Lullventyr
Hacon Grizzlebeard — cover illustration
Classic story

Hacon Grizzlebeard

by Asbjørnsen & Moe

A proud Princess refuses every suitor until a prince named Hacon Grizzlebeard arrives. She mocks his appearance, so he disguises himself as a beggar to teach her a lesson. He trades golden trinkets for the chance to sleep near her bed, slowly gaining her trust. They eventually have a child together, and she flees with him when her father becomes angry. Hacon leads her far away, always claiming that lands they pass belong to himself. The Princess regrets her earlier pride as she suffers the hardships of poverty. Hacon then sends her to work in the palace kitchen while he remains hidden. She follows his orders to steal food and cloth, only to be caught each time. The Prince forgives her repeatedly, blaming the mysterious beggar for the thefts. Finally, Hacon makes her stand in for the sick bride at their wedding feast. She recognizes him when she sees their cabin burning with light. The truth is revealed, and they live happily ever after.

How it begins

HACON GRIZZLEBEARD Once on a time there was a princess who was so proud and pert that no suitor was good enough for her. She made game of them all, and sent them about their business, one after the other; but though she was so proud, still new suitors kept on coming to the palace, for she was a beauty, the wicked hussey! So one day there came a prince to woo her, and his name was Hacon Grizzlebeard; but the first night he was there, the Princess bade the king's fool cut off the ears of one of the prince's horses, and slit the jaws of the other up to the ears. When the prince went out to drive…

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