The Violet Fairy Book

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Violet Fairy Book

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Andrew Lang's thirteenth volume in his Fairy Books series, *The Violet Fairy Book* collects thirty-five traditional tales translated from diverse languages including Romanian, Swahili, and Scandinavian folklore. Featuring magical landscapes, enchanted objects, and moral lessons, this collection offers children and adults a window into ancient myths where magic replaces science and beasts behave like humans. With a preface by Lang explaining the origins of these age-old stories, the book provides a rich tapestry of wonder, danger, and redemption.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Violet Fairy Book*, Andrew Lang curates a vibrant anthology of thirty-five tales drawn from global folklore, ranging from Scandinavian to Romanian and African traditions. Lang explicitly clarifies in his preface that he serves only as an editor, translating ancient stories inherited from generations of storytellers rather than inventing them. These narratives, originally told by 'naked savage women' to children, preserve the oldest ideas of a world where magic replaced science and beasts behaved like humans. The collection features heroes and heroines who often begin as ordinary individuals before embarking on extraordinary journeys filled with vivid imagery, such as rivers of milk, gardens of gold, and cities built upon eggs. The anthology opens with *A Tale of the Tontlawald*, where a mistreated girl named Elsa finds refuge in a magical moorland inhabited by strange beings, escaping the cruelty of her stepmother. Another standout, *The Fairy of the Dawn*, follows a hero named Petru who uses a magic flute to wake sleeping giants and fairies. His quest leads him to the Fairy of the Dawn, whom he kisses three times to bring light and life to a dark world, ultimately curing his father's blindness. In *Virgilius the Sorcerer*, a magician defies logic by building a city on eggs and constructing an airy bridge between Rome and Babylon, showcasing wonders that challenge the boundaries of reality. Themes of loyalty, courage, and the triumph of good over evil permeate the collection. In *Mogarzea and His Son*, a young boy rescues a giant from wicked elves who have stolen his soul. Through wit and bravery, the boy frees the giant and helps him reclaim his spirit, only to find true love at the magical Milk Lake. Other tales, such as *The Enchanted Knife*, explore themes of destiny and royal blood, while *The Two Frogs* and *The Princess Who Was Hidden Underground* offer unique glimpses into the moral universe of folklore. Lang's translations simplify complex plots for young readers while preserving the oral tradition's charm. Together, these stories celebrate the enduring power of imagination and the timeless appeal of fairy tales that have captivated audiences for millennia.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/andrew-lang_violet-fairy-book.epub

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data/epubs/url-a61949ede4a346af.epub

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2026-06-30 15:35 UTC

Categories

• Folklore
• Fiction