The Andrew Lang Library

In which a tiny girl named Thumbelina, born from a flower, embarks on a delicate adventure through the changing seasons, encountering creatures both kind and less so in a world much larger than herself. She finds refuge and friendship amidst the perils of nature and the kindness of a gentle swallow, leading to a blooming new chapter in a land of flowers.

In which a noble prince sets out to find a worthy bride and encounters sinister enchantments upon his return voyage that alter the course of his household’s peace. The tale unfolds with whispered secrets, eerie transformations, and the steadfast love that confronts mysterious forces beneath the royal roof.

In which an Emperor of China discovers the enchanting song of a humble Nightingale, whose natural melody captivates the entire court and all who hear it. Yet when a dazzling mechanical bird arrives to rival her, the true magic of the living Nightingale’s song reveals itself through its warmth and soul, far beyond mere outward splendour.

In which three comrades flee the army and discover a mysterious castle where a beautiful Princess lies under an enchantment, awaiting a brave soul to release her from a long spell. The story follows the steadfast determination of one who endures many trials and journeys far to find the enchanted realm known as the Blue Mountains, where fate and love intertwine amid wondrous and strange adventures.

In which a returning soldier encounters a mysterious old Witch who leads him to a hollow tree filled with enchanted treasures guarded by formidable three-eyed dogs, offering him wealth and a curious tinder-box. With newfound riches and the aid of magical dogs summoned by the tinder-box, he navigates royal intrigue and longing to see a reclusive Princess, ultimately finding his fortunes entwined wi...

In which a discerning Prince sets out to find a Princess of genuine birth, encountering many who fall short of the delicate standard he requires. Upon a stormy night, a mysterious visitor’s claim is tested by a curious ordeal involving a pea placed beneath a multitude of mattresses, revealing the subtle sensitivities that mark true royalty.

In which two men of the same name and contrasting fortunes get embroiled in a series of crafty dealings involving horse skins, a hidden wizard, and a troublesome sexton, all set against the backdrop of rustic village life and curious customs. Their lively adventures lead them through storms, feasts, and narrow escapes, revealing the wit and whimsical nature that pervades this gently humorous tale.

In which a poor Prince sends a beautiful rose and a nightingale to win the heart of an Emperor’s daughter, who disdainfully rejects these genuine gifts but is enchanted by the clever contrivances made by the disguised Prince in his role as swineherd. Through charming music and cunning demands, the Prince teaches the Princess a lesson in appreciation and true worth amidst the trappings of courtly l...

In which young Prince Ring, though not a bold or strong adventurer by nature, finds himself cast away on a mysterious island and befriends a remarkable dog named Snati-Snati, who aids him in overcoming trials set by trolls and treacherous courtiers. Together, they embark on a quest to retrieve a lost royal treasure, winning the esteem of a King and his daughter, amid secret enchantments and challe...

In which two motherless twins endure the harsh cruelty of their step-mother and are sent into a dark and foreboding wood to serve a fearsome witch, yet their gentle hearts and kindness to the creatures they meet grant them aid and cunning gifts. With steadfast courage and cleverness, they face daunting tasks and perilous escape, ultimately returning to the safety of home and their father’s protect...

In which a tiny child no larger than a hazel-nut grows to display remarkable wit and courage, embarking on adventures that even surprise his devoted parents. Through cleverness and bravery, he becomes a trusted messenger and sets forth on a journey that brings unexpected fortune to his family.

In which a young prince, gifted beyond measure and beloved by all, sets forth on a quest to prove himself the true Sun-Hero by guarding the fabled Tree of the Sun against fierce attackers. His valiant efforts and the mysterious warnings he receives reveal the weighty consequences of claiming honours one has not earned.

In which a simple, seemingly foolish youth embarks on a fantastical journey to win the hand of a princess by building a wondrous flying ship, gathering an extraordinary band of companions with peculiar talents along the way. Together, they face the royal decrees of impossible tasks with remarkable resourcefulness, revealing that even the humblest can achieve greatness through kindness and courage.

In which a gentle step-daughter, cast out into the winter fields by a cruel step-mother, encounters the mysterious and formidable King Frost, whose icy presence both threatens and transforms her fate. Meanwhile, at home, the step-mother’s harsh desires meet with a curious resistance from a small, outspoken dog, weaving quiet forebodings beneath the snowy sky.

In which a childless couple is gifted with two extraordinary children—a Snow-daughter and a Fire-son—whose very natures keep them apart and cause much concern. These elemental siblings venture into the world, their peculiarities affecting those around them and leading to a fateful and remarkable conclusion.

In which a kind-hearted youth named Martin, aided by a magic ring and his faithful dog and cat, undertakes a series of extraordinary tasks to win a princess’s hand and overcome great adversity. Through courage, cleverness, and loyalty, he navigates trials both above and below the earth, discovering the true value of perseverance and forgiveness.

In which three princes seek to protect the enchanted fruit of their father’s trees from unseen theft, leading the youngest on a perilous journey guided by a magical ring and aided by grateful creatures. He enters the service of a formidable witch, acquires wondrous gifts, and confronts dark sorcery to reclaim his bride and their peaceful happiness.

In which a young Prince discovers a mysterious old woman who grants him a magical bell to summon powerful kings of animals as he embarks on a quest to rescue the Flower Queen’s daughter from a dreadful dragon. Encountering enchanted creatures and overcoming daunting challenges, the Prince’s bravery and kindness lead him to a wondrous ball and the promise of a unique and enduring happiness.

In which a fair Queen, bound by a promise and loved by her absent King, is unwittingly tricked by a cunning and malevolent figure wielding dark magic within her own garden. The tale unfolds as a white duck, once the Queen herself, searches desperately for her lost children, whose fate draws the attention of the King and leads to the uncovering of a grievous deceit.

In which a devoted husband, mourning the loss of his forest-dwelling wife, fashions a wooden likeness to comfort his solitude until mysterious signs of her return rekindle hope. Yet, bound by a solemn condition set by the Great Spirit, their journey toward reunion is shadowed by a fragile trust that, once broken, reveals a poignant sorrow amid the snow and quiet woods.

In which a young chief, mourning the loss of his beloved, embarks on a wondrous journey through a magical land where the souls dwell, guided by an ancient sage and the promise of reunion. Amidst mysterious woods and shimmering waters, he discovers a realm untouched by sorrow or hardship, where the Master of Life reveals a greater purpose awaiting him beyond this enchanted sojourn.

In which a young Prince, bound by the commands of a stern Fairy, undertakes seemingly impossible tasks with the secret aid of a mysterious black girl, whose clever magic repeatedly outwits the Fairy’s wrath. Together, they navigate a series of enchantments and dangers with courage and cunning until they at last escape the Fairy’s power and find their way to happiness.

In which a kind-hearted Indian hunter and his family seek refuge in a forest, but after his passing, the elder siblings must wrestle with a solemn promise that is shadowed by hardship and abandonment. Meanwhile, a young prince, shielded from peril by his late mother’s warning, finds himself captive to a wicked Fairy’s realm where he faces a strange and perilous task, and encounters an enigmatic bl...

In which a resourceful princess employs magical gifts to awaken a long-sleeping prince and bring him back to his rightful throne amid the splendour of a fairy court. Then, in a world beneath the earth, a brave youth confronts a wicked enchantress and her serpentine foe, proving true valour in the face of enchantment and betrayal.

In which a handsome young prince, long believed lost to a magical transformation, finds refuge with kind souls who discern his true nature and strive to restore him to his rightful place. Meanwhile, a quarrelsome queen and a tender-hearted king face the stirring of secrets and loyalties within their realm, setting the stage for a tale of discovery and reunion.