How the Dragon Was Tricked
by Andrew Lang · from The Pink Fairy Book
Original Story
How the Dragon Was Tricked
From Griechtsche und Albanesische Marchen, von J. G. von Hahn. (Leipzig:
Engelmann. 1864.)
Once upon a time there lived a man who had two sons but they did not
get on at all well together, for the younger was much handsomer than his
elder brother who was very jealous of him. When they grew older, things
became worse and worse, and at last one day as they were walking through
a wood the elder youth seized hold of the other, tied him to a tree, and
went on his way hoping that the boy might starve to death.
However, it happened that an old and humpbacked shepherd passed the tree
with his flock, and seeing the prisoner, he stopped and said to him,
‘Tell me, my son why are you tied to that tree?’
‘Because I was so crooked,’ answered the young man; ‘but it has quite
cured me, and now my back is as straight as can be.’
‘I wish you would bind me to a tree,’ exclaimed the shepherd, ‘so that
my back would get straight.’
‘With all the pleasure in life,’ replied the youth. ‘If you will loosen
these cords I will tie you up with them as firmly as I can.’
This was soon done, and then the young man drove off the sheep, leaving
their real shepherd to repent of his folly; and before he had gone very
far he met with a horse boy and a driver of oxen, and he persuaded them
to turn with him and to seek for adventures.
By these and many other tricks he soon became so celebrated that his
fame reached the king’s ears, and his majesty was filled with curiosity
to see the man who had managed to outwit everybody. So he commanded his
guards to capture the young man and bring him before him.
And when the young man stood before the king, the king spoke to him
and said, ‘By your tricks and the pranks that you have played on other
people, you have, in the eye of the law, forfeited your life. But on one
condition I will spare you, and that is, if you will bring me the flying
horse that belongs to the great dragon. Fail in this, and you shall be
hewn in a thousand pieces.’
‘If that is all,’ said the youth, ‘you shall soon have it.’
So he went out and made his way straight to the stable where the flying
horse was tethered. He stretched his hand cautiously out to seize the
bridle, when the horse suddenly began to neigh as loud as he could. Now
the room in which the dragon slept was just above the stable, and at
the sound of the neighing he woke and cried to the horse, ‘What is the
matter, my treasure? is anything hurting you?’ After waiting a little
while the young man tried again to loose the horse, but a second time it
neighed so loudly that the dragon woke up in a hurry and called out
to know why the horse was making such a noise. But when the same thing
happened the third time, the dragon lost his temper, and went down
into the stable and took a whip and gave the horse a good beating. This
offended the horse and made him angry, and when the young man stretched
out his hand to untie his head, he made no further fuss, but suffered
himself to be led quietly away. Once clear of the stable the young man
sprang on his back and galloped off, calling over his shoulder, ‘Hi!
dragon! dragon! if anyone asks you what has become of your horse, you
can say that I have got him!’
But the king said, ‘The flying horse is all very well, but I want
something more. You must bring me the covering with the little bells
that lies on the bed of the dragon, or I will have you hewn into a
thousand pieces.’
‘Is that all?’ answered the youth. ‘That is easily done.’
And when night came he went away to the dragon’s house and climbed up on
to the roof. Then he opened a little window in the roof and let down
the chain from which the kettle usually hung, and tried to hook the bed
covering and to draw it up. But the little bells all began to ring, and
the dragon woke and said to his wife, ‘Wife, you have pulled off all the
bed-clothes!’ and drew the covering towards him, pulling, as he did so,
the young man into the room. Then the dragon flung himself on the
youth and bound him fast with cords saying as he tied the last knot,
‘To-morrow when I go to church you must stay at home and kill him and
cook him, and when I get back we will eat him together.’
So the following morning the dragoness took hold of the young man and
reached down from the shelf a sharp knife with which to kill him. But as
she untied the cords the better to get hold of him, the prisoner caught
her by the legs, threw her to the ground, seized her and speedily cut
her throat, just as she had been about to do for him, and put her body
in the oven. Then he snatched up the covering and carried it to the
king.
The king was seated on his throne when the youth appeared before him and
spread out the covering with a deep bow. ‘That is not enough,’ said his
majesty; ‘you must bring me the dragon himself, or I will have you hewn
into a thousand pieces.’
‘It shall be done,’ answered the youth; ‘but you must give me two years
to manage it, for my beard must grow so that he may not know me.’
‘So be it,’ said the king.
And the first thing the young man did when his beard was grown was to
take the road to the dragon’s house and on the way he met a beggar, whom
he persuaded to change clothes with him, and in the beggar’s garments he
went fearlessly forth to the dragon.
He found his enemy before his house, very busy making a box, and
addressed him politely, ‘Good morning, your worship. Have you a morsel
of bread?’
‘You must wait,’ replied the dragon, ‘till I have finished my box, and
then I will see if I can find one.’
‘What will you do with the box when it is made?’ inquired the beggar.
‘It is for the young man who killed my wife, and stole my flying horse
and my bed covering,’ said the dragon.
‘He deserves nothing better,’ answered the beggar, ‘for it was an ill
deed. Still that box is too small for him, for he is a big man.’
‘You are wrong,’ said the dragon. ‘The box is large enough even for me.’
‘Well, the rogue is nearly as tall as you,’ replied the beggar, ‘and,
of course, if you can get in, he can. But I am sure you would find it a
tight fit.’
‘No, there is plenty of room,’ said the dragon, tucking himself
carefully inside.
But no sooner was he well in, than the young man clapped on the lid and
called out, ‘Now press hard, just to see if he will be able to get out.’
The dragon pressed as hard as he could, but the lid never moved.
‘It is all right,’ he cried; ‘now you can open it.’
But instead of opening it, the young man drove in long nails to make it
tighter still; then he took the box on his back and brought it to the
king. And when the king heard that the dragon was inside, he was so
excited that he would not wait one moment, but broke the lock and lifted
the lid just a little way to make sure he was really there. He was
very careful not to leave enough space for the dragon to jump out, but
unluckily there was just room for his great mouth, and with one snap
the king vanished down his wide red jaws. Then the young man married the
king’s daughter and ruled over the land, but what he did with the dragon
nobody knows.
Story DNA
Moral
Cunning and quick wit can overcome even the most formidable adversaries, but sometimes even the cleverest plans have unforeseen consequences.
Plot Summary
A young man, betrayed by his jealous brother, escapes by tricking a shepherd. His fame for cunning reaches the king, who tasks him with stealing a flying horse, a magical bed covering, and finally, the dragon itself, under threat of death. Through a series of clever deceptions, the young man succeeds in each task, killing the dragon's wife in the process. He ultimately tricks the dragon into a box, which he brings to the king, but the king's impatience leads to his own demise, allowing the young man to marry the princess and rule the land.
Themes
Emotional Arc
betrayal to triumph to unexpected twist
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Collected by J. G. von Hahn, a 19th-century Austrian diplomat and linguist who extensively documented Albanian and Greek folklore, suggesting a blend of oral traditions from the Balkan region.
Plot Beats (15)
- A younger brother, handsomer than his elder, is tied to a tree by his jealous sibling and left to die.
- A humpbacked shepherd finds him, and the young man tricks the shepherd into taking his place, then steals the flock.
- The young man's reputation for trickery grows, reaching the king, who orders him captured.
- The king, instead of executing him, tasks him with stealing the dragon's flying horse, threatening death if he fails.
- The young man attempts to steal the horse, which neighs loudly twice, waking the dragon, who beats the horse.
- On the third attempt, the horse, angered by the beating, allows the young man to steal it, who then taunts the dragon.
- The king demands the dragon's bell-covered bed covering, again threatening death.
- The young man tries to hook the covering from the roof, but the bells ring, waking the dragon, who pulls him into the room.
- The dragon ties the young man, instructing his wife to kill and cook him while he's at church.
- The dragon's wife unties the young man to kill him, but he overpowers, kills, and cooks her instead, then takes the covering to the king.
- The king demands the dragon himself, granting the young man two years to grow a beard to avoid recognition.
- With his beard grown, the young man exchanges clothes with a beggar and approaches the dragon, who is building a box.
- The young man tricks the dragon into believing the box is too small for the man who killed his wife, then challenges the dragon to prove it fits him.
- The dragon enters the box, and the young man seals it, nails it shut, and brings it to the king.
- The king, eager to see the dragon, opens the box just enough for the dragon to snap out and devour him, leaving the young man to marry the princess and rule.
Characters
Younger Brother ★ protagonist
Handsome, agile
Attire: Simple tunic and trousers, appropriate for a young man traveling
Clever, resourceful, brave
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy of about ten years old with messy, tousled brown hair and bright, determined hazel eyes. He wears a simple forest-green tunic over a cream-colored shirt, brown leggings, and sturdy leather boots. A small leather satchel is slung across his chest. He stands in a confident, ready pose, one hand resting on his hip, a look of courageous resolve on his face. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Elder Brother ⚔ antagonist
Strong, envious
Attire: Simple tunic and trousers, similar to his brother's but perhaps more worn
Jealous, cruel, foolish
Image Prompt & Upload
A stern older man in his late fifties with sharp, angular features and a severe expression. He has slicked-back silver hair and cold, calculating grey eyes. He wears a high-collared, dark velvet doublet with silver embroidery, black trousers, and polished boots. His posture is rigid and commanding, standing with his hands clasped behind his back. Dramatic side-lighting casts deep shadows across his face, highlighting his harsh jawline. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Dragon ⚔ antagonist
Large, powerful, with a wide red mouth
Gullible, easily angered, possessive
Image Prompt & Upload
A colossal, menacing dragon with obsidian scales edged in crimson. It has a long, serpentine neck, a spined back, and vast, leathery wings folded at its sides. Its eyes glow with a malevolent yellow light, and smoke curls from its nostrils. It stands in a powerful, predatory pose atop a rocky outcrop within a dark, volcanic lair, its claws gripping the stone. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
King ◆ supporting
Royal bearing
Attire: Royal robes, crown
Greedy, demanding, easily excited
Image Prompt & Upload
A noble middle-aged man with a short trimmed beard and wise, kind eyes wearing an ornate golden crown adorned with jewels. He is dressed in a rich royal purple velvet robe with gold trim and fur-lined collar, a crimson sash across his chest, and polished leather boots. He stands tall with a dignified posture, one hand resting on a jeweled scepter and the other gesturing outward in a welcoming manner. He has a warm, encouraging expression on his face, suggesting he offers guidance and support. His salt-and-pepper hair is neatly styled beneath the crown. He wears a golden medallion around his neck and ornate rings on his fingers. His regal bearing conveys authority tempered with compassion. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature
Dragoness ◆ supporting
Similar to the Dragon, but possibly with more feminine features
Compliant, easily tricked
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult female humanoid with dragon-like features, including sleek emerald green scales covering her arms and shoulders, pointed ears, and subtle horns curving from her temples. She has vibrant amber eyes with slit pupils and an expression of calm wisdom. Her hair is long, flowing, and dark red, resembling flames. She wears elegant, form-fitting armor made of dark metal with gold accents, engraved with arcane symbols. A flowing cape of deep purple drapes from her shoulders. She stands confidently with one hand resting on the hilt of a sword at her waist, the other hand gently touching a glowing orb floating beside her. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Flying Horse ◆ supporting
A horse that can fly
Attire: Bridle
Initially resistant, then cooperative
Image Prompt & Upload
A majestic winged horse with pure white coat and large, feathered wings spread in a graceful pose. The creature has a flowing silver mane and tail, with intelligent, gentle eyes. Its posture is noble yet approachable, standing with one foreleg slightly raised as if about to take flight. The wings are detailed with individual feathers catching soft light. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Shepherd ○ minor
Humpbacked
Attire: Simple shepherd's clothing
Naive, easily fooled
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy of about ten years old with tousled brown hair and a smattering of freckles across his nose. He wears a simple, slightly oversized linen tunic belted at the waist, rough woolen trousers, and worn leather sandals. A floppy straw hat rests on his head. He stands with a gentle, protective posture, cradling a small white lamb in his arms. His expression is calm and attentive, looking softly at the lamb. He holds a tall wooden shepherd's crook in his other hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Forest Clearing
A secluded area with a large tree suitable for tying someone to.
Mood: Initially tense and cruel, then shifts to hopeful and opportunistic.
The younger brother is tied to a tree by his jealous older brother; he then tricks the shepherd.
Image Prompt & Upload
Dusk in an ancient forest, a secluded clearing bathed in the last amber light of a setting sun. A colossal, gnarled oak tree dominates the center, its thick, twisted roots erupting from the mossy earth and its bark deeply furrowed. Wisps of ground mist curl around the base of the tree and across the carpet of fallen leaves and ferns. The surrounding wall of dense, dark pine and birch trees is shrouded in deep blue shadows. Shafts of golden light pierce the canopy, illuminating floating dust motes and the damp, emerald moss clinging to every surface. The atmosphere is still, quiet, and profoundly isolated. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
Dragon's Stable
A stable where the flying horse is kept, located directly below the dragon's sleeping quarters.
Mood: Tense, risky, and filled with anticipation.
The youth attempts to steal the flying horse, leading to a confrontation with the dragon.
Image Prompt & Upload
Dusk settles over a cavernous stone stable hewn into a mountainside, its arched entrance gaping beneath a colossal, dragon-carved lintel. Inside, thick wooden beams support a ceiling lost in shadow, from which faint embers drift like lazy fireflies. The air is warm, dry, and tinged with the scent of sulfur and ancient hay. Empty, oversized stalls line the walls, their iron gates wrought into serpentine shapes. A single, massive pile of straw glows softly under a shaft of fading violet light from a high fissure. Scattered across the stone floor are iridescent feathers and scorch marks. The atmosphere is one of dormant power and quiet anticipation, the space feeling both sacred and perilous. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Dragon's House Roof
The exterior roof of the dragon's house, featuring a small window and a kettle chain.
Mood: Sneaky, dangerous, and suspenseful.
The youth attempts to steal the bed covering with bells, leading to his capture.
Image Prompt & Upload
A twilight scene on a weathered, dark slate roof of a cozy, crooked cottage. The roof is covered in patches of thick, emerald-green moss and lichen, with some tiles shaped like subtle, overlapping dragon scales. A single, round, warmly glowing window is set into the sloping roof, its glass panes casting a golden rectangle of light onto the damp tiles. A sturdy, blackened iron chain hangs from a small chimney, suspending a dented, copper kettle that glows faintly from the heat within. Wisps of silvery steam curl from the kettle's spout into the cool, misty evening air. The background is a dusky purple and indigo sky with the first faint stars appearing. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
Dragon's Kitchen
The kitchen inside the dragon's house, containing a shelf with a sharp knife and an oven.
Mood: Perilous, but with a chance for escape.
The youth is about to be killed and cooked by the dragoness, but he outsmarts her and puts her in the oven instead.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, cavernous kitchen carved from obsidian rock, illuminated by the roaring orange flames of a massive stone oven. Glowing embers cast a warm, flickering light across the soot-stained walls and high, vaulted ceiling. A heavy oak table is scarred with claw marks, and a large iron pot sits near the hearth. On a rough-hewn stone shelf, a long, wickedly sharp knife gleams with a metallic sheen. The air is hazy with heat and smells of smoke and ancient spices. Deep shadows cling to the corners, contrasting with the fiery glow. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
King's Throne Room
A grand hall where the king sits on his throne, ready to receive tributes and deliver judgments.
Mood: Formal, expectant, and ultimately foolish.
The youth presents the stolen items and eventually the dragon in a box, leading to the king's demise.
Image Prompt & Upload
A grand, majestic throne room in a fairy tale castle, bathed in soft afternoon light streaming through towering arched stained-glass windows depicting heraldic lions and crowns. The vast hall features soaring vaulted ceilings with intricate golden filigree, polished marble floors reflecting the light, and towering stone pillars draped with rich crimson and royal purple tapestries. At the far end, an empty ornate throne of dark carved wood and gleaming gold sits upon a dais, flanked by unlit iron candelabras. The atmosphere is serene yet imposing, with dust motes floating in the sunbeams. Colors are dominated by deep reds, royal blues, gleaming golds, and cool grey stone. No border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
