Friday’s Tale: The Story of the Three Little Pigs by Joseph Jacobs

"The Story of the Three Little Pigs" by Joseph Jacobs I thought I knew the story of the Three Little Pigs. They each build a house, the wolf blows down the first two and those pigs run and join the third in his brick house that the wolf can't destroy. Not exactly. It's true, the three little pigs leave home to make their ways in the world. Three is a common number in fairy tales by the way, with the "Three Billy Goats Gruff" coming to mind quickly. Anyway, the first pig meets a man who gives him straw to build a house. After he builds it along comes the wolf. Politely the wolf first knocks. "Little pig, little pig, let me come in." To which the pig answered: "No, ...
Read More

Friday’s Tale: Bearskin by The Brothers Grimm

"Bearskin" by The Brothers Grimm A pact with the Devil always seems like a bad idea, but people still do it time and again. The main character in this story is a former soldier who now can find no job and has been abandoned by his family. While he is sitting in a circle of trees feeling sorry for himself , he is approached by the Devil, dressed in a green coat. The Devil proposed a deal. He will give the man possessions and wealth, as much as he wants, but of course there's a condition. "I see quite well," said the stranger, "that thou art not wanting in courage, but there is still another condition which thou wilt have to fulfil." "If it does not endanger my salvation," ...
Read More

Friday’s Tale: Vasilissa the Beautiful

"Vasilissa the Beautiful" Baba Yaga is a witch-like character from Slavic folklore that I don't remember from the fairy tales I heard as a child. Actually the first picture I have in my mind is from when I was watching the PBS cartoon Arthur with Amber a few years ago. I don't remember the plot of the episode, but for some reason one of the kids was imagining Baba Yaga's hut, complete with its chicken legs. Actually, Baba Yaga is a rather scary old woman. Apparently there are many tales that feature her, but the one I read for today is "Vasilissa the Beautiful." As happens to so many beautiful young fairy tale women, Vasilissa's mother dies early in the story. On her deathbed, she gives Vasilissa a little wooden doll. This wooden doll is magic. When Vasilissa feeds her, she comes alive, listens to Vasilissa's griefs and problems, and offers advice and assistance. Eventually, Vasilissa's father remarries and, surprise, surprise, the...
Read More