The Grateful Prince
The Grateful Prince () is an Estonian fairy tale. This fairy tale has been included in various collections of literature, such as Friedrich Kreutzwald in Eestirahwa Ennemuistesed jutud, by W. F. Kirby in The Hero of Estonia, and by Andrew Lang in The Violet Fairy Book. The latter mentions his source as Ehstnische Märchen: the German translation of Kreutzwald's work, adapted by F. Löwe. Synopsis A king is travelling through the forest, but quickly gets lost. While wandering, he meets an old man who offers to help guide him home in exchange for the first thing that comes out of the king's palace upon his arrival. Recalling that his faithful and beloved dog always greeted him first on his return, the king is displeased with the proposed deal. However, having no other choices he accepts. Unexpectedly, when he reaches his palace, the first thing that comes out is his wife. Overjoyed, the king orders for a lavish celebration. Suddenly the king lets his son grow up in the peasant's house. His foster parents get rewarded for their care of the king's son, and they are content. The prince, however learns about the deception and the fate of the girl for