The Andrew Lang Library

In which a king sets out to find a wife as radiant as the sun, leading to a curious encounter with two elderly sisters whose unusual hands inspire a remarkable choice. Through a series of extraordinary events involving fairy blessings and transformations, the tale unfolds with a gentle moral about beauty and its true nature.

In which a father visits his three daughters who dwell beneath the earth among trolls, encountering strange and curious happenings at each home. Through these visits, he acquires some curious lessons, though not without certain whimsical trials and misunderstandings along the way.

In which a resourceful shoemaker, finding fortune through his cleverness in a distant town, encounters a band of robbers whom he outwits by means of a magical guitar and a sagacious dog. His cunning escapades lead to a final stratagem involving a swineherd and a fateful lesson for those who would threaten him.

In which a blind king’s three sons set out to obtain the magical bird Grip to restore their father’s sight, but only the youngest remains steadfast in his quest despite many temptations and perils. With the aid of a wise fox and the loyalty of unexpected companions, he navigates treacherous encounters and tests of obedience to secure the treasures his father desires.

In which a childless couple, Ivan and Marie, create a snow child during a harsh winter, who astonishingly comes to life and brings joy and wonder to their lonely cottage. As the seasons change and the warmth of spring arrives, the snow child’s presence grows faint and mysterious, leading to a tender and bittersweet farewell.

In which a childless peasant couple in Denmark raise a remarkable bull-calf named Peter, hoping to teach him to speak and make him their heir. Through the curious dealings with a learned parish clerk and a surprising transformation, their fortunes and affections take an unexpected turn.

In which a magical looking-glass shatters, scattering tiny shards that make people see only the worst in the world and turn hearts to ice, setting the stage for the intertwined fortunes of two dear children, Kay and Gerda, whose play and affection are shadowed by the arrival of the Snow-queen and mysterious disappearances. Gerda’s courageous journey into a wondrous and perilous winter landscape un...

In which a modest little fir-tree dreams of growing tall and learning the wonders beyond its woodland home, yet finds its desires both fulfilled and disappointed through a succession of seasons and changes. Its journey, from bustling wood to splendid Christmas room and finally to quiet reflection, reveals a tender tale of longing, joy, and the bittersweet truths of life’s fleeting moments.

In which a powerful and peculiar boy named Hans, son of a mermaid, comes to live with his mortal father and finds work under a squire who is soon overcome by the lad’s extraordinary strength and appetite. Despite the squire’s many schemes to rid himself of Hans, the boy’s cleverness and might carry him through adventures that stray well beyond the bounds of ordinary folk.

In which a king and queen, long childless and troubled, follow the counsel of a wise woman to bring a princess into the world under mysterious conditions, leading to strange happenings that no sentinel can endure. A merry young smith, bold and unafraid, takes up the eerie watch and confronts supernatural trials that hold the fate of the kingdom in delicate balance.

In which a fine shirt-collar, proud of his elegant appearance and imagined possessions, engages in fluttering courtships among the household linens, only to find himself discarded and reflecting on the perils of boastfulness. The collar’s tale unfolds as a gentle admonition that even the most splendid among us may be humbled and revealed in time.

In which a father, unable to decide how to bequeath his ancestral house fairly among his three skilled sons, sets them each a challenge to create a masterpiece in their chosen trades. Upon their return, the brothers demonstrate wondrous feats of craftsmanship and courage, leading to a harmonious resolution marked by mutual respect and enduring brotherly affection.

In which a peasant’s friendship with a hare brings about a bitter feud with a mischievous Tanuki, whose cunning leads to grievous misfortune and sorrow. With the help of his faithful companion, the peasant devises a clever and patient plan to put a final end to the troublesome creature’s evil.

In which a newly formed Snow-man, curious and innocent, learns from an old yard-dog about the changing seasons and the warm comforts of a stove within the house, which he longs to embrace despite the dangers it portends. As the frost melts and winter wanes, the Snow-man faces the inevitable transformations brought by nature’s gentle but relentless hand.

In which a prodigal merchant’s son, left destitute and with nothing but an enchanted flying trunk, journeys to a distant land where he courts a princess through stories and enchantments. His tales captivate the court and bring joy, yet fate intervenes and the young man is left to wander, a teller of tales borne upon the wings of loss and wonder.

In which a brave young fisherman, Uraschimataro, shows kindness to a small turtle and is later led by this grateful creature to a wondrous underwater palace where time and enchantment weave their mysterious spells. Upon a yearning to revisit the home of his youth, he discovers how the passage of years under the sea alters all that was once familiar, revealing a poignant tale of love, loss, and the...

In which a poor woodcutter’s three daughters each attempt to find their father in the forest by following seeds left as a trail, but only the youngest shows kindness to the creatures she meets at a mysterious woodland house. Her gentle heart and attentiveness bring about a remarkable change in the ancient man and his strange companions, revealing a wondrous secret hidden within the forest.

In which a little Goblin inhabits the grocer’s shop where he delights in a yearly treat of jam and butter, but finds himself drawn to the rich, enchanted world of poetry cherished by a studious young tenant in the attic above. Observing the magical visions that surround the student’s reading, the Goblin faces a heartfelt choice that speaks to the quiet tug of devotion and the comforts of home.

In which a pair of charming cats from neighbouring households find themselves smitten beneath a cherry tree and resolve to run away together despite the obstacles of their masters’ possessions. As they wander through new and sometimes perilous surroundings, their tale intertwines with that of a gracious princess and her troublesome serpent, weaving a yarn of courage, love, and eventual reunion.

In which a clever young man outwits a humpbacked shepherd and catches the attention of a king by performing daring feats involving a dragon’s flying horse and enchanted bed covering. With wits and disguises, he confronts the dragon itself, facing peril and intrigue in a tale of cunning and courage.

In which the universal custom of telling nursery tales is gently explored, revealing how diverse peoples from various corners of the globe share remarkably similar stories filled with adventure, kindness, and courage. The Preface invites the reader to find familiar yet novel marvels within this collection, underscoring the timeless moral that goodness and bravery, though often tested, prevail in t...

In which a darning-needle, prideful and convinced of her own fineness, embarks on an unexpected journey beyond her usual sewing tasks and meets curious companions along the way. Amidst humble surroundings and playful children, she maintains her lofty bearing despite the trials she encounters.

In which two learned brothers set off to win the hand of a princess who prizes clever speech, each armed with knowledge and preparation befitting their talents, whilst their simple-minded brother, Blockhead-Hans, follows behind riding a goat with an unfettered spirit and unusual gifts. The princess, bemused by the suitors’ words and wit, finds herself most intrigued by the genuine and candid manne...

In which a brave little Tin-soldier, distinguished by his single leg, silently endures many adventures after a fall from a window, steadfastly keeping watch over a paper Dancer who stands elegantly on one leg. Through flood and fire, he maintains his strict soldierly composure, a figure of unwavering resolve amid the lively world of children's toys.

In which a brave foster son is cursed to live as a lion by day until freed by the brave and clever princess who ventures to a mysterious island in search of him, guided by a magical clew and aided by a helpful witch. Amidst spells and enchantments cast by a sinister queen, the tale unfolds with courage, enchantment, and the perseverance of true love overcoming dark plots.