The Andrew Lang Library

In which a young prince, condemned to death by his father, finds refuge with a mysterious hairy man and is bestowed with magical gifts that grant him a splendid army. He later uses these gifts to aid a neighbouring king in war, winning favour and love without revealing his secret at first.

In which a young prince, defying his father's command, embarks on a perilous journey to find a bride and is aided by the swift wits of a faithful servant who confronts mystical dangers along the way. His quest leads him to seek the elusive Lucky Luck, whose wisdom unravels the mysteries of misfortune and offers remedies that transform lives when the prince returns home.

In which the Editor gently elucidates the nature and origins of the fairy tales gathered within this volume, tracing their ancient and mysterious lineage from countless storytellers across the world and ages. He modestly declines authorship, explaining his role as curator who, with tender care, adapts these diverse narratives for the delight and instruction of British children.

In which a young prince, tasked by his father to prove his worth by seeking out the mysterious three bulrushes, sets off on a wide and strange adventure aided by an injured magpie. Upon discovering a radiant maiden, he faces a cunning deceit that leads to trials of faithfulness and the revelation of true love’s enduring power.

In which a forlorn boy, left in the care of a callous guardian, embarks on a solitary journey and encounters Mogarzea, a melancholy giant bound by a mysterious curse that forbids crossing certain lands. The tale unfolds with enchanting melodies, daring tricks upon mischievous elves, and the discovery of a wondrous lake where fairies dance like sunlight on water.

In which a young Roman knight’s son named Virgilius, steeped in learning and magic, returns to reclaim his rightful place and employs sorcery to outwit foes, restore order, and accomplish marvelous feats. With a blend of wisdom, enchantment, and resilience, he shapes the destiny of Rome and weaves wonders beyond imagination.

In which a restless young prince sets forth to explore foreign lands but finds himself bound by strange bonds and aided by a mysterious dove maiden born of enchantment and cunning. Guided by her magical tokens and wisdom, he faces trials set by a rival king and a witch’s malevolence, leading to a journey filled with disguise, escape, and the triumph of memory and love.

In which a judge’s twelve sons, one of them but half a man, embark on a journey to find wives and encounter an ogre’s treachery that only the clever Halfman can foil. Through trials of betrayal and dark enchantments, Halfman’s wit and courage bring him enduring love and a most singular destiny.

In which a courageous young princess, disguised as a boy, undertakes perilous adventures on magical steeds and encounters daunting challenges, including fearsome beasts and cunning enemies, all in the service of her empire and its overlord. Guided by loyalty and wisdom, she navigates mysterious lands and courts, proving that valour and wit may arise in the most unexpected of forms.

In which a prudent youngest son, unlike his reckless brothers, hides his beautiful daughter in a splendid underground palace and offers her hand to any brave soul who can find her, a feat that many have failed and perished attempting. A clever young man, disguised in a golden fleece, succeeds in reaching the princess and, despite a magical test involving transformation and discerning intuition, ul...

In which a youngest son, left to his own devices and comforted by a mysterious frog, is set a series of tasks by his mother to prove the worthiness of his future bride. Throughout these trials, the unexpected qualities of the frog reveal a gentle magic that transforms misfortune into joy and brings about a most felicitous ending.

In which three shepherd sisters, each possessing extraordinary beauty and promises of wondrous gifts, encounter an emperor whose choice sets a tale of envy and intrigue into motion, leading to the birth of remarkable twins with golden stars. As these children undergo transformations and trials beyond imagining, the story reveals how truth and justice find their way despite the machinations of a cr...

In which a young man, consumed by his desire to uncover hidden truths, seeks out a wise magician who warns him of the dangers that secret knowledge may bring, yet offers a perilous path to witness the unseen. Boldly venturing to a serpent-king’s feast, the youth gains a fleeting glimpse into the mysterious nocturnal world, only to find that some revelations carry a heavy cost of longing and loss.

In which a clever young servant named Hans bravely undertakes the mysterious and perilous task of ringing the church bells at midnight, confronting strange headless dwarfs and uncovering secrets hidden within the old church tower. Through wit, courage, and unexpected friendships, Hans secures his freedom and fortune, teaching a lesson about the value of kindness to all creatures however small.

In which a beautiful young maiden, veiled beneath a wooden helmet at her mother’s behest to hide her loveliness, earns her livelihood with steadfast industry amid the fields of rural Japan. Her loyalty and quiet endurance win the heart of her mistress’s son, setting the stage for a union that brings forth joy and wonder to their household and beyond.

In which a clever turtle ventures from the ocean to capture a monkey whose liver alone can cure the ailing sea-queen, bringing the hapless ape to the underwater realm with both hope and fear. Here, amidst kindness and melancholy, the monkey contrives a daring ruse that leads to an unexpected consequence for the jelly-fish, once encased in a shell of his own.

In which a young boy named Hassebu, though slow to learn trades, discovers a hidden pit of honey and befriends the King of the Snakes after being betrayed by his companions. He returns home to face trials that test his bravery and cleverness, ultimately rising to become a great healer while reflecting on his strange and wondrous journey.

In which a sultan’s beloved date tree is repeatedly stripped bare by a mysterious bird, much to the despair of his sons, until the youngest, long underestimated, bravely confronts the strange creature. Thereafter, the tale follows his daring pursuit and ultimate defeat of the fearsome Nunda, a creature feared by all for its dreadful appetite.

In which a poor cobbler’s son named Jem is bewitched by a mysterious old woman and transformed into a dwarf with a long nose, living under enchantment for seven years in a strange and magical household. Upon regaining his natural form through the help of a talking goose, Jem’s remarkable cooking talents lead him to serve a grand duke, setting the stage for culinary intrigue and princely disputes.

In which a lost traveller named Hans encounters a mysterious stranger who leads him to a hidden underground world where tireless workers forge precious metals and vast treasures are guarded from mankind’s idle hands. There, Hans learns the secret that true wealth lies not in possession but in the toil and care of honest labour, a lesson that stays with him as he returns to the surface world.

In which a young man embarks on a daunting quest to win the emperor’s daughter by taming three wild horses and gathering a golden dowry, aided by the princess’s secret counsel and an enchanted knife. Together, they navigate the trials set by royal decree, drawing upon courage and magic to fulfil an almost impossible task.

In which a humble fisher’s son named Jesper sets out to win the hand of a princess by presenting pearls and performing daunting tasks, aided by unexpected allies and enchanted gifts. His wit and kindness prove as invaluable as his treasures, endearing him to the royal family despite their initial doubts.

In which a young prince, dauntless and mirthful, embarks upon a perilous quest to secure a magical water that may heal his father’s sorrowful eyes, facing fearsome dragons, enchanted woods, and eerie realms ruled by frost and flame. Guided by sagacious counsel and a wondrous steed, he braves trials of strength, cunning, and endurance, journeying through mysterious kingdoms and overcoming wicked en...

In which a devoted little dog uncovers a hidden treasure for an old, childless couple, enriching their humble lives and bringing them unexpected joy. But as envy stirs in a nearby neighbour’s heart, his attempts to imitate this good fortune only bring sorrow and misfortune, revealing the perils of greed and malice.

In which a weary husband, beleaguered by a scolding wife, encounters a grateful crane who entrusts him with a magical sack producing wondrous feasts, but faces deception en route and a test of wit. Through a curious exchange of sacks and lessons delivered by mysterious figures, the balance between husband and wife is made more harmonious, bringing peace to their troubled home.