The Fisherman's Son

Once upon a time there was a fisherman who went to catch fish along a big river with his son. With a single cast, they caught so many fish that they could barely pull the net back to the riverbank. Along with lots of little fish, they also caught a dolphin.

The fisherman said to his son, 'I'll go and get a wheelbarrow. Stay here and don't let the dolphin out of your sight!'

When his father was gone, the fisherman's son felt bad for the beautiful ocean mammal and set it free. The dolphin was glad and thanked the benevolent boy.

When the father returned and saw what his son had done, he was furious and shouted, 'I do not want to see you again!'

Filled with sadness, the son left. As he wandered about, he suddenly saw some dogs hunting a fox. The boy quickly hid the terrified animal and once the dogs went away, he brought the fox out of its hiding place.

The fox said to him, 'You were so good to me! If you are ever in need, call for me and I will come to your aid.'

So the boy continued on his way.

After some time, he came to a castle in which a beautiful girl lived. The fisherman's son gathered all his courage to win the girl's heart.

'Please be my wife,' said the boy.

'Your wish will be granted if you hide so well that I am not able to find you. If you do not succeed, you will die!'

So it was agreed.

He left the castle and was walking in a meadow when he called for the fox. Immediately, the fox jumped out and asked, 'What can I do for you, my friend?'

The boy told him his story and said with a pounding heart, 'So now I have to hide myself in such a place that the girl will not be able to find me. Otherwise I will die!'

The fox had a good think about it and said, 'Don't be scared, I will hide you where she will never be able to find you.'

Then the fox dug a long tunnel ending right beneath the bed upon which the girl sat in her castle — and that is where he hid the boy.

The girl looked in her mirror and began to search for the fisherman's son. She looked in every direction, up in the sky and down to the ocean and yet she could not find him.

'You master of illusion, where can you be?' called the girl impatiently. 'Come out wherever you are, I can't find you anywhere!'

The boy's voice issued out from under the bed, and a moment later, he himself jumped out. He had won and shortly thereafter they celebrated their nuptials.