Hanssel is a character from the classic German fairy tale, 'Hansel and Gretel'. He is the brother of Gretel and the son of a poor woodcutter. In the story, Hanssel and Gretel are abandoned in the woods by their father and must find their way back home. Along the way, they encounter a wicked witch who wants to eat them. They eventually outsmart her and make it back home safely. Hanssel is often seen as a symbol of innocence and courage.