How the Hermit Helped to Win the King's Daughter facts for kids

How the Hermit Helped to Win the King's Daughter is an exciting Italian fairy tale. It was first collected by Laura Gonzenbach in her book Sicilianische Märchen. Later, the famous author Andrew Lang included it in his popular collection, The Pink Fairy Book. This story teaches us about kindness, cleverness, and the power of friendship.

The King's Big Challenge

Once upon a time, a rich man passed away, leaving all his property to his three sons. In the same land, the king made a special announcement. He promised his daughter's hand in marriage to anyone who could build a unique ship. This ship had to be able to travel both over land and across the sea. It was a very difficult challenge!

The Older Brothers' Failure

The oldest son decided to try first. He started building a ship, but he was not very kind. When old men came to him, begging for work, he sent them all away. He spent all his money on the project. Sadly, a big storm came and completely destroyed his ship. The second son then tried his luck. He also ended up failing in the same way, losing all his money and his ship.

The Youngest Son's Kindness

The youngest son was not as rich as his brothers. He knew he needed to try the challenge to help support his family. Unlike his brothers, he was very kind and hired everyone who asked for work. Among them was a small, old man with a long white beard. This was the same man his brothers had turned away. The youngest son even made this old man his overseer, trusting him to help manage the building of the ship. This kind old man was actually a holy hermit.

A Magical Ship is Built

With the hermit's help, the ship was finished. It was truly special, ready to travel anywhere. The hermit then told the youngest son to go and claim the princess. The son was grateful and asked the hermit to stay with him. The hermit agreed, but asked for half of everything the son received. The son happily agreed to this deal.

Gathering Special Friends

As the youngest son and the hermit traveled, they met some very unusual people. Each person had an amazing, magical ability. The hermit suggested that the son invite each of them to join their journey.

• They met a man who could put thick fog into a small sack.
• Next, they found a man who could tear up entire trees with his bare hands.
• Then, they met a man who could drink a whole stream completely dry.
• They also found a man who could shoot a quail even if it was hiding in the Underworld.
• Finally, they came across a man whose steps were so long he could walk across an entire island in just one stride.

These special friends would prove to be very helpful!

The King's Tricky Tests

The king was not eager to give his daughter to a stranger. So, he decided to give the youngest son some impossible tasks. He wanted to test the son and his companions.

The Underworld Message

First, the king ordered the son to take a message to the Underworld and bring back a reply. He had to do this in just one hour! The long-legged man, with his giant strides, quickly took the message. But when he reached the Underworld, he fell asleep. The man who could shoot then used his amazing skill. He shot the long-legged man, waking him up instantly. This allowed him to get the reply and return just in time!

Drinking the Cellar Dry

Next, the king demanded that one man drink half of his entire wine cellar dry in a single day. The man who could drink a stream dry stepped forward. To everyone's surprise, he drank not just half, but the entire cellar dry! The king was amazed by these incredible feats.

A Surprising Ending

After these challenges, the king finally agreed to the marriage. However, he was still a bit tricky. He promised only a small dowry (money or goods given to the bride) – only as much as one man could carry. He thought it would be too little for a princess.

The Treasure and the Escape

But the strong man, who could tear up trees, stepped forward. He carried off every single piece of treasure the king owned! The king was furious and chased after them. That's when the man with the fog sack helped. He released the fog, creating a thick mist that allowed the son and his friends to escape safely.

The Hermit's Final Lesson

Back home, the son began to divide the gold with the hermit, as they had agreed. But the hermit pointed out that the son had also gained the king's daughter. The son, thinking of their agreement, drew his sword, ready to cut the princess in pieces to share her. But the wise hermit stopped him! He gave the son back all the treasure and the princess, too. The hermit promised to come to the son's aid whenever he might need help in the future. It was a final lesson about true value and kindness.