Laboulaye's Fairy Book

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26386

Title

Laboulaye's Fairy Book

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A vibrant collection of fairy tales from Brittany, Bohemia, Hungary, and Spain, compiled by Édouard Laboulaye. With Gallic wit and vivid storytelling, these narratives explore themes of pride, destiny, and redemption, offering timeless adventures for readers of all ages.

Summary up to 500 words

Édouard Laboulaye's *Laboulaye's Fairy Book* is an enchanting anthology that weaves a tapestry of folklore from across Europe, including Brittany, Hungary, Bohemia, and Spain. The collection opens with the Breton tale of Yvon and Finette, where a noble lord's thirteen children face trials after a shipwreck sends the youngest, Yvon, to a giant's castle. There, he discovers magical broths that transform his hair into copper, silver, and gold before meeting a beautiful woman who warns him of the dangers inherent in the giant's service. The narrative shifts to the Hungarian tale of Dobrunka, a virtuous girl cast out by her mother who finds solace with the Twelve Months. She learns to harvest apples from a magical tree, but her greedy sister, Katinka, freezes to death in the snow while attempting to steal the fruit. Dobrunka survives, marries, and lives happily with the seasons as her guardians. In Bohemia, Swanda the Piper, a jovial musician, is lured by a devilish figure to a feast of gold and wine. Playing for a coven of robbers, he is rewarded with wealth but ultimately wakes on a gallows, realizing he has played for the devil. He vows to quit gambling and hangs his pipe as a warning. The Hungarian tale of Marienka follows a proud daughter who rejects suitors in copper and silver coaches, dreaming only of a nobleman in a golden carriage. Her mother's prayers eventually humble her, teaching her that true worth lies beyond material splendor. Finally, the story of King Bizarre and Prince Charming unfolds in a kingdom plagued by treason. The king, having killed his queen in a fit of rage, faces rebellion. His loyal page, Tonto, is wounded but survives, revealing a dual identity as both the insolent servant and the queen's devoted protector, Pazza. Through sacrifice and forgiveness, the king redeems himself, learns to rule with humility, and restores peace to his realm. Together, these tales celebrate courage, the dangers of pride, and the enduring power of love and redemption.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg26386.epub

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2026-07-05 01:03 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Children's Literature