ATU 244A is an animal tale originating from Russia, about the seemingly never-ending courtship between a crane and a heron, who are each constantly changing their minds about marriage.

The Crane and the Heron

“The Crane and the Heron." The falcon under the hat: Russian merry tales and fairy tales, Selected and translated by Guy Daniels, New York: Funk & Wagnalls; 1969, pp. 21-23.

Tale Summary A Crane and a Heron lived in a swamp, each having nests on opposite ends. One day, tired of living alone, the Crane decided to propose to Miss Heron. She turned him down, saying his legs were spindly and his flying poor. He went home dejected, but she...