akorn - Mighty Old Tales Retold

The Crumbs on the Table

A countryman said one day to his little puppies, "Come into the parlor and enjoy yourselves, and pick up the bread crumbs on the table; your mistress has gone out to pay some visits."

The Peasant and the Devil

There was once upon a time a far-sighted, crafty peasant whose tricks were much talked about. The best story is how he once got hold of the Devil...

The Spindle, the Shuttle, and the Needle

There was once a girl whose father and mother died while she was still a little child. All alone, in a small house at the end of the village, dwelt her godmother, who supported herself by spinning, weaving, and sewing. 

The Hare and the Hedgehog

This story, my dear young folks, seems to be false, but really is true, for my grandfather, from whom I have it, used always, when relating it, to say complacently, "It must be true my son, or else no one could tell it to you."

The True Bride

There was once upon a time a girl who was young and beautiful, but she had lost her mother when she was quite a child, and her stepmother did all she could to make the girl's life wretched. 

The Poor Boy in the Grave

There was once a poor shepherd boy whose father and mother were dead, and he was placed by the authorities in the house of a rich man, who was to feed him and bring him up. The man and his wife, however, had bad hearts...

The Nail

A merchant had done good business at the fair; he had sold his wares, and lined his moneybags with gold and silver. Then he wanted to travel homewards, and be in his own house before nightfall.

The Giant and the Tailor

A certain tailor who was great at boasting but ill at doing, took it into his head to go abroad for awhile, and look about the world.

The Little Folks' Presents

A tailor and a goldsmith were traveling together, and one evening when the sun had sunk behind the mountains, they heard the sound of distant music, which become more and more distinct. It sounded strange, but so pleasant that they forgot all their weariness...

The Nix of the Millpond

There was once upon a time a miller who lived with his wife in great contentment. They had money and land and their prosperity increased year by year more and more. But ill luck comes like a thief in the night...