Lord Peter (fairy tale) facts for kids

Lord Peter or Squire Per is a fun fairy tale from Norway. It was collected by two famous storytellers, Asbjørnsen and Moe. This tale is known as Aarne-Thompson type 545B, which is a way experts classify different kinds of folk stories. It's a story about a young man, a clever cat, and how they find their fortune.

The Start of the Adventure: Three Brothers

Once upon a time, there was a family with three sons. Sadly, their parents passed away. They left their sons only a few simple things: a cooking pot, a griddle for baking, and a cat.

What Did Each Brother Choose?

The two older brothers quickly chose the pot and the griddle. They thought these items would be useful for trading or lending to get food. But the youngest brother, named Peter, was different. He worried about the cat. He knew if he didn't take her, she would be left alone and might starve. So, Peter chose the cat. After making their choices, all three brothers set out to find their own way in the world.

Peter and the Clever Cat

Peter and his cat began their journey. The cat was very smart and knew how to hunt. She would catch game, like birds or small animals. Then, she would tell Peter to take these gifts to the king. Peter would present them as presents from "Lord Peter." The king was very impressed by these gifts and the mysterious "Lord Peter."

A Royal Invitation

The king became curious about this "Lord Peter." He decided he wanted to meet him! First, the king invited Lord Peter to visit him. Peter was worried because he didn't have fancy clothes or a coach. He told the cat he was in trouble. But the cat was prepared! She magically provided him with fine clothes and a grand coach. Peter was able to visit the king in style.

The King's Return Visit

After their meeting, the king declared that he wanted to go home with Lord Peter! This made Peter even more nervous. He didn't have a castle or a grand estate. Again, he told the cat about his problem. The clever cat went ahead of them.

The Cat's Smart Plan

As the cat traveled, she met many people along the way. She bribed them, giving them something in exchange for their help. She told them to say that all their animals and lands belonged to "Lord Peter." So, when the king and Peter passed by, they saw many flocks of sheep and cattle. Everyone told the king that these belonged to Lord Peter. The king was very impressed, thinking Lord Peter was incredibly wealthy!

Facing the Troll

Finally, Peter and the king arrived at a huge castle. This castle actually belonged to a scary troll. Luckily, the troll was not home when they arrived, so they went inside.

Outsmarting the Troll

When the troll returned, the clever cat was ready. She started telling the troll a long, exciting story. She kept the troll busy and distracted with her tale. She talked and talked until the sun began to rise. Trolls are creatures of the night. When the sunlight hit the troll, it burst into pieces! The cat had saved Peter and the king from the dangerous troll.

The Cat's Secret and a Happy Ending

After the troll was gone, the cat told Peter that everything in the castle was now his. But she had one strange request. She asked Peter to cut off her head. Peter was shocked and refused. He couldn't imagine harming his loyal friend.

A Princess Revealed

However, the cat insisted. She even threatened to claw his eyes out if he didn't do it! Peter, though very reluctant, finally agreed. The moment he cut off her head, something amazing happened. The cat transformed! She became a beautiful princess.

She explained that the castle had belonged to her parents. A wicked troll had used magic to turn her into a cat. Now that the troll was defeated, she was free. The princess then asked Peter if he would marry her. Peter was delighted and agreed. They held a grand wedding, and Peter and the princess lived happily ever after in the castle.