500

500 Classic Fairy Tales




Fairy Tales of the Slav Peasants and Herdsmen by Aleksander Chodźko
Fairy Tales of the Slav Peasants and Herdsmen
NOTE BY THE PUBLISHER
THE ABODE OF THE GODS
THE SUN; OR, THE THREE GOLDEN HAIRS OF THE OLD MAN VSÉVÈDE
KOVLAD
THE MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD
THE JOURNEY TO THE SUN AND THE MOON
THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD
THE FLYING CARPET, THE INVISIBLE CAP, THE GOLD-GIVING RING, AND THE SMITING CLUB
THE BROAD MAN, THE TALL MAN, AND THE MAN WITH EYES OF FLAME
THE HISTORY OF PRINCE SLUGOBYL; OR, THE INVISIBLE KNIGHT
THE SPIRIT OF THE STEPPES
THE PRINCE WITH THE GOLDEN HAND
IMPERISHABLE
OHNIVAK
TEARS OF PEARLS
THE SLUGGARD
KINKACH MARTINKO
THE STORY OF THE PLENTIFUL TABLECLOTH, THE AVENGING WAND, THE SASH THAT BECOMES A LAKE, AND THE TERRIBLE HELMET
The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
The Blue Fairy Book
The Bronze Ring
Prince Hyacinth and the Dear Little Princess
East of the Sun and West of the Moon
The Yellow Dwarf
Little Red Riding-Hood
The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood
Cinderella: or, the Little Glass Slipper
Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp
The Tale of a Youth Who Set Out to Learn What Fear Was
Rumpelstiltzkin
Beauty and the Beast
The Master-Maid
Why the Sea Is Salt
The Master Cat; or, Puss in Boots
Felicia and the Pot of Pinks
The White Cat
The Water-Lily. The Gold-Spinners
The Terrible Head
The Story of Pretty Goldilocks
The History of Whittington
The Wonderful Sheep
Little Thumb
The Forty Thieves
Hansel and Grettel
Snow-White and Rose-Red
The Goose-Girl
Toads and Diamonds
Prince Darling
Blue Beard
Trusty John
The Brave Little Tailor
A Voyage to Lilliput
I
II
III
IV
V
The Princess on the Glass Hill
The Story of Prince Ahmed and the Fairy Paribanou
I
II
The History of Jack the Giant-Killer
The Black Bull of Norroway
The Red Etin
The Red Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
The Red Fairy Book
Preface
The Twelve Dancing Princesses
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
XIII
XIV
XV
XVI
The Princess Mayblossom
Soria Moria Castle
The Death of Koschei the Deathless
The Black Thief and Knight of the Glen
The Master Thief
Brother and Sister
Princess Rosette
The Enchanted Pig
The Norka
The Wonderful Birch
Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack Sells the Cow
Wonderful Growth of the Beanstalk
The Hen that Lays Golden Eggs
The Money Bags
The Talking Harp
The Giant Breaks His Neck
The Little Good Mouse
Graciosa and Percinet
The Three Princesses of Whiteland
The Voice of Death
The Six Sillies
Kari Woodengown
Drakestail
The Ratcatcher
The True History of Little Goldenhood
The Golden Branch
The Three Dwarfs
Dapplegrim
The Enchanted Canary
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
XIII
XIV
XV
XVI
The Twelve Brothers
Rapunzel
The Nettle Spinner
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
Farmer Weatherbeard
Mother Holle
Minnikin
Bushy Bride
Snowdrop
The Golden Goose
The Seven Foals
The Marvellous Musician
The Story of Sigurd
The Yellow Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
The Yellow Fairy Book
PREFACE
THE CAT AND THE MOUSE IN PARTNERSHIP
THE SIX SWANS
THE DRAGON OF THE NORTH
STORY OF THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES
THE GOLDEN CRAB
THE IRON STOVE
THE DRAGON AND HIS GRANDMOTHER
THE LITTLE GREEN FROG
THE SEVEN-HEADED SERPENT
THE GIANTS AND THE HERD-BOY
THE INVISIBLE PRINCE
THE CROW
HOW SIX MEN TRAVELLED THROUGH THE WIDE WORLD
THE WIZARD KING
THE NIXY
THE GLASS MOUNTAIN
ALPHEGE, OR THE GREEN MONKEY
FAIRER-THAN-A-FAIRY
THE THREE BROTHERS
THE BOY AND THE WOLVES, OR THE BROKEN PROMISE
THE GLASS AXE
THE DEAD WIFE
IN THE LAND OF SOULS
THE WHITE DUCK
THE WITCH AND HER SERVANTS
THE MAGIC RING
THE FLOWER QUEEN'S DAUGHTER
THE FLYING SHIP
THE SNOW-DAUGHTER AND THE FIRE-SON
THE STORY OF KING FROST
THE DEATH OF THE SUN-HERO
THE WITCH
THE HAZEL-NUT CHILD
THE STORY OF BIG KLAUS AND LITTLE KLAUS
PRINCE RING
THE SWINEHERD
HOW TO TELL A TRUE PRINCESS
THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
THE TINDER-BOX
THE WITCH IN THE STONE BOAT
THUMBELINA
THE NIGHTINGALE
HERMOD AND HADVOR
THE STEADFAST TIN-SOLDIER
BLOCKHEAD-HANS
A STORY ABOUT A DARNING-NEEDLE
The Grateful Beast
The Grey Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
The Grey Fairy Book
Preface
Donkey Skin
The Goblin Pony
An Impossible Enchantment
The Story Of Dschemil and Dschemila
Janni and the Draken
The Partnership of the Thief and the Liar.
Fortunatus and His Purse
The Goat-faced Girl
What Came of Picking Flowers
The Story of Bensurdatu
The Magician's Horse
The Little Gray Man
Herr Lazarus and the Draken
The Story of the Queen of the Flowery Isles
Udea and Her Seven Brothers
The White Wolf
Mohammed with the Magic Finger
Bobino
The Dog and the Sparrow
The Story of the Three Sons of Hali
The Story of the Fair Circassians
The Jackal and the Spring
The Bear
The Sunchild
The Daughter Of Buk Ettemsuch
Laughing Eye and Weeping Eye, or the Limping Fox
(Servian Story)
The Unlooked-for Prince
(Polish Story)
The Simpleton
The Street Musicians
The Twin Brothers
Cannetella
The Ogre
A Fairy's Blunder
Long, Broad, and Quickeye
(A Bohemian Story)
Prunella
The Violet Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
The Violet Fairy Book
PREFACE
A TALE OF THE TONTLAWALD
THE FINEST LIAR IN THE WORLD
THE STORY OF THREE WONDERFUL BEGGARS
SCHIPPEITARO
THE THREE PRINCES AND THEIR BEASTS (LITHUANIAN FAIRY TALE)
THE GOAT'S EARS OF THE EMPEROR TROJAN
THE NINE PEA-HENS AND THE GOLDEN APPLES
THE LUTE PLAYER
THE GRATEFUL PRINCE
THE CHILD WHO CAME FROM AN EGG
STAN BOLOVAN
THE TWO FROGS
THE STORY OF A GAZELLE
HOW A FISH SWAM IN THE AIR AND A HARE IN THE WATER.
TWO IN A SACK
THE ENVIOUS NEIGHBOUR
THE FAIRY OF THE DAWN
THE ENCHANTED KNIFE
JESPER WHO HERDED THE HARES
THE UNDERGROUND WORKERS
THE HISTORY OF DWARF LONG NOSE
THE NUNDA, EATER OF PEOPLE
THE STORY OF HASSEBU
THE MAIDEN WITH THE WOODEN HELMET
THE MONKEY AND THE JELLY-FISH
THE HEADLESS DWARFS
THE YOUNG MAN WHO WOULD HAVE HIS EYES OPENED
THE BOYS WITH THE GOLDEN STARS
THE FROG
THE PRINCESS WHO WAS HIDDEN UNDERGROUND
THE GIRL WHO PRETENDED TO BE A BOY
THE STORY OF HALFMAN
THE PRINCE WHO WANTED TO SEE THE WORLD
VIRGILIUS THE SORCERER
MOGARZEA AND HIS SON
The Crimson Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
The Crimson Fairy Book
Preface
Lovely Ilonka
Lucky Luck
The Hairy Man
To Your Good Health!
The Story of the Seven Simons
The Language of Beasts
The Boy Who Could Keep A Secret
The Prince And The Dragon
Little Wildrose
Tiidu The Piper
Paperarelloo
The Gifts Of The Magician
The Strong Prince
The Treasure Seeker
The Cottager And His Cat
The Prince Who Would Seek Immortality
The Stone-Cutter
The Gold-Bearded Man
Tritill, Litill, And The Birds
The Three Robes
The Six Hungry Beasts
How the Beggar Boy Turned into Count Piro
The Rogue And The Herdsman
Eisenkopf
The Death Of Abu Nowas And Of His Wife
Motiratika
Niels And The Giants
Shepherd Paul
How The Wicked Tanuki Was Punished
The Crab And The Monkey
The Horse Gullfaxi And The Sword Gunnfoder
The Story Of The Sham Prince, Or The Ambitious Tailor
The Colony Of Cats
How To Find Out A True Friend
Clever Maria
The Magic Kettle
The Orange Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
The Orange Fairy Book
Preface
The Story of the Hero Makoma
The Magic Mirror
Story of the King Who Would See Paradise
How Isuro the Rabbit Tricked Gudu
Ian, the Soldier's Son
The Fox and the Wolf
How Ian Direach Got the Blue Falcon
The Ugly Duckling
The Two Caskets
The Goldsmith's Fortune
The Enchanted Wreath
The Foolish Weaver
The Clever Cat
The Story of Manus
Pinkel the Thief
The Adventures of a Jackal
The Adventures of the Jackal's Eldest Son
The Adventures of the Younger Son of the Jackal
The Three Treasures of the Giants
The Rover of the Plain
The White Doe
The Girl-Fish
The Owl and the Eagle
The Frog and the Lion Fairy
The Adventures of Covan the Brown-Haired
The Princess Bella-Flor
The Bird of Truth
The Mink and the Wolf
Adventures of an Indian Brave
How the Stalos Were Tricked
Andras Baive
The White Slipper
The Magic Book
Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen by Hans Christian Andersen
Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen
Chapter 1 A Story
Chapter 2 By the Almshouse Window
Chapter 3 The Angel
Chapter 4 Anne Lisbeth
Chapter 5 The Conceited Apple-Branch
Chapter 6 Beauty of Form and Beauty of Mind
Chapter 7 The Beetle Who Went on His Travels
Chapter 8 The Bell
Chapter 9 The Bell-Deep
Chapter 10 The Bishop of Borglum and His Warriors
Chapter 11 The Bottle Neck
Chapter 12 The Buckwheat
Chapter 13 The Butterfly
Chapter 14 A Cheerful Temper
Chapter 15 The Child in the Grave
Chapter 16 The Farm-Yard Cock and the Weather-Cock
Chapter 17 The Daisy
Chapter 18 The Darning-Needle
Chapter 19 Delaying Is Not Forgetting
Chapter 20 The Drop of Water
Chapter 21 The Dryad
Chapter 22 Jack the Dullard: An Old Story Told Anew
Chapter 23 The Dumb Book
Chapter 24 The Elf of the Rose
Chapter 25 The Elfin Hill
Chapter 26 The Emperor's New Suit
Chapter 27 The Fir Tree
Chapter 28 The Flax
Chapter 29 The Flying Trunk
Chapter 30 The Shepherd's Story of the Bond of Friendship
Chapter 31 The Girl Who Trod on the Loaf
Chapter 32 The Goblin and the Huckster
Chapter 33 The Golden Treasure
Chapter 34 The Goloshes of Fortune
A Beginning
What Happened to the Counsellor
The Watchman's Adventures
The Eventual Moment—A Most Unusual Journey
The Clerk's Transformation
The Best Thing the Goloshes Did
Chapter 35 She Was Good for Nothing
Chapter 36 Grandmother
Chapter 37 A Great Grief
Chapter 38 The Happy Family
Chapter 39 A Leaf from Heaven
Chapter 40 Holger Danske
Chapter 41 Ib and Little Christina
Chapter 42 The Ice Maiden
Little Rudy
The Journey to the New Home
The Uncle
Babette
On the Way Home
The Visit to the Mill
The Eagle's Nest
What Fresh News the Parlor-Cat Had to Tell
The Ice Maiden
The Godmother
The Cousin
Evil Powers
At the Mill
Night Visions
The Conclusion
Chapter 43 The Jewish Maiden
Chapter 44 The Jumper
Chapter 45 The Last Dream of the Old Oak
Chapter 46 The Last Pearl
Chapter 47 Little Claus and Big Claus
Chapter 48 The Little Elder-Tree Mother
Chapter 49 Little Ida's Flowers
Chapter 50 The Little Match-Seller
Chapter 51 The Little Mermaid
Chapter 52 Little Tiny or Thumbelina
Chapter 53 Little Tuk
Chapter 54 The Loveliest Rose in the World
Chapter 55 The Mail-Coach Passengers
Chapter 56 The Marsh King's Daughter
Chapter 57 The Metal Pig
Chapter 58 The Money-Box
Chapter 59 What the Moon Saw
Introduction
First Evening
Second Evening
Third Evening
Fourth Evening
Fifth Evening
Sixth Evening
Seventh Evening
Eighth Evening
Ninth Evening
Tenth Evening
Eleventh Evening
Twelfth Evening
Thirteenth Evening
Fourteenth Evening
Fifteenth Evening
Sixteenth Evening
Seventeenth Evening
Eighteenth Evening
Nineteenth Evening
Twentieth Evening
Twenty-First Evening
Twenty-Second Evening
Twenty-Third Evening
Twenty-Fourth Evening
Twenty-Fifth Evening
Twenty-Sixth Evening
Twenty-Seventh Evening
Twenty-Eighth Evening
Twenty-Ninth Evening
Thirtieth Evening
Thirty-First Evening
Thirty-Second Evening
Chapter 60 The Neighbouring Families
Chapter 61 The Nightingale
Chapter 62 There Is No Doubt About It
Chapter 63 In the Nursery
Chapter 64 The Old Bachelor's Nightcap
Chapter 65 The Old Church Bell
Chapter 66 The Old Grave-Stone
Chapter 67 The Old House
Chapter 68 What the Old Man Does Is Always Right
Chapter 69 The Old Street Lamp
Chapter 70 Ole-Luk-Oie, the Dream-God
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Chapter 71 Our Aunt
Chapter 72 The Philosopher's Stone
Chapter 73 The Garden of Paradise
Chapter 74 The Pea Blossom
Chapter 75 The Pen and the Inkstand
Chapter 76 The Phoenix Bird
Chapter 77 The Bird of Popular Song
Chapter 78 The Portuguese Duck
Chapter 79 The Porter's Son
Chapter 80 Poultry Meg's Family
Chapter 81 Children's Prattle
Chapter 82 The Princess and the Pea
Chapter 83 The Psyche
Chapter 84 The Puppet-Show Man
Chapter 85 The Races
Chapter 86 The Red Shoes
Chapter 87 Everything in the Right Place
Chapter 88 A Rose from Homer's Grave
Chapter 89 The Snail and the Rose-Tree
Chapter 90 The Story of a Mother
Chapter 91 The Saucy Boy
Chapter 92 The Shadow
Chapter 93 The Shepherdess and the Sheep
Chapter 94 The Silver Shilling
Chapter 95 The Shirt-Collar
Chapter 96 The Snow Man
Chapter 97 The Snow Queen
STORY THE FIRST: Which describes a looking-glass and the broken fragments
SECOND STORY: A Little Boy and a Little Girl
THIRD STORY: The Flower Garden of the Woman Who Could Conjure
FOURTH STORY: The Prince and Princess
FIFTH STORY: Little Robber-Girl
SIXTH STORY: The Lapland Woman and the Finland Woman
SEVENTH STORY: Of the Palace of the Snow Queen and What Happened There At Last
Chapter 98 The Snowdrop
Chapter 99 Something
Chapter 100 Soup from a Sausage Skewer
What the First Little Mouse Saw and Heard on Her Travels
What the Second Mouse Had to Tell
What the Fourth Mouse, Who Spoke Before the Third, Had to Tell
How It Was Prepared
Chapter 101 The Storks
Chapter 102 The Storm Shakes the Shield
Chapter 103 A Story from the Sand-Hills
Chapter 104 The Sunbeam and the Captive
Chapter 105 The Swan's Nest
Chapter 106 The Swineherd
Chapter 107 The Toad
Chapter 108 The Story of the Wind
Chapter 109 The Story of the Year
Chapter 110 The Thistle's Experiences
Chapter 111 The Thorny Road of Honor
Chapter 112 In a Thousand Years
Chapter 113 The Brave Tin Soldier
Chapter 114 The Tinder-Box
Chapter 115 The Top and Ball
Chapter 116 Ole the Tower-Keeper
First Visit
Second Visit
Third Visit
Chapter 117 The Travelling Companion
Chapter 118 Two Brothers
Chapter 119 Two Maidens
Chapter 120 The Ugly Duckling
Chapter 121 Under the Willow-Tree
Chapter 122 In the Uttermost Parts of the Sea
Chapter 123 What One Can Invent
Chapter 124 The Wicked Prince
Chapter 125 The Wild Swans
Chapter 126 The Will-o'-the-Wisp Is in the Town, Says the Moor Woman
Chapter 127 The Windmill
Irish Fairy Tales by James Stephens
Irish Fairy Tales
Part 1 THE STORY OF TUAN MAC CAIRILL
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Part 2 THE BOYHOOD OF FIONN
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Part 3 THE BIRTH OF BRAN
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Part 4 OISI'N'S MOTHER
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Part 5 THE WOOING OF BECFOLA
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Part 6 THE LITTLE BRAWL AT ALLEN
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Part 7 THE CARL OF THE DRAB COAT
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Part 8 THE ENCHANTED CAVE OF CESH CORRAN
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Part 9 BECUMA OF THE WHITE SKIN
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Part 10 MONGAN'S FRENZY
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Grimm's Fairy Tales by Jacob Ludwig Karl Grimm
Grimm's Fairy Tales
The Golden Bird
Hans in Luck
Jorinda and Jorindel
The Travelling Musicians
Old Sultan
The Straw, the Coal, and the Bean
Briar Rose
The Dog and the Sparrow
The Twelve Dancing Princesses
The Fisherman and His Wife
The Willow-wren and the Bear
The Frog-prince
Cat and Mouse in Partnership
The Goose-girl
The Adventures of Chanticleer and Partlet
Rapunzel
Fundevogel
The Valiant Little Tailor
Hansel and Gretel
The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage
Mother Holle
Little Red-cap (Little Red Riding Hood)
The Robber Bridegroom
Tom Thumb
Rumpelstiltskin
Clever Gretel
The Old Man and His Grandson
The Little Peasant
Frederick and Catherine
Sweetheart Roland
Snowdrop
The Pink
Clever Elsie
The Miser in the Bush
Ashputtel
The White Snake
The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids
The Queen Bee
The Elves and the Shoemaker
The Juniper-tree
The Turnip
Clever Hans
The Three Languages
The Fox and the Cat
The Four Clever Brothers
Lily and the Lion
The Fox and the Horse
The Blue Light
The Raven
The Golden Goose
The Water of Life
The Twelve Huntsmen
The King of the Golden Mountain
Doctor Knowall
The Seven Ravens
The Wedding of Mrs Fox
The Salad
The Story of the Youth Who Went Forth to Learn What Fear Was
King Grisly-beard
Iron Hans
Cat-skin
Snow-white and Rose-red
The Arabian Nights by Andrew Lang
The Arabian Nights
Preface
Introduction
The Story of the Merchant and the Genius
The Story of the First Old Man and of the Hind
The Story of the Second Old Man, and of the Two Black Dogs
The Story of the Fisherman
The Story of the Greek King and the Physician Douban
The Story of the Husband and the Parrot
The Story of the Vizir Who Was Punished
The Story of the Young King of the Black Isles
Story of the Three Calenders, Sons of Kings, and of Five Ladies of Bagdad
The Story of the First Calender, Son of a King
The Story of the Second Calendar, Son of a King
The Story of the Envious Man and of Him Who Was Envied
Story of the Third Calendar, Son of a King
The Seven Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor
First Voyage
Second Voyage
Third Voyage
Fourth Voyage
Fifth Voyage
Sixth Voyage
Seventh and Last Voyage
The Little Hunchback
Story of the Barber's Fifth Brother
The Story of the Barber's Sixth Brother
The Adventures of Prince Camaralzaman and the Princess Badoura
Noureddin and the Fair Persian
Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp
The Adventures of Haroun-al-Raschid, Caliph of Bagdad
Story of the Blind Baba-Abdalla
The Story of Sidi-Nouman
Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad
The Enchanted Horse
The Story of Two Sisters Who Were Jealous of Their Younger Sister

Fairy Tales of the Slav Peasants and Herdsmen

Aleksander Chodźko



Table of Contents
Fairy Tales of the Slav Peasants and Herdsmen
NOTE BY THE PUBLISHER
THE ABODE OF THE GODS
THE SUN; OR, THE THREE GOLDEN HAIRS OF THE OLD MAN VSÉVÈDE
KOVLAD
THE MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD
THE JOURNEY TO THE SUN AND THE MOON
THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD
THE FLYING CARPET, THE INVISIBLE CAP, THE GOLD-GIVING RING, AND THE SMITING CLUB
THE BROAD MAN, THE TALL MAN, AND THE MAN WITH EYES OF FLAME
THE HISTORY OF PRINCE SLUGOBYL; OR, THE INVISIBLE KNIGHT
THE SPIRIT OF THE STEPPES
THE PRINCE WITH THE GOLDEN HAND
IMPERISHABLE
OHNIVAK
TEARS OF PEARLS
THE SLUGGARD
KINKACH MARTINKO
THE STORY OF THE PLENTIFUL TABLECLOTH, THE AVENGING WAND, THE SASH THAT BECOMES A LAKE, AND THE TERRIBLE HELMET

NOTE BY THE PUBLISHER

Very few of the twenty fairy tales included in this volume have been presented before in an English dress; this will doubtless enhance their value in the eyes of the young folk, for whom, principally, they are intended. It is hoped that older readers will find some additional interest in tracing throughout the many evidences of kinship between these stories and those of more pronounced Eastern origin.

The translation has been carefully revised by a well-known writer, who has interfered as little as possible with the original text, except in those instances where slight alterations were necessary.

The illustrations speak for themselves, and are what might have been expected from the artist who designed those for the "Lullabies of Many Lands," issued last Christmas.

November 1895.

THE ABODE OF THE GODS

I. THE TWO BROTHERS 

Once upon a time there were two brothers whose father had left them but a small fortune. The eldest grew very rich, but at the same time cruel and wicked, whereas there was nowhere a more honest or kinder man than the younger. But he remained poor, and had many children, so that at times they could scarcely get bread to eat. At last, one day there was not even this in the house, so he went to his rich brother and asked him for a loaf of bread. Waste of time! His rich brother only called him beggar and vagabond, and slammed the door in his face.

The poor fellow, after this brutal reception, did not know which way to turn. Hungry, scantily clad, shivering with cold, his legs could scarcely carry him along. He had not the heart to go home, with nothing for the children, so he went towards the mountain forest. But all he found there were some wild pears that had fallen to the ground. He had to content himself with eating these, though they set his teeth on edge. But what was he to do to warm himself, for the east wind with its chill blast pierced him through and through. "Where shall I go?" he said; "what will become of us in the cottage? There is neither food nor fire, and my brother has driven me from his door." It was just then he remembered having heard that the top of the mountain in front of him was made of crystal, and had a fire for ever burning upon it. "I will try and find it," he said, "and then I may be able to warm myself a little." So he went on climbing higher and higher till he reached the top, when he was startled to see twelve strange beings sitting round a huge fire. He stopped for a moment, but then said to himself, "What have I to lose? Why should I fear? God is with me. Courage!"

So he advanced towards the fire, and bowing respectfully, said: "Good people, take pity on my distress. I am very poor, no one cares for me, I have not even a fire in my cottage; will you let me warm myself at yours?" They all looked kindly at him, and one of them said: "My son, come sit down with us and warm yourself."

So he sat down, and felt warm directly he was near them. But he dared not speak while they were silent. What astonished him most was that they changed seats one after another, and in such a way that each one passed round the fire and came back to his own place. When he drew near the fire an old man with long white beard and bald head arose from the flames and spoke to him thus:

"Man, waste not thy life here; return to thy cottage, work, and live honestly. Take as many embers as thou wilt, we have more than we need."

And having said this he disappeared. Then the twelve filled a large sack with embers, and, putting it on the poor man's shoulders, advised him to hasten home.

Humbly thanking them, he set off. As he went he wondered why the embers did not feel hot, and why they should weigh no more than a sack of paper. He was thankful that he should be able to have a fire, but imagine his astonishment when on arriving home he found the sack to contain as many gold pieces as there had been embers; he almost went out of his mind with joy at the possession of so much money. With all his heart he thanked those who had been so ready to help him in his need.

He was now rich, and rejoiced to be able to provide for his family. Being curious to find out how many gold pieces there were, and not knowing how to count, he sent his wife to his rich brother for the loan of a quart measure.

This time the brother was in a better temper, so he lent what was asked of him, but said mockingly, "What can such beggars as you have to measure?"

The wife replied, "Our neighbour owes us some wheat; we want to be sure he returns us the right quantity."

The rich brother was puzzled, and suspecting something he, unknown to his sister-in-law, put some grease inside the measure. The trick succeeded, for on getting it back he found a piece of gold sticking to it. Filled with astonishment, he could only suppose his brother had joined a band of robbers: so he hurried to his brother's cottage, and threatened to bring him before the Justice of the Peace if he did not confess where the gold came from. The poor man was troubled, and, dreading to offend his brother, told the story of his journey to the Crystal Mountain.

Now the elder brother had plenty of money for himself, yet he was envious of the brother's good fortune, and became greatly displeased when he found that his brother won every one's esteem by the good use he made of his wealth. At last he determined to visit the Crystal Mountain himself.

"I may meet with as good luck as my brother," said he to himself.

Upon reaching the Crystal Mountain he found the twelve seated round the fire as before, and thus addressed them:

"I beg of you, good people, to let me warm myself, for it is bitterly cold, and I am poor and homeless."

But one of them replied, "My son, the hour of thy birth was favourable; thou art rich, but a miser; thou art wicked, for thou hast dared to lie to us. Well dost thou deserve thy punishment."

Amazed and terrified he stood silent, not daring to speak. Meanwhile the twelve changed places one after another, each at last returning to his own seat. Then from the midst of the flames arose the white-bearded old man and spoke thus sternly to the rich man:

"Woe unto the wilful! Thy brother is virtuous, therefore have I blessed him. As for thee, thou art wicked, and so shalt not escape our vengeance."

At these words the twelve arose. The first seized the unfortunate man, struck him, and passed him on to the second; the second also struck him and passed him on to the third; and so did they all in their turn, until he was given up to the old man, who disappeared with him into the fire.

Days, weeks, months went by, but the rich man never returned, and none knew what had become of him. I think, between you and me, the younger brother had his suspicions but he very wisely kept them to himself.

 

II. TIME AND THE KINGS OF THE ELEMENTS

There was once a married pair who loved each other tenderly. The husband would not have given up his wife for all the riches in the world, while her first thought was how best to please him. So they were very happy, and lived like two grains in one ear of corn.

One day while working in the fields, a great longing came over him to see her: so without waiting for the hour of sunset he ran home. Alas! she was not there. He looked high and low, he ran here, there, and everywhere, he wept, he called to her; in vain! his dear wife was not to be found.

So heartbroken was he that he no longer cared to live. He could think of nothing but the loss of his dear wife and how to find her again. At last he determined to travel all over the world in search of her. So he began to walk straight on, trusting God to direct his steps. Sad and thoughtful, he wandered for many days, until he reached a cottage close by the shores of a large lake. Here he stopped, hoping to find out news. On entering the cottage he was met by a woman, who tried to prevent him entering.

"What do you want here, unlucky wretch?" said she. "If my husband sees you, he will kill you instantly."

"Who is your husband then?" asked the traveller.

"What! you do not know him? My husband is the Water-King; everything under water obeys him. Depart quickly, for if he finds you here he will certainly devour you."

"Perhaps after all he would take pity on me. But hide me somewhere, for I am worn and weary, and without shelter for the night."

So the Water-Queen was persuaded, and hid him behind the stove. Almost immediately after the Water-King entered. He had barely crossed the threshold when he called out, "Wife, I smell human flesh; give it me quickly, for I am hungry." She dared not disobey him, and so she had to tell him of the traveller's hiding-place. The poor man became terribly frightened, and trembled in every limb, and began to stammer out excuses.

"I assure you I have done no harm. I came here in search of news of my poor wife. Oh, do help me to find her; I cannot live without her."

"Well," replied the Water-King, "as you love your wife so tenderly I will forgive you for coming here, but I cannot help you to find her, for I do not know where she is. Yet I remember seeing two ducks on the lake yesterday, perchance she is one of them. But I should advise you to ask my brother the Fire-King; he may be able to tell you more."

Happy to have escaped so easily, he thanked the Water-King and set out to find the Fire-King. But the latter was unable to help him, and could only advise him to consult his other brother, the Air-King. But the Air-King, though he had travelled all over the earth, could only say he thought he had seen a woman at the foot of the Crystal Mountain.

But the traveller was cheered at the news, and went to seek his wife at the foot of the Crystal Mountain, which was close to their cottage. On reaching it he began at once to climb the mountain by making his way up the bed of the torrent that came rushing down there. Several ducks that were in the pools near the waterfall called out, "My good man, don't go up there; you'll be killed."

But he walked fearlessly on till he came to some thatched cottages, at the largest of which he stopped. Here a crowd of wizards and witches surrounded him, screaming at the top of their voices, "What are you looking for?"

"My wife," said he.

"She is here," they cried, "but you cannot take her away unless you recognise her among two hundred women all exactly like her."

"What! Not know my own wife? Why, here she is," said he, as he clasped her in his arms. And she, delighted to be with him again, kissed him fondly. Then she whispered:

"Dearest, though you knew me to-day I doubt whether you will to-morrow, for there will be so many of us all alike. Now I will tell you what to do. At nightfall go to the top of the Crystal Mountain, where live the King of Time and his court. Ask him how you may know me. If you are good and honest he will help you; if not, he will devour you whole at one mouthful."

"I will do what you advise, dear one," he replied, "but tell me, why did you leave me so suddenly? If you only knew what I have suffered! I have sought you all over the world."

"I did not leave you willingly," said she. "A countryman asked me to come and look at the mountain torrent. When we got there he sprinkled some water over himself, and at once I saw wings growing out of his shoulders, and he soon changed his shape entirely into that of a drake; and I too became a duck at the same time, and whether I would or no I was obliged to follow him. Here I was allowed to resume my own form; and now there is but the one difficulty of being recognised by you."

So they parted, she to join the other women, he to continue his way to the Crystal Mountain. At the top he found twelve strange beings sitting round a large fire: they were the attendants of the King of Time. He saluted them respectfully.

"What dost thou want?" said they.

"I have lost my dear wife. Can you tell me how to recognise her among two hundred other women all exactly alike?"

"No," said they, "but perhaps our King can."

Then arose from the midst of the flames an old man with bald head and long white beard, who, on hearing his request, replied: "Though all these women be exactly alike, thy wife will have a black thread in the shoe of her right foot."

So saying he vanished, and the traveller, thanking the twelve, descended the mountain.

Sure it is that without the black thread he would never have recognised her. And though the Magician tried to hide her, the spell was broken; and the two returned rejoicing to their home, where they lived happily ever after.

 

III. THE TWELVE MONTHS

There was once a widow who had two daughters, Helen, her own child by her dead husband, and Marouckla, his daughter by his first wife. She loved Helen, but hated the poor orphan, because she was far prettier than her own daughter. Marouckla did not think about her good looks, and could not understand why her stepmother should be angry at the sight of her. The hardest work fell to her share; she cleaned out the rooms, cooked, washed, sewed, spun, wove, brought in the hay, milked the cow, and all this without any help. Helen, meanwhile, did nothing but dress herself in her best clothes and go to one amusement after another. But Marouckla never complained; she bore the scoldings and bad temper of mother and sister with a smile on her lips, and the patience of a lamb. But this angelic behaviour did not soften them. They became even more tyrannical and grumpy, for Marouckla grew daily more beautiful, while Helen's ugliness increased. So the stepmother determined to get rid of Marouckla, for she knew that while she remained her own daughter would have no suitors. Hunger, every kind of privation, abuse, every means was used to make the girl's life miserable. The most wicked of men could not have been more mercilessly cruel than these two vixens. But in spite of it all Marouckla grew ever sweeter and more charming.

One day in the middle of winter Helen wanted some wood-violets.

"Listen," cried she to Marouckla; "you must go up the mountain and find me some violets, I want some to put in my gown; they must be fresh and sweet-scented—do you hear?"

"But, my dear sister, who ever heard of violets blooming in the snow?" said the poor orphan.

"You wretched creature! Do you dare to disobey me?" said Helen. "Not another word; off with you. If you do not bring me some violets from the mountain forest, I will kill you."

The stepmother also added her threats to those of Helen, and with vigorous blows they pushed Marouckla outside and shut the door upon her. The weeping girl made her way to the mountain. The snow lay deep, and there was no trace of any human being. Long she wandered hither and thither, and lost herself in the wood. She was hungry, and shivered with cold, and prayed to die. Suddenly she saw a light in the distance, and climbed towards it, till she reached the top of the mountain. Upon the highest peak burnt a large fire, surrounded by twelve blocks of stone, on which sat twelve strange beings. Of these the first three had white hair, three were not quite so old, three were young and handsome, and the rest still younger.

There they all sate silently looking at the fire. They were the twelve months of the year. The great Setchène (January) was placed higher than the others; his hair and moustache were white as snow, and in his hand he held a wand. At first Marouckla was afraid, but after a while her courage returned, and drawing near she said:

"Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire? I am chilled by the winter cold."

The great Setchène raised his head and answered:

"What brings thee here, my daughter? What dost thou seek?"

"I am looking for violets," replied the maiden.

"This is not the season for violets; dost thou not see the snow everywhere?" said Setchène.

"I know well, but my sister Helen and my stepmother have ordered me to bring them violets from your mountain: if I return without them they will kill me. I pray you, good shepherds, tell me where they may be found?"

Here the great Setchène arose and went over to the youngest of the months, and placing his wand in his hand, said:

"Brother Brezène (March), do thou take the highest place."

Brezène obeyed, at the same time waving his wand over the fire. Immediately the flames rose towards the sky, the snow began to melt and the trees and shrubs to bud; the grass became green, and from between its blades peeped the pale primrose. It was Spring, and the meadows were blue with violets.

"Gather them quickly, Marouckla," said Brezène.

Joyfully she hastened to pick the flowers, and having soon a large bunch she thanked them and ran home. Helen and the stepmother were amazed at the sight of the flowers, the scent of which filled the house.

"Where did you find them?" asked Helen.

"Under the trees on the mountain slope," said Marouckla.

Helen kept the flowers for herself and her mother; she did not even thank her step-sister for the trouble she had taken. The next day she desired Marouckla to fetch her strawberries.

"Run," said she, "and fetch me strawberries from the mountain: they must be very sweet and ripe."

"But who ever heard of strawberries ripening in the snow?" exclaimed Marouckla.

"Hold your tongue, worm; don't answer me; if I don't have my strawberries I will kill you."

Then the stepmother pushed her into the yard and bolted the door. The unhappy girl made her way towards the mountain and to the large fire round which sat the twelve months. The great Setchène occupied the highest place.

"Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire? The winter cold chills me," said she, drawing near.

The great Setchène raised his head and asked:

"Why comest thou here? What dost thou seek?"

"I am looking for strawberries," said she.

"We are in the midst of winter," replied Setchène; "strawberries do not grow in the snow."

"I know," said the girl sadly, "but my sister and stepmother have ordered me to bring them strawberries; if I do not they will kill me. Pray, good shepherds, tell me where to find them."

The great Setchène arose, crossed over to the month opposite him, and putting the wand into his hand, said:

"Brother Tchervène (June), do thou take the highest place."

Tchervène obeyed, and as he waved his wand over the fire the flames leapt towards the sky. Instantly the snow melted, the earth was covered with verdure, trees were clothed with leaves, birds began to sing, and various flowers blossomed in the forest. It was summer. Under the bushes masses of star-shaped flowers changed into ripening strawberries. Before Marouckla had time to cross herself they covered the glade, making it look like a sea of blood.

"Gather them quickly, Marouckla," said Tchervène.

Joyfully she thanked the months, and having filled her apron ran happily home. Helen and her mother wondered at seeing the strawberries, which filled the house with their delicious fragrance.

"Wherever did you find them?" asked Helen crossly.

"Right up among the mountains; those from under the beech trees are not bad."

Helen gave a few to her mother and ate the rest herself; not one did she offer to her step-sister. Being tired of strawberries, on the third day she took a fancy for some fresh red apples.

"Run, Marouckla," said she, "and fetch me fresh red apples from the mountain."

"Apples in winter, sister? why, the trees have neither leaves nor fruit."

"Idle slut, go this minute," said Helen; "unless you bring back apples we will kill you."

As before, the stepmother seized her roughly and turned her out of the house. The poor girl went weeping up the mountain, across the deep snow upon which lay no human footprint, and on towards the fire round which were the twelve months. Motionless sat they, and on the highest stone was the great Setchène.

"Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire? The winter cold chills me," said she, drawing near.

The great Setchène raised his head.

"Why com'st thou here? What dost thou seek?" asked he.

"I am come to look for red apples," replied Marouckla.

"But this is winter, and not the season for red apples," observed the great Setchène.

"I know," answered the girl, "but my sister and stepmother sent me to fetch red apples from the mountain; if I return without them they will kill me."

Thereupon the great Setchène arose and went over to one of the elderly months, to whom he handed the wand, saying:

"Brother Zaré (September), do thou take the highest place."

Zaré moved to the highest stone and waved his wand over the fire. There was a flare of red flames, the snow disappeared, but the fading leaves which trembled on the trees were sent by a cold north-east wind in yellow masses to the glade. Only a few flowers of autumn were visible, such as the fleabane and red gillyflower, autumn colchicums in the ravine, and under the beeches bracken and tufts of northern heather. At first Marouckla looked in vain for red apples. Then she espied a tree which grew at a great height, and from the branches of this hung the bright red fruit. Zaré ordered her to gather some quickly. The girl was delighted and shook the tree. First one apple fell, then another.

"That is enough," said Zaré, "hurry home."

Thanking the months, she returned joyfully. Helen marvelled and the stepmother wondered at seeing the fruit.

"Where did you gather them?" asked the step-sister.

"There are more on the mountain top," answered Marouckla.

"Then why did you not bring more?" said Helen angrily; "you must have eaten them on your way back, you wicked girl."

"No, dear sister, I have not even tasted them," said Marouckla. "I shook the tree twice; one apple fell each time. I was not allowed to shake it again, but was told to return home."

"May Perum smite you with his thunderbolt," said Helen, striking her.

Marouckla prayed to die rather than suffer such ill-treatment. Weeping bitterly, she took refuge in the kitchen. Helen and her mother found the apples more delicious than any they had ever tasted, and when they had eaten both longed for more.

"Listen, mother," said Helen. "Give me my cloak; I will fetch some more apples myself, or else that good-for-nothing wretch will eat them all on the way. I shall be able to find the mountain and the tree. The shepherds may cry 'Stop,' but I shall not leave go till I have shaken down all the apples."

In spite of her mother's advice she put on her pelisse, covered her head with a warm hood, and took the road to the mountain. The mother stood and watched her till she was lost in the distance.

Snow covered everything, not a human footprint was to be seen on its surface. Helen lost herself and wandered hither and thither. After a while she saw a light above her, and following in its direction reached the mountain top. There was the flaming fire, the twelve blocks of stone, and the twelve months. At first she was frightened and hesitated; then she came nearer and warmed her hands. She did not ask permission, nor did she speak one polite word.

"What has brought thee here? What dost thou seek?" said the great Setchène severely.

"I am not obliged to tell you, old greybeard; what business is it of yours?" she replied disdainfully, turning her back on the fire and going towards the forest.

The great Setchène frowned, and waved his wand over his head. Instantly the sky became covered with clouds, the fire went down, snow fell in large flakes, an icy wind howled round the mountain. Amid the fury of the storm Helen added curses against her step-sister. The pelisse failed to warm her benumbed limbs. The mother kept on waiting for her; she looked from the window, she watched from the doorstep, but her daughter came not. The hours passed slowly, but Helen did not return.

"Can it be that the apples have charmed her from her home?" thought the mother. Then she clad herself in hood and pelisse and went in search of her daughter. Snow fell in huge masses; it covered all things, it lay untouched by human footsteps. For long she wandered hither and thither; the icy north-east wind whistled in the mountain, but no voice answered her cries.

Day after day Marouckla worked and prayed, and waited; but neither stepmother nor sister returned, they had been frozen to death on the mountain. The inheritance of a small house, a field, and a cow fell to Marouckla. In course of time an honest farmer came to share them with her, and their lives were happy and peaceful.