Literary taleThe Concealed Geller
A ghostly child repeatedly appears to his family until a perceptive guest discovers that the spirit is restless because it hid two coins meant for a beggar, which are then donated to finally grant the child peace.
Fairy-tale library
Published folk and literary tales with traceable sources.
Meaning and values
Literary tale
Literary taleIron Hans
A young prince, after accidentally freeing a cursed wild man named Iron Hans, is cast out to learn humility and the value of hard work before proving his worth through secret heroic deeds to reclaim his status and win a princess.
Literary taleBrother and Sister
A brother and sister flee an abusive home, but the brother is transformed into a goat by their witch stepmother's curse; despite this, the sister's unwavering loyalty leads them to safety, royalty, and eventually the brother's restoration after the stepmother's final defeat.
Literary taleSit-down-sit
An ancient, seemingly passive observer named Siden possesses a supernatural moral authority that exposes and punishes evil while rewarding goodness, ultimately revealing that true power lies in unwavering integrity rather than physical action.
Folk taleGive to the Beggar
A poor Tatar man learns that true generosity is lending to God, as his act of giving his last coin to a beggar results in a miraculous reward that saves his family and leads to his spiritual conversion.
Literary taleNail
A merchant's refusal to address a small problem with his horse's horseshoe leads to the animal's injury, forcing him to carry his heavy goods home on foot and arrive much later than if he had stopped for repairs.
Literary taleDamn cart
A grieving widow attempting suicide is deceived by demons disguised as her deceased husband and companions, but she is saved at the last moment by making the sign of the cross, leading her to dedicate her life to God.
Folk taleBlister, Straw, and Coal
A boastful bubble, accompanied by a straw and a coal, attempts an epic journey that ends in immediate disaster due to their inherent physical limitations and lack of foresight.
Literary taleSun, Frost, and Wind
A peasant's simple greeting to the natural elements sparks a dispute among the Sun, Frost, and Wind, revealing how human actions can be misinterpreted by powerful forces who compete for dominance rather than seeking harmony.
Literary taleThe Frog King, or Iron Henry
A princess learns the importance of keeping her promises when a frog she dismisses after he retrieves her golden ball turns out to be an enchanted prince, leading to his liberation and their union.
Folk taleNot curious
A seemingly foolish and physically imperfect youngest brother uses his wit and a tall tale to outsmart a stubborn guardian, securing fire for his family while proving that cleverness triumphs over physical ability or conventional intelligence.
Literary taleLittle Red Riding Hood
A young girl's disobedience and naivety lead her into danger when she strays from the path to talk to a wolf, resulting in tragedy that is only reversed by the intervention of a skilled hunter.