The Andrew Lang Library

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.

In which a group of young people, heedless of old Peggy’s warnings on Hallow-e’en night, mount a mysterious little black pony that leads them beyond the safety of their home towards the wild sea. As the pony ventures boldly into the waves, the children find themselves overcome by the rising waters, leaving their fate shrouded in sorrow and mystery.

In which an old man, kind to all creatures, rescues a terrified sparrow from a raven and cares for it tenderly, only for his quarrelsome wife to harm the bird in a cruel fit of jealousy. The tale unfolds with the sparrow's surprising transformation and the retribution that follows for the wife's greed, weaving a gentle but cautionary story of kindness and folly deep in the mountain forests.

In which three brothers inherit parts of a fig-tree and curious gifts from their father, leading the youngest, Ciccu, on a journey of fortune and various trials through the kingdom. Assisted by a talking horse and aided by creatures he once helped, Ciccu undertakes perilous tasks that test his courage and wit, culminating in his elevation to kingship through patience and valour.

In which a spendthrift gentleman, reduced to poverty and beggary, obtains a magical purse from a stranger under curious conditions that enable him to regain fortune and influence. Amidst shabbiness and scorn, his true fortunes unfold as he navigates royal favour and matrimonial arrangements with a patience that surpasses appearances.

In which a queen’s secret wish for children leads to a remarkable birth and the unfolding of a tale involving a fearsome lindorm, a brave maiden, and the enduring power of love and loyalty amid wicked plots. The story gently traces the trials of those who suffer under cruel enchantments and treacheries, and the steadfast courage that ultimately brings restoration and happiness to a kingdom.

In which a mother dove, threatened by a hungry jackal, learns the value of caution and cunning from a passing heron, and the jackal’s craftiness leads him into a dangerous encounter with a panther and her brood. This tale unfolds with a gentle admonition on wits and the perils of deceit, set against the quiet life of birds and beasts in the Bassouto countryside.

In which a cunning man undertakes a perilous quest to fulfil his wife’s unusual wish, outwitting a fearsome tribe with wit and a magic stone, while a mischievous little hare causes disorder among the animals through trickery and clever stratagems. The tale softly unfolds amid the rhythms of nature and the habits of beasts, revealing the hare’s escapades as he navigates challenges with impudence an...

In which young King Souci, brought up by the whimsical fairy Inconstancy and ill-prepared for rule, embarks on a journey that leads him through unexpected trials and encounters with Princess Minon-Minette under the care of fairy Aveline. Their adventures, shadowed by rival fairies and the Iron King’s tyranny, unfold with a gentle magic that tests courage, kindness, and the true worth of a prince.

In which three wives, united by friendship and a pint of brandy at the tavern, devise clever tricks to convince their husbands of strange and puzzling realities, each vying to prove their husband the most easily fooled. The ensuing antics, full of gentle humour and village camaraderie, involve disguise, feigned illness, and a well-timed resurrection that delights the neighbours and settles the wag...

In which a kind and truthful maiden encounters a magical little man on the moor who grants her wondrous gifts, while her envious stepmother’s daughter meets a more unfortunate fate through ill manners and greed. The tale unfolds with transformations and trials by water, revealing the contrast between virtue and vice in a manner delightfully old-fashioned and instructive.

In which the youngest and smallest of twelve brothers, Esben, sets forth on his own adventure following the departure of his elder siblings, confronting a cunning witch and a scheming court knight with the aid of a magical white stick. Through a series of daring exploits, Esben rescues his family from peril and earns their long-overdue gratitude and honour.

In which two young princes encounter a strange old woman during a storm, leading to a promise that entangles their youngest brother in a curious and challenging fate. The youngest prince, with the help of a mysterious white dove, undertakes tasks to free a captive princess and escape the clutches of a formidable witch.

In which a lad enters into service with a powerful troll, undergoing wondrous transformations into a hare, a raven, and a fish, and discovers a solitary princess imprisoned beneath the sea in a glass palace. Guided by her counsel and armed with cunning and magic, he embarks upon a daring plan to free her and confront the troll’s menacing power.

In which a diligent maiden, tasked with gathering firewood, unwittingly encounters a mysterious lord and enters into a wondrous palace with a hidden secret that tests her curiosity and resolve. Guided by celestial beings and aided by magical gifts, she embarks on a heartfelt quest to reclaim her beloved, demonstrating steadfast love and perseverance through trials.

In which a determined merchant’s youngest son embarks on a perilous quest to find a princess hidden away by her kingly father, after his elder brothers fail and suffer grim fates. With the aid of a mysterious old woman and a wondrous golden lion, he devises a clever plan to uncover the princess among many indistinguishable maidens and win her hand.

In which a clever boy, eager to serve and learn, disguises himself to gain employment with a wizard and secretly studies the magical tomes he is meant only to dust. As he masters transformation magic and cunningly tests his newfound powers, a chase of shifting shapes ensues, revealing the boy’s wit and marking a turning point in his life.

In which a poor girl, summoned to tend various herds, encounters a wounded lion whose gratitude and mysterious sufferings lead her to a hidden palace and an enchanted prince. With kindness and courage, she embarks upon a quest involving a king’s daughter and a formidable giant, weaving together the threads of magic and promise in a tale of transformation and reward.

In which two brothers, poor fishermen, discover a tiny magical fish that leads them to splendid steeds and the beginning of separate quests filled with danger and enchantment. The younger brother’s daring rescue and a cruel witch’s spell test their bond, which ultimately endures through forgiveness and the healing power of a wondrous ointment.

In which seven brothers set out to find brides, encountering a lonely old man whose strange secret leads to enchantments and a daunting quest; a kind-hearted young traveller embarks on a perilous journey aided by unusual animal companions to uncover the mystery of the old man’s heart. Through trials and friendship, the tale unfolds with an air of magic and the promise of freedom and happiness beyo...

In which a brave and gentle maiden, having chosen a happy old age over a joyous youth, endures many trials and the mysterious workings of her Destiny, who both troubles and aids her in turn. Through patience and faith, she navigates the shifts of fortune until the wheel of life brings her unexpected honour and contentment.

In which a devoted family transforms their humble home into a splendid palace and church, yet seek three magical treasures to complete their wonder. A series of long and perilous journeys to a far mountain reveals enchantments that only unwavering courage and steadfastness can overcome.

In which three brothers set out to win a king’s daughter by building a wondrous ship, and the youngest’s kindness wins the aid of a wise hermit and a company of remarkable companions. Together they overcome the king’s trials with resourcefulness and goodwill, bringing the tale to a joyful and harmonious conclusion.