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Fairy tales -- India Books
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Indian Fairy Tales
"Indian Fairy Tales" by Joseph Jacobs is a collection of folk stories compiled and edited in the late 19th century. The book encompasses a variety of tales that highlight the rich cultural tapestry and storytelling traditions of India, featuring themes of magic, moral lessons, and the exploits of clever protagonists, including princes, animals, and spirits. The opening portion of the collection introduces readers to a selection of tales, starting with the story of "The Lion and the Crane," where the crane helps a lion with a thorn in his throat, only to face ingratitude from the lion later. It sets the stage for the whimsical and thoughtful nature of this anthology. Another tale features a raja's son who defies his mother's warnings, seeks out the enchanting Princess Labam, and faces numerous challenges, including the help of new friends like ants and tigers. These stories explore the importance of wisdom, kindness, and the consequences of one's actions, preparing the reader for the moral undercurrents that will run throughout Jacobs' enchanting collection.
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Indian Fairy Tales
"Indian Fairy Tales" by Maive Stokes is a collection of folk tales translated and compiled in the late 19th century. The stories originate from various Indian traditions, recounting moral lessons, magical adventures, and the cultural beliefs of the region. Each tale is characterized by its rich imagery and fantastical elements, often featuring animals, royalty, and divine beings. The opening of the collection introduces the context of the stories, highlighting how they were told to the young collector by her ayahs and servants in Calcutta and Simla. It emphasizes the authenticity of the tales, which were initially narrated in Hindústání and then carefully transcribed. The first story, "Phúlmati Rání," tells of a beautiful princess whose weight is equivalent to a single flower, exploring themes of love and divine intervention as she seeks a suitable partner. The narrative unfolds with challenges involving supernatural elements, showcasing the whimsical nature of Indian folklore. Overall, this introduction establishes a foundation for the enchanting stories that follow, inviting readers into a world brimming with imagination and cultural richness.
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Old Deccan Days; or, Hindoo Fairy Legends Current in Southern India
"Old Deccan Days; or, Hindoo Fairy Legends Current in Southern India" by Mary Frere et al. is a collection of fairy tales rooted in Indian oral tradition, compiled in the late 19th century. The book draws on various local legends and folklore from Southern India, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and storytelling practices of the region. It presents a plethora of enchanting narratives that feature unique characters, moral lessons, and supernatural elements characteristic of Indian fairy tales. The opening portion of this collection sets the stage with a detailed introduction and the stories of the narrator, Anna Liberata de Souza. It shares her personal background, detailing her family's Christian conversion and their historical context during colonial times in India. The narrative then transitions into the tales themselves, beginning with "Punchkin," which tells the tale of a Rajah's seven daughters and their struggle against a cruel stepmother. As they face adversity, they encounter magic and the supernatural, embodying the themes of resilience and the triumph of good over evil that are prevalent in traditional fairy tales. This introductory section establishes a strong connection to the customs, beliefs, and experiences of the people in the Deccan, entwining personal and cultural histories with the art of storytelling.
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Twenty-Two Goblins
"Twenty-Two Goblins" by Arthur W. Ryder is a translation of a classic collection of tales from Sanskrit literature, written during the late 19th century. The book presents a series of intriguing stories steeped in moral lessons, frame narratives, and riddle-like questioning. Central to the narrative is King Triple-victory, who becomes embroiled in fantastical tales told by a goblin he is compelled to carry, with each story posing a moral dilemma or puzzle that the king must resolve. The opening portion of the work introduces the setting, revealing a mythical kingdom where the wise King Triple-victory unwittingly engages with a goblin after accidentally setting it free. The goblin's tales commence with a complex story about a prince's romantic misadventures that ultimately lead to misery and loss for several characters. The king's task, as demanded by the goblin, is to discern blame among the involved parties in the tale. This initial story sets the tone for the following narratives, which revolve around the interplay of duty, love, ethics, and destiny as the goblin leads the king on a journey filled with engaging characters and moral quandaries.
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Twenty-Two Goblins. Translated from the Sanskrit
"Twenty-Two Goblins" translated from the Sanskrit by Ryder and Nahl is a collection of tales from India originally written in Sanskrit. A legendary king must capture a cunning vetala—a spirit inhabiting dead bodies—who hangs from a tree. Each time the king seizes the creature, it tells a story ending with a riddle. If the king answers correctly, the vetala escapes back to its tree. Through twenty-four captures and escapes, the king faces an ultimate test that reveals a darker plot threatening his life.
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The Magic Bed: A Book of East Indian Fairy-Tales
"The Magic Bed: A Book of East Indian Fairy-Tales" by James and Neill is a collection of enchanting stories drawn from East Indian folklore, likely written during the early 20th century. This beautifully illustrated book features five delightful tales that explore themes of adventure, magic, and morality, showcasing the vibrant traditions of Indian storytelling. The stories within this collection include "The Magic Bed," where a young prince embarks on a quest for love aided by a magical bed and the wisdom of animals, as well as "The Wise Jackal," which follows two princesses who run away from home and are helped by a clever jackal. Other tales such as "The Four Brothers," "The Fish Prince," and "The Talking Turtle" offer captivating plots filled with transformational magic, animal companions, and the triumph of good over evil. Each story imparts valuable life lessons wrapped in a sense of whimsy and adventure, making it a charming read for both children and adults alike.
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Kuninkaallinen lootus : $b Ynnä muita intialaisia satuja
"Kuninkaallinen lootus: Ynnä muita intialaisia satuja" by Anonymous is a collection of Indian fairy tales written in the early 20th century. The book presents enchanting stories that often feature elements of magical realism, including mystical characters, challenges to overcome, and the triumph of good over evil. The themes are deeply rooted in traditional folklore, capturing the essence of moral lessons and cultural values. The collection includes several tales, the first being about two princesses, Gulga and Kandra, who escape their cruel stepmother and find refuge in an abandoned castle belonging to a giant. As they settle into their new home, their lives take a dramatic turn when Gulga is captured by a prince, leading Kandra on a desperate journey to find her sister. In the second story, "Lingo and the Giant," a young boy named Lingo is raised by animals in the forest and, through his adventures, leads his brothers to capture a giant's daughters. Finally, the story of the "Brilliant Princess" follows a prince who seeks the ethereal beauty of Princess Labam, with the help of magical beings and his ingenuity. Each tale weaves together themes of love, courage, and magic, highlighting the richness of Indian storytelling traditions.
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