The Girl Who Trod on the Loaf

“The Girl Who Trod on the Loaf.” Scandinavian folk & fairy tales: tales from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, edited by Claire Booss, New York: Avenel Books, 1984, pp. 393-398.

Tale Summary There was once a poor girl with a bad disposition named Ingé, who often got away with cruel things because she was pretty. At her mother’s request she was taken to the house of some rich people who treated her as their own child, which only increased her...

The Swan Maiden

“The Swan Maiden.” Scandinavian folk & fairy tales: tales from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, edited by Claire Booss, New York: Avenel Books, 1984, pp. 248-250.

Tale Summary One day, a young hunter saw three swans fly by and settle down near him. He was astonished to find that the three swans removed their feathery attire, and revealed themselves to be dazzlingly beautiful maidens. He watched as they bathed, and then donned their feathery garb again,...

The Mouse Bride

“The Mouse Bride.” Scandinavian folk & fairy tales: tales from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, edited by Claire Booss, New York: Avenel Books, 1984, pp. 541-547.

Tale Summary There was once a laborer named Pekka, who went to talk to an old Lapland woman to hear his fortune. She told him that he would have three sons, and when each was born he should plant a tree bearing the name of the child. When they were...

East of the Sun and West of the Moon

“East of the Sun and West of the Moon.” Scandinavian folk & fairy tales: tales from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, edited by Claire Booss, New York: Avenel Books, 1984, pp. 63-71.

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...