ATU 425 - The Search for the Lost Husband

Tale Summary Once upon a time there lived a poor tenant who had many children but no money to feed and clothe them. One Thursday evening, a white bear knocked on the door and asked for the man’s youngest daughter (who was the most lovely) in exchange for great riches...

Tale Summary One day, a king’s daughter became lost in a wood, and found an iron stove which contained a prince who was enchanted by an old witch and was condemned to spend his life there. The princess heard a voice come from the stove which promised to guide her...

Tale Summary Once upon a time there was a poor woman named Sabatella who longed for a child. Her husband, Cola-Mattheo brought a baby snake home, who asked her to mother him. The snake grew bigger and bigger under her care, and one day told Cola-Mattheo about his desire to...

Tale Summary There was once a King of Ireland who had three lovely daughters. One day, the King playfully asked his girls who they would like to marry. While two speak of high class gentlemen, the youngest said that she would marry the Brown Bear of Norroway, for she had...

Tale Summary There once was a merchant who wished to see his only daughter, Betta, married, but she would not consent. One day, he asked his daughter what she would like him to bring back from the fair. She asked for half a hundredweight of Palermo sugar, the same amount...

Tale Summary Once upon a time, there was a poor gardener’s wife named Sapatella who longed for a son. When her husband, named Cola Matteo, one day brought home a bundle of sticks and they found a little snake inside, she despaired that even snakes had children, but not her...

Tale Summary Once upon a time there was a king with three daughters, the youngest of whom was the most beautiful and gentle girl ever seen but the older two rather ugly and proud. One night, the three were talking about who they might marry. The two oldest would not...