The king of a great land died, and left his queen to take care oftheir only child. This child was a daughter, who was very beautiful;and her mother loved her dearly, and was very kind to her. And therewas a good fairy too, who was fond of the princess, and helped hermother to watch over her. When she grew up, she was betrothed to aprince who lived a great way off; and as the time drew near for herto be married, she got ready to set off on her journey to his country.Then the queen her mother, packed up a great many costly things;jewels, and gold, and silver; trinkets, fine dresses, and in shorteverything that became a royal bride. And she gave her a waiting-maidto ride with her, and give her into the bridegroom’s hands; and eachhad a horse for the journey. Now the princess’s horse was thefairy’s gift, and it was called Falada, and could speak.
When the time came for them to set out, the fairy went intoher bed-chamber, and took a little knife, and cut off a lock of herhair, and gave it to the princess, and said, «Take care of it, dearchild; for it is a charm that may be of use to you on the road.’Then they all took a sorrowful leave of the princess; and she putthe lock of hair into her bosom, got upon her horse, and set off onher journey to her bridegroom’s kingdom.
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