The Andrew Lang Library

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 family.

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 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 love and patience.

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 rightful place.

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 spell.

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 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 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 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 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 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 and daring.

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 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 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 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 wager.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 beyond the deep wood.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 unfolds, guided by helpful creatures and challenged by enchantments, as she seeks to find and restore her friend amidst the fierce cold and wonders of the north.

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 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 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 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 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.