with his early years marked by the rise of the Nazi regime and World War II. His father, Edgar Ende, was a surrealist painter whose work was banned by the Nazis, which deeply affected Michael and his family. After the war, Ende pursued his passion for the arts, initially studying acting and later becoming a writer. His breakthrough came in 1960 with the publication of “Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver”, which won the German Prize for Children’s Fiction. However, it was “Momo” (1973) and “The Neverending Story” (1979) that cemented his reputation as a master of fantasy literature. “The Neverending Story” was later adapted into a successful film in 1984, although Ende was famously dissatisfied with the adaptation. Michael Ende’s work has been translated into numerous languages and continues to be celebrated worldwide. He passed away on August 28, 1995, in Stuttgart, Germany.

5 Interesting Facts about Michael Ende

1. Michael Ende’s novel “Momo” won the German Youth Literature Prize in 1974.

2. “The Neverending Story” has been translated into over 40 languages.

3. Ende was heavily influenced by the surrealist art of his father, Edgar Ende.

4. He was a vocal critic of the film adaptation of “The Neverending Story”.

5. Ende’s works often include deep philosophical themes and critiques of modern society.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Michael Ende

1. “There are many kinds of eyes. Even the sphinx has eyes—and consequently there are many kinds of ‘truths,’ and consequently there is no truth.”

2. “The more wishes you make, the more magnificent Fantastica will become.”

3. “Life holds one great but quite commonplace mystery. Though shared by each of us and known to all, seldom do we pause to reflect on it. That mystery, which most of us take for granted and never think twice about, is time.”

4. “A story can be new and yet tell about olden times. The past comes into existence with the story.”

5. “If you stop to think about it, you’ll have to conclude that the book is bound to become a reality.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Michael Ende is estimated to be around $10 million at the peak of his career, largely due to the success of his books and their adaptations.