Around the World

4.81

This Japanese story explains why the chrysanthemum – a hugely adored flower of the Orient – has so many petals. It is thanks to a mother who saved her sick child with her wit.

Chilean Legend

The Origin of Fire

4.81

Based on a legend from South America, this story shows the lives of people back in the days when they didn’t know fire and tells of how it was eventually discovered.

Short stories

Polish Legend

The Wawel Dragon

4.81

This Polish legend tells about Wawel Hill, under which a terrible dragon settled and ravaged the whole countryside. However, the people eventually managed to defeat the dragon, thanks to the ingenuity of an ordinary shoemaker.

Short stories

Finnish Tale

The Princess Who Looked for Her Brothers

4.8

This Finnish tale is about a brave princess who chooses to look for her brothers, long ago expelled from the kingdom. The story emphasizes sibling love and dedication, but also the importance of forgiveness.

Korean Tale

The Hare’s Liver

4.8

Never trust anyone whose intentions you don’t know. This Korean folk tale is about a hare whose life is saved thanks to its wits and imagination.

Norwegian Tale

The Northern Wind

4.79

When the Northern wind blows away all the food from Olaf and his mother’s pantry, Olaf sets out in search of it. He doesn't get the food back, but the Northern wind does give him a magical gift. However, a greedy innkeeper begins to encroach on the rare gift, too. Will Olaf eventually get justice?

Korean Tale

The Blacksmith and the Carpenter

4.79

If we want to be successful, we need to think through our plans well. After a short visit in a village, a noble scholar decided to move in. But because of his impulsive decision, he found out too late about the unbearable noise coming from the workshops next to his house. He decided to get rid of his neighbours with a trick. However, his bad intentions brought him bad results.

Korean Tale

Miss Mole’s Husband

4.78

The tale of a mole searching far and wide for the world’s most worthy husband for his daughter. His new son-in-law surprises not only the mole, but it will surprise you as well!

Estonian Tale

The Magic Boots

This story tells us that having a kind heart and keeping your promises always pays off. When the poor boy keeps his promise to the old man, he is given a pair of magic shoes, a bag full of money, and a golden castle. Despite the fact that his rich landlord tries to steal the wealth from him, everything turns out well eventually.

Indian Tale

The Cunning Heron and the Crayfish

This story is rather old but the lesson not to trust promises that seem too sweet is still valid. When the old heron can no longer hunt on its own, it comes up with a plan to get food with no effort. Many naïve pond residents pay for it with their lives. Only the careful crayfish uncovers the heron’s true intentions and saves its own life.

African Tale

The Lion and the Cunning Jackal

In this African fairy tale, an old jackal gets into trouble. In the end, however, he overcomes fear and manages to trick the mighty lion.

Russian Tale

The Hatchet Porridge

Have you ever eaten hatchet porridge? You’ve never heard of it? In this Russian tale you will not only find out how to cook this unusual dish, but you’ll also find out how an old, hungry soldier managed to get the better of a mean, stingy old lady.

African Tale

The Black and Red Sweater

4.74

Sometimes even small misunderstandings can end a friendship. This is what the two inseparable friends in this African story learn when a cunning traveller tricks them.

Brothers Grimm

The Elves and the Shoemaker

4.74

In this traditional fairy tale, you will read about an extraordinary thing that happened to a poor, ordinary shoemaker. Read on to discover what magic took place in his workshop and enjoy this story of kindness, generosity and mutual help.

African Tale

The Dragons and the Crows

4.73

One can fix mistakes and bad decisions with determination. The ruler of the crows makes a fateful decision, upending the lives of his subjects. All the crows have to leave their city, which is then occupied by dragons. Eventually, he comes up with a plan to return all the crows back home.

Dominican Tale

The King’s Tower

4.71

The desire for fame can easily keep us from using our common sense. The wasteful king decides that he wants to touch the moon. He calls the royal carpenter and orders him to build a tower so high that when he climbs all the way to the top, he will be able to touch the moon. However, his obsession eventually proves fatal.

Native American Tale

Iktomi and Muskrat

4.71

Iktomi is a Dakota Native American, a lazy trickster, who is hiding with a pot of soup. When a friend comes by, instead of sharing the soup he tries to trick him with a race. But tricks don’t always work!

Italian Tale

Vardiello and the Hen

4.71

Vardiello isn’t a very clever son, but he thinks he is. When his mother leaves him alone in the house he gets into deeper and deeper trouble. Find out how a hen led to him hiding in the oven!