The Raven (Italian fairy tale) facts for kids

The Raven is an old Italian fairy tale written by Giambattista Basile. It was published in his book Pentamerone in 1634. This story is about a brave brother who helps his king brother find a wife. Then, he has to protect the royal couple from dangers. The tricky part is, he can't tell anyone about these dangers, or he will turn to stone!

This tale is known as Aarne-Thompson-Uther Index type 516. This is a way to classify different types of folk tales. Other stories like this one include Trusty John and Father Roquelaure. What makes The Raven special is that the main helper is the king's brother, not a servant.

The Story of The Raven

A King's Dream Wife

Once, there was a king named Milluccio. He saw a dead raven lying on a white stone. The raven was black, and its blood was red. This made the king imagine his perfect wife: as black as the raven, as red as its blood, and as white as the stone. He thought about her so much that he became very ill.

His brother, Jennariello, noticed how sick Milluccio was. He kept asking until Milluccio finally told him about his dream wife. Jennariello decided to help his brother.

The Search for Liviella

Jennariello set off on a ship. During his journey, he bought a beautiful falcon and a magnificent horse. Along the way, a beggar convinced Jennariello to share his story. The beggar then went to a magician's house. There, Jennariello saw the magician's daughter, Liviella. She looked exactly like the woman King Milluccio had dreamed of!

Jennariello disguised himself as a peddler, someone who sells small goods. He showed Liviella pretty hoods and handkerchiefs. He then persuaded her to come to his ship to see even better items. Once she was on board, he sailed away with her. Liviella was very upset at first. But Jennariello explained everything. He described his brother, the king, so well that Liviella became excited to meet him.

Hidden Dangers on the Journey

During their sea voyage, two doves flew near the ship. Jennariello overheard them talking. One dove warned the other about three dangers that would face King Milluccio:

• The falcon Jennariello bought would try to peck out Milluccio's eyes the first time it saw him. If Jennariello warned the king or didn't bring the bird, he would turn to stone.
• The horse would break Milluccio's neck the first time he rode it. If Jennariello warned the king or didn't bring the horse, he would turn to stone.
• A dragon would try to eat Milluccio and Liviella on their wedding night. If Jennariello warned them or didn't bring Liviella, he would turn to stone.

Jennariello's Sacrifice

When they arrived, Jennariello brought the horse and the falcon to his brother. To protect Milluccio, Jennariello quickly killed both animals right away.

On the wedding night, Jennariello secretly went into the royal bedroom with a sword. He fought the dragon to protect the king and Liviella. But when King Milluccio woke up, the dragon disappeared. The king thought Jennariello was attacking him! Milluccio had Jennariello arrested as a traitor and sentenced him to die the next day.

Jennariello wanted his brother to know he was innocent before he died. He told Milluccio the whole story about the doves and the dangers. As he finished speaking, Jennariello turned into a stone statue, just as the doves had warned.

A Father's Test and Restoration

Liviella later gave birth to twin sons. One day, while she was out, an old man visited King Milluccio. He asked the king what he would give to bring his brother back to life. Milluccio said he would give his entire kingdom. The old man then said that lives were needed. Milluccio offered his own life.

Finally, the old man said that the lives of his sons were needed. Milluccio, desperate to save his brother, agreed. Jennariello was restored to life. When Liviella returned and saw her sons were gone, she was heartbroken. She went to the window, planning to throw herself out.

But the old man, who was actually Liviella's father, stopped her. He explained that he had been testing them all for their past actions. He said the punishment had been enough. Then, he brought the twin babies back to life! Everyone was reunited and happy.