Johann H
Fairy tales have been a cherished part of childhood for generations as they teach morality, the triumph of good over evil, and the beauty of imagination. While classics like “Cinderella” and “Snow White” steal the spotlight, countless enchanting tales await their moment to shine. Many of these stories are tucked away in dusty books or forgotten by modern society. That said, we revisit 15 forgotten fairy tales so you can retell the legendary stories to your children or read them yourself.
The Tinderbox (Danish)
The Tinderbox is a story written by Hans Christian Andersen about a soldier who acquires a magical tinderbox that summons three powerful dogs. With their help, he gains wealth and power, eventually marrying a princess. The tale teaches you about fate, greed, and the consequences of one’s choices.
The Mouse, The Bird, and The Sausage (Germany)
A Brothers Grimm tale, this story features an odd trio: a mouse, a bird, and a sausage, who share household chores. When they swap tasks, chaos ensues, which leads to tragic consequences. The story teaches a dark lesson about the dangers of disrupting a well-functioning system.
The Magic Fishbone (Britan)
From the mind of Charles Dickens comes The Magic Fishbone. It tells the tale of Princess Alicia, an ordinary princess who is gifted a magic fishbone by a kind fairy. This fishbone can grant any wish, but only if used at the perfect moment. However, knowing when that moment is is challenging, revealing that true magic sometimes lies beyond spells.
Thumbelina (Denmark)
“Thumbelina” is the tale of a tiny girl who emerges from a tulip after a woman plants a magical seed. This minuscule girl is then kidnapped by a toad who wants her to marry his son. Thumbelina goes on adventures involving marriage-minded toads, moles, and insects before finding love with a prince her size.
Tatterhood (Norway)
A queen, desperate for a child, follows a beggar woman’s advice and gives birth to two daughters: one wild and unconventional, Tatterhood, and the other fair and sweet. Tatterhood defends her sister from trolls, restores her sister’s head, and ultimately reveals her true beauty through her courage and wit.
The Princess and the Pea (Denmark)
A prince searching for a true princess finally finds her when a rain-soaked woman seeks refuge at his castle. The queen tests her by placing a pea under twenty mattresses. The following morning, the woman complains of discomfort, proving her sensitivity and royal lineage. Realizing that she is an actual princess, the prince marries her.
Hansel and Gretel (Germany)
Abandoned in the forest by their cruel stepmother, Hansel and Gretel come across a candy house owned by a wicked witch. The witch captures them, but Gretel cleverly tricks her into the oven. After finding a stash of treasure in the witch’s house, the children return home to a joyful reunion with their father.
The Blue Belt (Norway)
A beggar’s son finds a magical blue belt that grants him immense strength. He uses this power to overcome several challenges, rescue a princess, and reclaim his belt after his mother and a troll betray him. Ultimately, he finds and marries the princess. There are plenty of lessons to be learned from this old tale.
The Twelve Dancing Princesses (Germany)
The German fairy tale tells of twelve princesses who wear out their shoes every night. A young soldier discovers their secret: they sneak off to a hidden realm to dance. This tale is a mix of mystery and perseverance as the soldier uncovers their nightly escapades and earns a royal reward.
The Devil with The Three Golden Hairs (Germany)
The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs tells of a boy abandoned by a wicked king who is destined to marry the king’s daughter. After surviving various plots against him, including retrieving three golden hairs from the Devil, the boy wins the princess and outsmarts the king, who ends up as a ferry worker.
East of the Sun and West of the Moon (Norway)
A Norwegian fairy tale about a peasant girl who marries a prince cursed to live as a bear by day. She embarks on a perilous journey to a far-off castle to save him. East of the Sun and West of the Moon is a combination of adventure and romance that emphasizes determination and bravery.
The Wild Swans (Denmark)
Hans Christian Andersen has written many popular stories, such as The Little Mermaid. But this is one of his lesser-known tales. It’s about a princess who must save her eleven brothers, who have been transformed into swans by their evil stepmother. The princess silently weaves nettle shirts to break the curse, enduring pain and sacrifice.
The Seven Ravens (Germany)
Here is another forgotten story from the Brothers Grimm. It’s almost the same as The Wild Swans but with ravens. This story tells of a girl who journeys to save her seven brothers, who have been transformed into ravens. Her quest tests her courage and resolve, ultimately leading to a reunion with her brothers.
The White Snake (Germany)
The White Snake is about a servant who gains the ability to understand animals after eating a piece of a white snake. His newfound power leads him on adventures, and he eventually becomes a king. The tale is a lesson in the virtues of kindness and understanding.
King Thrushbeard (Germany)
A Brothers Grimm story about a proud princess who mocks her suitors, including King Thrushbeard. She is forced to marry a beggar, who is actually the king in disguise. Through hardship, she learns humility and respect, eventually reconciles with King Thrushbeard, and finds true happiness.
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