My father became so exasperated with me that he declared he would give me to the first beggar who came to the door.

I thought he was joking! But here I am, living in a hovel, and going to the market to sell pots and crockery. I have no skills. I can’t cook, or spin, or sew. I can’t even make a willow basket. I have no help!

My husband says that if I want something done, I will have to do it myself. All I want to do is to undo what I’ve already done!

Princess Undone in King Thrushbeard, Grimms. Illustration by Walter Crane.