A Brief History of “Humpty Dumpty”

“Humpty Dumpty” is a traditional English nursery rhyme first published in 1797, though its origins may be older. It tells the story of a character who falls from a wall and cannot be put back together — often interpreted as a metaphor for irreversible change.

Originally, “Humpty Dumpty” referred to a clumsy person or a large egg-shaped figure, and over time, the rhyme became associated with an egg due to popular illustrations. Its simple structure and vivid imagery have made it a staple in early childhood learning, often used to explore rhythm, storytelling, and cause-and-effect.