"Libussa" is astory which starts with a tree-elf who persuades a mortal to protect her oak tree from being cut down. They eventually marry and have three daughters, one of whom is the Libussa of the title. Although only half an elf, she stll has powerful magic, and the story tells how she uses it. "Ulrich with the Hump" involves a hen which lays golden eggs and an Italian enchantress, as well as a young mans devotion to his lady-love. "Richilde" bears some resemblance to the tale of Snow-White, in that it involves a magic mirror. There are also dwarves, and some poisoned fruit, but the story...

The character of Rubezahl is well known in German folklore. These five stories are probably the best-known of the many tales about him. Although he can be very generous with his magic, he is not one to be crossed. The first tale tells how he came to be called Rubezahl, which is really just a nickname, and rather derogatory.

The Sultans Daughter is the story of a nobleman who goes off on the Crusades, but gets captured by the Saracens. After a while in prison, he is put in charge of creating a new garden for the Sultan. Here he encounters Melechsala, and after some misunderstanding, they fall for each other. There are lots of complications, not least the fact that he is already happily married. Not strictly a fairy-story, as no magic is involved, unless one counts prophetic dreams. Th stolen veil tells of part-fairy maidens who turn into swans to fly to a magic lake to renew their youth. An enterprising youth...