The Red Fairy Book Preface

The Red Fairy Book Tale 17 - The Six Sillies

In which a young woman’s family occupy themselves so foolishly in a cellar that a prospective suitor departs in bemusement, vowing to return only when he finds greater silliness elsewhere. The journey that follows reveals a series of comical blunders by strangers, leading the young man back to marry the lady and start a family.

The Red Fairy Book Tale 16 - The Voice of Death

In which a man, driven by the desire to escape death and preserve his wealth, journeys to a land where no one dies but is instead summoned away by an unheeded mysterious voice, leading him to warn his family against obedience to it. Amid initial peace, the eerie call's tragic inevitability unfolds, revealing an inescapable destiny that even firm resolve cannot alter.

The Red Fairy Book Tale 15 - The Three Princesses of Whiteland

In which a young prince, born to humble fishermen and raised in a king’s palace, ventures to the mysterious Whiteland to free three enchanted princesses from the earth and wins the hand of the youngest. Upon returning home, he embarks on a fantastical quest aided by mystical gifts and encounters with elemental rulers, all in a bid to reclaim his beloved Queen and restore their rightful union.

The Red Fairy Book Tale 14 - Graciosa and Percinet

In which a fair and gentle princess, overshadowed by a spiteful duchess, encounters Percinet, a noble page with a magical heritage, whose devotion brings her solace and aid amid the treacheries of court and cruel tasks imposed by a jealous queen. Together they navigate trials of enchantment and adversity, revealing the power of loyalty and love within a realm both wondrous and fraught with peril.

The Red Fairy Book Tale 13 - The Little Good Mouse

In which a joyful King and Queen fall prey to the envy of a cruel monarch who imprisons them, and a compassionate little mouse reveals itself to be a fairy who offers hope and aid to the imprisoned princess. The tale unfolds amidst enchantment, disguise, and steadfast affection, weaving a narrative where kindness and courage strive against adversity in a land divided between joy and sorrow.