I would never have let the strangers in through the door. But my little daughter, Anastasia, begged me to let the three old beggars sleep in the house. I could not refuse her, so we let them in and gave them the loft. During the night, Anastasia crept up to the loft...
I had been put in a castle far away, on the other side of sea filled with giants and birds who would peck out the eyes of anyone who dared to sail through their territory. The king’s outrider, a handsome lad named Ferdinand, came for me. He fed the giants, and...
Bluebeard, my new husband, told me that he had to go away for six weeks, and while he was gone, I could do what I pleased and invite my friends to our fine country house. He gave me the keys to two great wardrobes where he kept his finest furniture, along with another...
Folks think that after I married the Sleeping Beauty in the Wood, we lived happily ever after. I’m afraid that’s not the way it happened, at least not in our story. We have two children, Morning and Day, and we keep them a secret because my stepmother is...
My brother hit me from behind, killed me, and buried me under the bridge. He took the spear that was my protection and married the woman who was my whole world. Years have passed. Yet nothing is hidden from God. I’ve given a shepherd one of my bones, and he is...
God told me that I would die today, and so I will. I am not afraid. While I am still in prayer, a wicked man enters my cell. He claps a dagger to my breast and orders me to rise. On pain of death he tells me to undress and give him my clothes. He colors his face to...
The day before the wedding, my father held a feast. At the table, everyone was asked to tell a story. I just listened, but then my bridegroom said to me, “Come, my darling, do you know nothing? Relate something to us.” I ignored his disrespect, rose to my...
Before the robbers come home, I go down into the cellar. I stay there, quiet as a mouse. I have learned not to make a sound, or move, lest they think I am listening. I cannot begin to tell you what I have heard. Suffice it to say that the robbers like the taste of a...
