The Story-teller

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23735

Title

The Story-teller

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Maud Lindsay's *The Story-teller* invites readers into a timeless world where a wandering narrator brings tales of magic, morality, and human connection to cottages and halls. Blending folkloric charm with moral lessons, this collection explores themes of brotherhood, kindness, and faith through stories like *The Two Brothers* and *The Magic Flower*. With lyrical prose and gentle humor, the book appeals to those seeking classic fables that celebrate resilience, generosity, and the enduring power of storytelling to heal and inspire.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Story-teller*, Maud Lindsay weaves a tapestry of enchanting tales that celebrate the virtues of kindness, courage, and faith. The collection opens with an introduction to the Story-Teller, a magical figure who brings joy and wisdom to children and adults alike, weaving songs and songs into his narratives. The first story, *The Two Brothers*, follows two siblings who part ways—one becoming a royal counselor, the other a humble blacksmith. When war looms, the counselor's horse loses a shoe in the dark; guided by the blacksmith's hammering song, he finds his brother, who shods the horse for free, revealing their shared bond and saving the kingdom. The king rewards them both, teaching that true service transcends status. *The Jar of Rosemary* centers on a prince seeking a rare herb for his sick mother. When gardeners cannot find it, he learns that a common herb grows in a city home where an old woman cares for a sick grandson. The prince offers gold, but she refuses; eventually, he visits and learns the plant is a gift of love, not commerce. The tale underscores that the greatest gifts are often simple and given freely. *The Apple Dumpling* follows an old woman determined to make a dessert despite lacking apples. She trades plums for feathers, flowers for a nosegay, a nosegay for a golden chain, and the chain for a dog and blessing. Her journey transforms her from lonely to blessed, ending with her finding an apple tree and enjoying her dumpling—a metaphor for how generosity and patience bring abundance. *The King's Servant* tells of Hans, who asks only to visit his mother, ride a horse, and taste the king's mysterious food. After tasting the food, he understands all creatures' voices. He helps ants, birds, and fish, earning their promise of aid. When trapped by a wicked king, he sorts seeds and is aided by magical helpers, including Pease-Blossom and a nightingale, who free him from a giant's grasp. The story emphasizes that good deeds create a network of support. *The Magic Flower* features a woman whose garden is ruined by her neighbor's trash. Her fairy godmother points to a magic flower that blooms only if tended with patience. As she ignores the trash, the flower's seeds blow into the neighbor's yard, transforming it into a garden. The tale teaches that inner virtue can change external circumstances. *The Lions in the Way* recounts three friends traveling to a beautiful palace marked by the king. One fears lions mentioned by a stranger and turns back. The other two press on; one fears the roaring beasts and takes a wrong path, while the other trusts the king's scroll. He reaches the lions, only to find them chained, and enters the palace safely. The story affirms that faith in divine guidance overcomes fear. Throughout, Lindsay's tales blend whimsy with profound moral lessons, using repetition, rhyme, and vivid imagery to engage young and old. The collection concludes with the promise that the Story-Teller still visits every child's...

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg23735.epub

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Categories

• Fairy Tales
• Children's stories