The Andrew Lang Library

In which a proud Princess challenges her suitors with riddles, daring any to win her hand by solving them and surviving a night with a fierce bear. A clever young tailor, undeterred by danger and quick-witted in his dealings, sets forth on this adventure, demonstrating the power of courage and ingenuity.

In which a humble servant, endowed with the wondrous gift of understanding the speech of animals after tasting a mysterious white snake, undertakes a perilous journey that tests his kindness and courage. Along the way, he encounters enchanted creatures who remember his good deeds, enabling him to fulfil formidable tasks set by a proud princess in the quest for love and happiness.

In which a humble fisherman's life is transformed by a mysterious golden fish that grants him and his family wondrous fortunes, yet warns of the fragile secrecy that must be kept to preserve such blessings. The tale then follows the golden-born lads as they venture into the world, brave perils, and face enchantments, their fortunes closely intertwined with the fate of golden lilies in their garden...

In which a fearless Prince, accompanied by his loyal servant, encounters dark sorcery in a forest and cleverly outwits perilous foes with the aid of a raven, all while continuing his adventurous travels. He soon faces a formidable Princess who challenges suitors with deadly riddles, leading to a contest of wits where cunning and courage are put to the test.

In which a brave young man wins great honour and love, yet faces a grim vow that leads him into a dark and lonely tomb with his beloved. Within the silence of that tomb, a wondrous secret of healing leaves is revealed, offering a glimmer of hope amidst despair and betrayal.

In which a farmer, longing for a child, is surprised when his wife gives birth to a son part hedgehog, who grows up minding pigs and playing magical tunes from the top of a tree. The curious creature leads lost kings safely home by promise, and through trials and enchantments, finds a princely life and reconciliation with his past.

In which a princess, heartbroken by the prince's enforced engagement, enacts a clever ruse by disguising herself and eleven maidens as huntsmen to rejoin the court undetected. Through subtle trials and the intervention of a knowing lion, the truth of their identities is cleverly uncovered, leading to a most fitting reunion.

In which a resourceful young tailor, lost and seeking refuge one night, is drawn into a strange and wondrous underground realm by a magical stag, where he encounters marvels beyond his imagining. Within this enchanted domain, he meets a fair maiden imprisoned by sorcery, whose tale of enchantment and hope unfolds with the promise of a destined deliverance.

In which a young orphan girl, left to her own devices after her godmother’s passing, finds fortune and comfort in her diligent spinning, weaving, and sewing within a homely cottage. Meanwhile, a wandering Prince seeks a bride as both poor and rich, and a magical dance of spindle, shuttle, and needle weaves a tale of discovery and promise.

In which an enchantress dwells in a solitary castle amidst a vast forest, ensnaring maidens by transforming them into birds confined in countless cages, and a devoted pair of young lovers wander unwittingly into her perilous domain. The tale unfolds with the steadfast youth’s quest to break the spell, aided by a wondrous flower possessing the power to restore those lost to the enchantress’s dark m...

In which a princess, compelled by a condition set by her late mother and father, dons a remarkable cloak of many furs and hides her radiant beauty to escape an unwanted fate, finding refuge and menial work in a stranger’s palace. Through secret appearances at royal feasts in splendid dresses of sun, moon, and stars, she captivates the king’s heart, revealing her true self in due course and winning...

In which a gentle-hearted girl, scorned by her peculiar family for having two ordinary eyes, discovers a magical table that appears at her bidding and provides her sustenance. With the help of this wonder and a mysterious heart-planted tree, she finds prosperity and kindness amidst envy and hardship.

In which a restless Prince Vivien abandons his kingdom in search of adventure and encounters a peculiar old woman named Patience, whose slow and measured ways test his impulsive nature, and after a mysterious and trying sojourn at a sombre castle, he finds himself embarked on a strange voyage aboard a ship of white paper. Meanwhile, the tranquil Princess Placida, already marked by indolence, faces...

In which three bears live harmoniously in their snug woodland home, each with their own porridge, chair, and bed perfectly suited to their size. An unwelcome visitor enters their house uninvited, disturbing their belongings and provoking the bears to discover the intruder in a most surprising fashion.

In which a gallant Prince rescues a bewildered gazelle and journeys slowly yet determinedly to a mysterious Green Castle, where secrets of enchantment and transformation unfold. The tale gently explores the virtues of patience and love through the trials of two cousins, whose affection brings about unexpected joy and harmonious rule.

In which a gentle and faithful maiden named Helena endures the cruelty of a harsh stepmother and receives the aid of a kind Fairy to accomplish impossible tasks, leading to her rightful happiness in a splendid castle. Thereafter, the tale takes a tender turn as Helena's love, Prince Fickle, tests the fidelity of his heart through a series of enchanting encounters before their joyful reunion beneat...

In which a seemingly industrious man named Hok Lee conceals a secret life of nightly thievery, leading to a mysterious and afflicting swelling that baffles both him and his neighbours. Seeking relief from a travelling doctor’s advice, he ventures to a moonlit wood where he must dance before a band of dwarfs whose approval holds the key to his cure.

In which a young prince, tasked by his ageing father with three seemingly impossible challenges, finds unexpected aid from a singularly peculiar toad named Puddocky. This curious ally leads him through trials woven with enchantment and wit, revealing beauty and worth in places least anticipated.

In which a longing mother dotes upon a remarkable serpent who seeks to wed a princess, prompting the king to set impossible tasks that are miraculously fulfilled, revealing wonders beyond the ordinary. The tale then follows the princess’s brave quest, aided by a cunning fox, to restore her enchanted beloved, weaving a delicate thread of love, enchantment, and perseverance.

In which King Kojata, troubled by a mysterious promise made at a well, faces the return of his son Prince Milan who embarks on a perilous adventure into the underworld, aided by the enchanting Hyacinthia, the daughter of a mighty magician. Their trials and transformations illustrate themes of loyalty and cleverness, woven through with the magic and wonder characteristic of this old fairy tale.

In which a shrewd old man named Simon, having been tricked by three rascals into losing a mule, devises a clever plan to outwit the same knaves using goats and a cunning ruse involving a blood-filled bladder. The tale unfolds with amusing reversals and a touch of justice served to those who seek to deceive.

In which a brave little soldier returns home from war and encounters a mysterious serpent-woman princess trapped by enchantments, embarking on a perilous quest to free her and win her hand. Along the way, he discovers magical fruits, deceits, and the true meaning of happiness beyond wealth and royal favour.

In which a gentle and timorous young man, ill-used by his elder brothers, sets forth upon the wide world guided by the kind counsel of a mysterious old woman, and gains possession of a magical swan with an enchanting and mischievous power. Through a series of whimsical encounters, he draws a curious procession and the laughter of a grave princess, thus altering his fortune forever in a manner both...

In which a King tests the love of his two daughters, only to misunderstand the younger’s sincere and humble comparison of her affection. Disguised as a dirty shepherdess, she endures hardship and learns the value of patience and true devotion, leading to unexpected recognition and reconciliation.

In which a devoted youngest son sets forth on a perilous quest to find the fabled Golden Blackbird that alone can heal his ailing father, encountering enchanting creatures and cunning tests along the way. Through steadfast courage and the aid of a little hare, he perseveres where his brothers falter, leading to unexpected discoveries and trials that reveal true loyalty and bravery.