East o' the Sun and West o' the Moon : $b with other Norwegian folk tales
"East O' the Sun and West O' the Moon" by Gudrun Thorne-Thomsen is a collection of Norwegian folk tales, retold and illustrated, likely written in the early 20th century. The book presents various enchanting stories from Norwegian folklore, exploring themes of love, adventure, and the struggle against magical adversities. One of the most prominent tales follows a poor woodcutter's youngest daughter who embarks on a journey to rescue a prince from a wicked curse while encountering fantastical creatures and breathtaking landscapes along the way. At the start of the story, we meet a humble woodcutter who struggles to provide for his many children, particularly his youngest daughter, who is exceptionally beautiful. On a stormy evening, a talking White Bear appears at their window, offering riches in exchange for the daughter's hand. Initially refusing, the daughter secretly decides to uphold the Bear's offer and bravely rides away with him into a magnificent enchanted castle where she wishes to know more about the mysterious figure who shares her living space each night. However, her curiosity leads to complications, and she learns that the Bear is actually a prince under a witch's curse, setting the stage for her perilous quest to save him from his plight. This tale serves as an introduction to a richly woven tapestry of stories filled with magic and moral lessons.