The Andrew Lang Library

In which an old couple discover a hidden pot of gold in the forest but, wary of the wife's indiscreet tongue, the husband devises a curious ruse involving a fish in a tree and a hare in a net by the water. Their tale of this strange occurrence causes much amusement among the village elders, leading to a peaceful resolution and a quiet prosperity.

In which a poor man’s chance purchase of a talking gazelle leads them both on a wondrous journey involving a diamond, a sultan’s daughter, and a magical house guarded by a formidable snake. Amid shifting fortunes and tender care, the tale reflects on loyalty and ingratitude, as the gazelle’s true value beyond its form becomes a source of deep sorrow and wonder.

In which two curious frogs from distant Japanese towns set out to explore each other's homes and, upon meeting halfway, devise a clever plan to glimpse the places they long to see. Yet their good-natured but misguided attempt leads them to a charming misunderstanding about the towns, which they carry with them ever after.

In which a childless couple’s yearning for offspring leads to a miraculous and troublesome proliferation of children, prompting the husband to seek aid from a distant wise man and confront a fearsome dragon. Through cleverness and courage, Stan Bolovan navigates daunting challenges and cunning foes in his quest to provide for his extraordinary family.

In which a sorrowful queen, longing for children, is visited by a mysterious old woman who offers her a magical egg that brings unexpected joys and trials to her family. The tale follows the fortunes of the enchanted child Dotterine, who faces adversity with the aid of a protective godmother and a wondrous basket, leading her through hardship to a destined reunion and happiness.

In which a king, lost in a great forest, makes a perilous bargain with a mysterious stranger that sets in motion a tale of switched identities and secret hardships, leading a young prince into strange service under a forbidding master. Amid strange tasks, silent companionship, and magical transformations, courage and kindness intertwine as the prince and a fair maiden strive to outwit dark enchant...

In which a noble queen, disguised as a wandering lute player, embarks on a perilous journey to the land of a cruel heathen king in hopes of rescuing her imprisoned husband through her enchanting music. Her melody moves even the heart of the tyrant, setting in motion a series of events that lead to the reunion of the royal couple amidst misunderstandings and royal court intrigue.

In which a young prince discovers the secret of the nightly disappearance of golden apples from his father’s palace and falls in love with a mysterious maiden who is one of nine enchanted pea-hens. After enduring many trials, he embarks on a daring quest to rescue his beloved from a fearsome dragon, aided by magical friends and his steadfast courage.

In which an emperor with the peculiar affliction of goat’s ears compels each barber who discovers this secret to meet a fearful fate, until a young apprentice dares to conceal the truth. The tale delicately unfolds the consequences of secrets whispered to the earth and the mysterious voice carried on the wind, revealing the inescapable nature of hidden truths.

In which a young Japanese youth, eager to prove his bravery and win fame, ventures into a wild forest where eerie midnight cat dances hint at a dark secret linked to a mountain spirit. With courage and the aid of a formidable dog named Schippeitaro, he faces the supernatural menace that haunts a nearby village, bringing hope to its oppressed inhabitants.

In which a hard-hearted merchant’s attempts to rid himself of three mysterious beggars lead to the miraculous survival and extraordinary fortune of a child named Vassili, whose journey to claim rightful dues from the Serpent King is marked by curious encounters and a touch of enchantment. The tale softly unfolds where kindness and cleverness prevail, revealing the quiet justice that befalls the ri...

In which three princes, each accompanied by a faithful band of beasts, set out on separate journeys marked by enchanted birch trees and encounter perils including a robber’s treachery and a fearsome nine-headed dragon. Through trials of courage and cunning, the tale unfolds amid witchcraft and enchantment, leading to rescue and reunion framed by loyalty and magical aid.

In which a young lad, tasked with grinding corn, faces a peculiar warning about beardless millers and finds himself matched in cunning by a most artful stranger. Through a contest of stories, he weaves a tale both curious and fantastical, revealing the curious nature of truth and falsehood in his encounter.

In which a gentle girl named Elsa, weary of her harsh stepmother’s cruelty, wanders into the mysterious and enchanted Tontlawald where she is taken in by a wondrous fairy household and learns of their strange customs and charms. Over many years, she grows in grace and wonder amidst magical beings, only to face a poignant farewell that sends her back to the mortal world in a form most unexpected.

In which the reader is kindly introduced to the origins and nature of the tales contained within this collection, tracing their ancient roots far beyond the reach of modern storytelling or written record. The editor gently explains the work of various translators and assures us that these beloved narratives, gathered from many lands and peoples, have been cherished by children and their ancestors...

In which a young prince, set upon by his father to find a wife, chooses a mysterious maiden imprisoned by a wizard in an iron castle, and with the aid of three extraordinary companions—Long, Broad, and Quickeye—embarks on a perilous quest to free her. Through trials of wit and courage, the tale unfolds amidst enchanted perils and magical steadfastness, all suffused with a gentle charm and old-worl...

In which a young girl named Prunella finds herself at the mercy of a witch after innocently picking fruit from her orchard, and though faced with impossible tasks, she receives secret help from the witch’s son, Bensiabel, whose kindness and courage provide her with hope. Through trials that test her bravery and resolve, Prunella’s story unfolds with elements of magic, danger, and unexpected compas...

In which a well-meaning but thoughtless fairy enchants a magical spring to hasten the growth and youth of an island's inhabitants, unwittingly dooming them to a swift and tragic cycle of aging and decline. Upon a later visit by other fairies and their wards, the long-lasting effects of the enchantment are revealed, bringing to light the complex interplay of love, loyalty, and the bittersweet natur...

In which two nearly identical brothers, born through the enchantment of a magical gold-fish, set out in turn to forge their fortunes, encountering noble tasks and perilous adventures involving a formidable princess and a fearsome giant. Through trials of wit and strength, as well as a tale of rivalry and reconciliation, the narrative gently reveals the fortunes that befall the brave and the true b...

In which a simple-hearted youth, Antonio, enters into the service of a fearsome yet kind ogre, who bestows upon him magical gifts with secret words that bring great fortune when wisely used. Through trials of folly and forgiveness, Antonio learns prudence and cunning, ultimately securing happiness and prosperity for himself and his family.

In which a king, longing for an heir, endeavours to find a husband for his beautiful daughter Cannetella, who insists on a suitor with a golden head and teeth, a condition that summons a powerful and sinister magician. The tale unfolds gently with elements of captivity, loyalty, and cunning, as Cannetella faces trials far removed from her royal beginnings within the mysterious confines orchestrate...

In which a king’s long-ago promise to a strange and powerful being threatens the safety of his beloved son, who must venture into dark and wondrous realms to meet daunting challenges. With the aid of a mysterious and enchanting young princess, the prince confronts trials and pursuers in a tale woven with magic, courage, and transformation.

In which a faithful old donkey, escaping a cruel fate, meets a greyhound, a cat, and a cock each fleeing their own misfortunes, and together they aspire to become street musicians in the nearest town. Along their journey, the unlikely quartet discovers a house filled with robbers and, through a clever ruse of noise and courage, they claim the house as their own peaceful refuge.

In which a simple-minded youth ventures forth from home and gathers about him a remarkable band of companions, each gifted with extraordinary talents, to aid him on his travels. Together they encounter a swift princess and a royal challenge, leading to adventures that reveal the true measure of wit and strength beyond mere appearance.

In which a man with one laughing eye and one weeping eye has three sons who set out to recover a stolen magical vine from a guarded garden, aided by a cunning lame fox who gives timely counsel. Despite the youngest son’s simplicity and mishaps, his bravery and the fox’s guidance lead him through a series of fantastical exchanges involving golden apples, horses, and maidens, in a quietly enchanting...