The Legend of the White Snake – China (Original Version) Long ago, in the misty mountains of ancient China, there lived a powerful white snake spirit who had cultivated her powers for thousands of years. Through her dedication and meditation, she had gained the ability to transform into a beautiful human woman. Eager to experience…
The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter – Japan (Original Version) Long ago, in the land of the rising sun, there lived an elderly bamboo cutter named Taketori no Okina, which means “the Old Man who Harvests Bamboo.” He led a simple and content life with his wife in a humble cottage nestled among the bamboo…
The Ramayana – India (Condensed Version) Once upon a time in the kingdom of Ayodhya, there ruled a wise and just king named Dasharatha. He had four sons, the eldest of whom was Rama, born to his queen, Kausalya. Rama was the embodiment of virtue and was beloved by all. His brothers, Bharata, Lakshmana, and…
The Story of the Lion and the Hare – East Africa (Original Version) In the vast savannas of East Africa, where the golden grass swayed under the warm sun, there lived a mighty lion. He was the king of the jungle, feared by all the animals for his strength and ferocity. Every day, the lion…
The Legend of Queen Amina – Nigeria (Original Version) In the 16th century, in the ancient city-state of Zazzau, part of present-day Nigeria, there lived a young princess named Amina. Born into the royal family of the Hausa people, Amina was the daughter of Bakwa Turunku, the ruling queen. From a young age, Amina displayed…
Anansi and the Wisdom of the World – West Africa (Original Version) Once upon a time, in a lush and vibrant village in West Africa, there lived a cunning spider named Anansi. Anansi had a reputation for being clever and sly, often finding ways to get what he wanted through trickery and wit. One day,…
The Little Match Girl – Denmark (Original Version) On a bitterly cold New Year’s Eve, as snowflakes danced through the streets of a bustling town in Denmark, a poor little girl wandered alone. She was barefoot, having lost the oversized slippers her mother had given her, and her feet were red and blue from the…
The Legend of the Christmas Spider – Ukraine (Original Version) Once upon a time, in a small Ukrainian village nestled among rolling hills and snow-covered fields, there lived a poor widow with her two young children. They lived in a tiny, humble cottage, and though they had little in the way of material wealth, their…
The Little Humpbacked Horse – Russia (Original Version) Once upon a time in a distant Russian village, there lived a humble peasant with his three sons. The youngest son, Ivan, was often teased by his brothers for being simple-minded, but he had a kind heart and a gentle spirit. One evening, their father sent the…
The Firebird – Russia (Original Version) Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom in Russia, there lived a mighty Tsar named Ivan. He had three sons, the youngest of whom was named Prince Ivan. The Tsar’s greatest treasure was his magnificent orchard, filled with trees bearing golden apples. One morning, the Tsar awoke to…
