The Andrew Lang Library

In which the tale unfolds on a distant island where birds once lived as men, and two companions, Pivi and Kabo, engage in a spirited game of slinging that leads to curious transformations and encounters with a kindly woman of the river. Through trials of courage and cleverness, Pivi’s fortunes rise, while Kabo’s impatience brings him lessons of his own, all woven with whimsical charm and a touch o...

In which a young prince, bound by a solemn promise to a mysterious mermaid, sets forth from his home to seek adventure, aided by magical transformations granted by a lion, a bear, and a bee. Amidst enchanting encounters and royal intrigues, his cunning and courage are put to the test in a court where a princess shuns all suitors and a rival’s deceit threatens to triumph.

In which a rat’s parents, proud of their daughter’s talents and beauty, seek for her a husband greater than any rat, leading them on a fantastical journey to find the mightiest suitor in all the world. They visit the sun, cloud, wind, and wall, only to learn through gentle discourse that true greatness lies closest to home.

In which a wolverine’s mischievous challenge to a rock leads to an unexpected predicament, requiring the help of mighty elements and his kin to set him free. Thereafter, driven by hunger and cunning, he devises a crafty scheme involving his supposed sister, the bear, revealing a tale of slyness amidst the wilds.

In which the tender care and filial duty of a young girl are tested by a sacred and forbidden source of nourishment, leading to harsh consequences and a perilous journey to an ogre’s abode. Amidst strange encounters and old customs, the tale unfolds with a mother’s desperate love and the secret protection of a remarkable child beneath the water’s surface.

In which three brothers set out on a hunting expedition that leads them into the realm of a powerful bear chief whose servants they have unwittingly harmed, resulting in a transformation that leaves the eldest two part bear and part boy. It is left to the youngest brother, aided by his faithful dog and the bear chief’s kindly sister, to seek a way to restore his brothers and bring peace to their u...

In which three sisters declare the names of their desired husbands, leading to a curious and unexpected choice for the youngest, Helga, who is betrothed to a strange and humble-looking old man named Hábogi. She soon discovers that beneath the unpromising exterior lies a world of enchantment and splendour beyond imagining.

In which the brave yet humble Rosald undertakes adventures alongside the wealthy but cowardly Geirald, whose more timid nature contrasts sharply with Rosald’s courage and honour. Their exploits, including battles against robbers and a giant, lead to challenges of loyalty and identity that are gently revealed through trials of prowess and promise.

In which a solitary turtle, longing for companionship, seeks a wife among the river camp’s folk and embarks on a slow and arduous war expedition with his tribe, only to face unexpected challenges upon his return. The tale unfolds with gentle humour and quiet lessons about promises, persistence, and the cleverness of a woman determined to regain her freedom.

In which a young hare, guided by his grandmother’s counsel and his own courage, ventures to catch fish and bring fire to their humble home in a land of snow and ice. With wit and a touch of magic, he overcomes daunting obstacles, showing a clever spirit well beyond his years.

In which a young stranger becomes enamoured with a maiden in a southern town where the sun’s heat hushes the day, and he encounters the mysterious and bewitching voice of a legendary forest spirit known as the Yara. Amid warnings and love’s tender pleadings, he grapples with the haunting allure of the river’s dark pools, caught between the charms of earthly affection and the enchantments of the un...

In which a brave boy, aided by magical gifts from good spirits, undertakes a daring quest to outwit a cunning witch and a fearsome adversary guarding precious treasures beyond a great river. He later faces a perilous challenge from a crafty relative, demonstrating wisdom and courage as he navigates trials and returns to care for his ageing parents.

In which a weary man, known for his constant grumbling and heavy burdens, seeks the counsel of a Holy Man and receives magical gifts meant to ease his hardships. Yet the man's mistrust and indulgence lead to troublesome encounters that reveal the true nature of fortune and wisdom.

In which a company of young men set out in pursuit of food and encounter a most mysterious and fearsome creature, whose capture brings uncanny consequences upon the plain where they dwell. The tale unfolds with a curious blend of nature’s wonders and supernatural transformations, whispered to have left an enduring mark upon the land and its people.

In which the valiant Prince Almas encounters mighty lions, battles fierce foes, and gains the friendship of a wondrous bird named the Simurgh, who aids him on a perilous journey to solve a grievous riddle. Through trials of courage and wisdom, he unravels the secret of the rose and the cypress, bringing justice and peace to troubled realms.

In which a valiant eastern prince, stirred by a riddle posed by a fair but formidable princess, embarks on a perilous quest that leads him through enchanted gardens and secret dangers, aided by loyal friends and magical gifts. Along the way, he encounters strange transformations and steadfast love, pondering the meaning behind the rose’s deed to the cypress amid trials that test his courage and wi...

In which the wide and wonderful world of fairy tales is opened up to the reader, inviting a journey through stories told by diverse peoples—from the sun-baked lands of Australia to the snowy reaches of the north—each tale coloured by the customs and imaginings of its own culture. The Preface gently sets the tone for a collection that honours the shared delight and lessons found in children’s stori...

In which an old Japanese gentleman discovers a rusty iron kettle that magically transforms into a playful tanuki, leading to much astonishment and a curious tale of its wondrous powers. The kettle’s enchantment brings fortune and joy to those who treat it with honesty and respect, revealing the gentle rewards of integrity and kindness.

In which a young merchant’s daughter named Maria, gifted with sharp wit and spirited cunning, navigates the challenges posed by a king’s visits and her father’s demands while caring tenderly for her family. Through a series of clever stratagems and bold actions within the royal and domestic spheres, Maria’s resourcefulness shines brightest amid trials that test her resolve.

In which a young prince, bound by a vow to journey to the shrine of St. James, sets out in search of true friendship and tests the hearts of those he meets with a simple but telling token. Along the way, he encounters trials that reveal the noblest qualities of loyalty and sacrifice, leading to a discovery that honours the vows of both friendship and family.

In which a kind-hearted girl named Lizina, mistreated at home, finds refuge with a colony of cats who reward her kindness with wondrous gifts, whilst her envious elder sister’s greed leads to quite different fortunes. The tale softly unfolds amidst curious cats, golden transformations, and the gentle intervention of a discerning old feline known as Father Gatto.

In which a diligent yet ambitious tailor named Labakan, upon donning a splendid royal robe, embarks on a quest to claim the princely rank he believes to be his true birthright. Along the way, he encounters tests of identity and character that reveal the delicate balance between true nobility and humble contentment.

In which a young prince disobeys his stepmother’s wishes and finds himself caught in a tale of giantesses, magical gifts, and perilous challenges that test his courage and wit. Through encounters with strange beings and secret treasures, he embarks on a journey that blends danger and enchantment in the ancient, rugged lands of Iceland.

In which a clever crab trades a kernel with a mischievous monkey and plants a seed that grows into a fruitful kaki tree, leading to a dispute over the harvest. Through wit and the help of loyal friends, the crab devises a plan to outsmart the deceitful monkey and restore harmony to her home.

In which a strong and clever shepherd named Paul befriends three mighty comrades and embarks on an extraordinary journey beneath the earth, where he confronts dragons and rescues captive maidens. Through courage and cunning, he overcomes magical perils and ultimately restores the enchanted castles, returning to the world above with a new bride and renewed fortune.