Summary:
"The Grey Fairy Book" by Andrew Lang is a collection of fairy tales written in the early 20th century, specifically around the turn of the century. This anthology features a variety of stories sourced from different cultures including Lithuania, Africa, Germany, France, and Greece, showcasing the rich tapestry of folk narratives. The tales encompass themes of enchantment, adventure, and morality, often featuring protagonists such as princesses, clever siblings, and mystical creatures. At the start of the collection, the tale "Donkey Skin" unfolds the story of a king who is beset by grief after his wife's death. He struggles with the promise he made to her to find a bride more beautiful than her, ultimately leading him to his adopted daughter. Refusing to marry him, she seeks help from a fairy godmother and sets a series of impossible tasks for the king, demonstrating her cleverness. The story establishes a tone of magic and intrigue, typical of fairy tales, and sets the stage for the fantastical elements that pervade the collection. As the princess wraps herself in the donkey's skin to escape her unwanted fate, readers are introduced to a narrative filled with ambitious plots and transformation that reveal the themes of identity and resilience. (This is an automatically generated summary.)