We set off into the world together, myself and my friend the bull. I rejoiced that we were out of danger at last. No fear of the evil queen finding us! But then we came to a forest. All the trees and plants and flowers were made of copper. We could not go around it. We had to go through it. The bull said the forest belonged to a Troll with three heads, and if I touched a single leaf, it would be over for both of us.

I tried to make myself very small as the bull moved slowly through the thick wood. I ducked the branches, or moved them gently aside. But the inevitable happened. I tore off a leaf, and woke the Troll!

Princess who Tries to Make Herself Small, Kate Woodengown, Red Fairy Book. Illustration by Theodor Kittelsen.