The Andrew Lang Library

In which a childless woman makes a strange bargain with the Sunball that leads to a daughter’s departure to the sun’s realm, where longing and cleverness shape her days and tasks. Through a journey aided by hares and hindered by dark magic, the tale unfolds with gentle charm and subtle lessons of love and perseverance.

In which seven sisters endure their father’s strict command amidst a lonely and guarded life, until a fearsome ogre’s household becomes the refuge of the youngest, where she must navigate secret keys and silent promises. A prince’s tender curiosity and a mysterious oath unlock the maiden’s voice and heart, weaving a tale of enchantment, caution, and unexpected alliance.

In which the animals, parched by a long drought, discover a hidden spring and set about guarding it against the cunning jackal who refuses to work but desires to drink. Despite the jackal’s tricks to deceive his sentinels, it is the steadfast tortoise whose silent vigilance ultimately outwits the sly intruder, ensuring the water remains safe for all.

In which a princess, confined by her loving yet overprotective father, escapes her prison life with the help of a magic bear’s skin and a self-moving wheel-barrow, embarking upon adventures that bring her into the company and heart of a curious prince. Through mysterious disguises and enchanted balls, the story gently unveils the triumph of love and freedom over confinement and disguise.

In which two Circassian sisters, renowned for their beauty and accomplishments, become entangled in a tale of love, magic, and mistaken identities amidst royal intrigues and perilous journeys. Their story unfolds through daring escapes, magical transformations, and enchanted talismans, leading to moments of both sorrow and unexpected joy within a richly painted world of sultans, dervishes, and mys...

In which a young man named Neangir embarks upon a bewildering journey from his village to Constantinople, encountering magic, hidden identities, and mysterious talismans entwined with love and loss. Alongside noble families and enchanters, he becomes enmeshed in a tale of enchantments, ancient secrets, and the fateful bonds of three enchanted sisters.

In which a loyal sheep-dog, cruelly treated by his master, finds solace and sustenance through the kindness of a clever sparrow, only for tragedy to befall him through the harsh actions of a passing carter. The sparrow then exacts swift and poetic retribution on the carter, whose misfortunes grow ever graver until they lead to a most unexpected and fitting end.

In which a young gentleman named Bobino, gifted with the unusual ability to understand the language of animals, embarks on a series of adventures following the displeasure and disownment of his father. Through his peculiar talent, Bobino offers aid and counsel to many, ultimately finding his path to a position of honour and leadership among the townsfolk.

In which a young boy known as Mohammed with the Magic Finger discovers dark secrets and perilous plots in a city where death is forbidden, leading to cunning stratagems and a fateful parting from his uncle. The tale unfolds with a curious blend of magic, betrayal, and justice, as they navigate strange contracts and outwit those who seek to do them harm.

In which a king promises a white wolf the first living thing he meets on his return journey in exchange for a wreath of wild flowers for his youngest daughter, leading to a strange and sorrowful bargain. The princess’s perseverance, aided by magical helpers and her own wit, reveals the true nature of the wolf’s enchantment and brings about a reunion amidst mysterious trials and noble gatherings.

In which a young maiden named Udea sets out on a determined quest to find her seven brothers, who have been driven away by a deceitful aunt’s ruse at her birth. Through trials involving cunning animals, a mysterious cat, and the threat of a dreadful man-eater, Udea proves her courage and steadfastness, revealing the enduring strength of family bonds.

In which a widowed queen guards her beautiful daughter against the jealous wrath of a rival monarch, whose envy leads to a strange and sorrowful disappearance. The princess’s lonely sojourn in a magical wilderness and the search for her faithful little dog unfold amidst courtly intrigue and tender family bonds.

In which a cobbler named Lazarus, armed with a bold sword and an appetite for honey, forms a curious fellowship with the mystical Draken, only to find their customs both strange and challenging. Through wit and cunning, Lazarus navigates their harsh ways and ultimately secures his safety and prosperity in a manner both resourceful and quietly triumphant.

In which three companions discover an old castle to rest in and encounter a mysterious little gray man whose hunger and anger bring them unexpected troubles. Their courage and cleverness lead them into the heart of a magic spell, revealing imprisoned royalty and a vast treasure guarded by fierce magic.

In which a lost prince enters the service of a magician and, aided by a magical black horse, escapes his master's power to seek his fortune incognito as a gardener in a neighbouring king’s palace. Through secret deeds and courageous battles, the humble prince’s true noble nature and valor quietly make themselves known.

In which a faithful servant named Bensurdatu courageously undertakes the quest to rescue three lost princesses who have vanished under a mysterious cloud, encountering giants and a fearsome multi-headed serpent in a wondrous underwater realm. Through bravery and steadfastness, he wins their freedom while revealing the true nature of loyalty and treachery amidst regal hopes and jealous companions.

In which a sorrowing mother’s daughters vanish one by one after plucking enchanted flowers, prompting the brave youngest son to embark on a quest aided by magical items to seek their rescue. Along his journey, he encounters wondrous transformations and enchanted husbands, and devises a clever plan to break a dreadful spell with the help of mysterious allies from the skies and seas.

In which a humble peasant, faced with dire poverty, is compelled to entrust his youngest daughter to a mysterious and fearsome lizard who offers unexpected kindness and fortune. The tale unfolds through trials of gratitude and transformation, revealing the gentle moral that good fortune must be met with heartfelt thankfulness.

In which a young man named Fortunatus, born into wealth but soon plunged into poverty by his father's folly, finds himself lost in a wilderness where Dame Fortune grants him a magical purse that will never run out of gold. With this gift and later a wondrous cap from a faraway Sultan, Fortunatus travels widely, experiences many adventures, and eventually returns to a settled life surrounded by fam...

In which a clever thief and a crafty liar join forces to deceive kings with impossible tales, winning wagers through a series of amusing adventures and shrewd trickery. Their partnership, however, soon leads to a playful struggle for justice and cunning, culminating in an encounter with a band of frightened robbers and a treasure well won.

In which Janni, a brave youth left alone in the world with his sister, takes possession of a castle once inhabited by strange and fearsome Draken, and sets forth on perilous quests to gather wondrous fruits at his sister’s behest. Through trials of cunning and valour, aided by loyal dogs and aided by a grateful princess, Janni endures treachery and misfortune to restore his sight and claim his rig...

In which a maiden named Dschemila is mysteriously carried off by an ogre after finding a strange iron mortar, and her betrothed cousin Dschemil sets out on a long and arduous quest to find and rescue her from a distant, enchanted castle. Through courage, cunning, and the aid of curious gifts, they navigate perilous trials and disguises before reuniting, overcoming dark enchantments with steadfast...

In which a king, cold to love and marriage, encounters the silent yet fierce Princess Mutinosa and soon weds her under strange conditions, only to find his new queen enchanted and subdued by fairy magic. Her daughter Graziella, born lovely and clever, is confined to an enchanted sea-bound tower, where visits from sea creatures and fairy intercessions kindle hope for a love that might break the spe...

In which a princess, bound by the promise of her late mother and her father's strange demands, cleverly evades an unwelcome marriage by requesting impossible dresses and, finally, the skin of a magical donkey. Concealed beneath the disguise, she finds refuge in humble service and captures the heart of a prince through her kindness and secret splendour.

In which the nature of fairy tales is gently contemplated, revealing their origins from diverse lands and the delightful patterns woven into their narratives, much like the shifting fragments of a kaleidoscope. The Preface sets the stage for a collection of stories drawn from many cultures, inviting readers to enjoy the timeless art of popular fiction as it has been lovingly gathered and adapted.