**Please use your own judgement before sharing these stories with children. Although I do my best to keep the language friendly, the content may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Synopsis

A poor man, named Masaniello, is desperate for a way to support his wife and twelve daughters. One day he comes across a cave in which dwells an extremely large lizard who offers him a deal: give her his youngest daughter or his life. She promises that no harm will come to the girl, and he will be richly rewarded. He then returns home and pours out his sorrows to his wife, who advises him to trust the lizard. So he does.

The Lizard, true to her word, raises Renzola in a beautiful palace.

One night, the king of the country arrives at the palace and requests lodging for the night. The lizard, now revealed to be a kind fairy, welcomes him in. Immediately, he is taken with Renzola, and the following day the fairy happily agrees to the match.

Despite her years of kindness, Renzola leaves without a word of thanks to the fairy. Disappointed and hurt by the lack of gratitude, the fairy transforms Renzola’s head into that of a goat.

Upon arrival at his palace, the king hides her away in a turret. Not understanding this sudden change of heart, Renzola seeks help from the fairy who gladly gives it. Once again, Renzola neglects to show her gratitude.

Eventually, an old guard shows her the truth of her face and the error of her ways. She makes amends with the fairy, who then restores her face.

Renzola returns to her husband and they live happily ever after.

Poll/Question/Links

Questions or Comments?

Book

The Grey Fairy Book by Andrew Lang

Music

"Princess (Instrumental Version)" by Josh Woodward.

Free download: https://www.joshwoodward.com/

**Please use your own judgement before sharing these stories with children. Although I do my best to keep the language friendly, the content may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Synopsis

After his father loses their fortune, young Fortunatus decides to help. He sets out and quickly finds employment as a page. Another page, jealous of Fortunatus’ success and eager to be rid of him, tells him that he has fallen out of favor. Believing him, Fortunatus packs up and leaves, travelling from town to town, and becoming penniless.

Soon enough, he finds himself lost in a dense wood, until a mysterious lady appears. She gifts him with a magical money purse that would perpetually contain 10 gold pieces for him and his children.

Finally out of the woods, Fortunatus tests his gift, indeed finding 10 gold pieces inside.

A year passes and Fortunatus remembers his parents. He decides it is time to travel back to them. He contracts a more experienced traveler to accompany him on the journey home. Before leaving, they stop at the companion’s home to visit with his wife and children. Fortunatus is immediately smitten with the man’s youngest daughter and they are married.

Arriving home, Fortunatus learns of his parents passing and mourns for quite some time. Eventually wanderlust sets in and his wife agrees to let him go.

During his extended travels he gains the favor of a Sultan, who shows him his most prized possession: an enchanted cap which can transport the wearer wherever they wish to go. Without thinking Fortunatus uses the cap to return home.

With his magic purse and enchanted cap, Fortunatus and his family live out the rest of their days in comfort.

Poll/Question/Links

Questions or Comments?

Book

The Grey Fairy Book by Andrew Lang

Music

"Princess (Instrumental Version)" by Josh Woodward.

Free download: https://www.joshwoodward.com/

**Please use your own judgement before sharing these stories with children. Although I do my best to keep the language friendly, the content may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Synopsis

A thief and a liar meet and partner up to make their fortunes. They travel to neighboring kingdoms where the Thief repeatedly gains an audience with the king, to whom he makes an outlandish claim and bets a sum of money that it is true. The king’s man who is sent to verify the tale then comes across the Liar, who confirms the Thief’s claim, winning him the bet.

After a number of successful cons, the Thief and the Liar split the money and part ways.

Time passes, and the Liar discovers that the money was not split evenly. When he goes to claim the money he is owed, the Thief tells him to return another day. Twice the Liar returns, and twice the Thief plays dead. The third time the Liar returns, the pair find themselves entangled in an adventure which leaves them to split yet another fortune before parting ways for good.

Poll/Question/Links

Questions or Comments?

Book

The Grey Fairy Book by Andrew Lang

Music

"Princess (Instrumental Version)" by Josh Woodward.

Free download: https://www.joshwoodward.com/