Lesser-Known Fairy Tales

Read lesser-know fairy tales online

Tired of the same old fairy tales? Explore a world of lesser-known stories from across the globe—like American fairies borrowing pieces of the moon, Brazilian monkeys claiming banana trees, and Irish giantesses fleeing across the sea. These tales are short, vivid, and packed with cultural insight, teaching kids about kindness, courage, cleverness, and consequence through fresh, surprising plots.

• Fairy Tales From America
• Fairy Tales From Brazil
• Fairy Tales From China
• Fairy Tales From England
• Fairy Tales From France
• Fairy Tales From Germany
• Fairy Tales From Holland
• Fairy Tales From Ireland
• Fairy Tales From Japan
• Fairy Tales From Norway

Fairy Tales From America

• How the Fairies Borrowed the Moon (3 years and over | 7 minutes): a story that explains, in a fairy-tale way, why the moon sometimes appears in pieces. When the fairies decide to host their very first winter festival, they realize they need more light than usual. With the help of a kindly moon-dweller, they borrow a slice of the moon to light their celebration—on the condition that one fairy stays behind as collateral. The story emphasizes themes of cooperation, imagination, and keeping promises. It’s a charming way to introduce young children to the concept of moon phases and the magic of storytelling.
• The Violets of the Princes (6 years and over | 15 minutes): a gentle, imaginative tale about two royal brothers who, after being mistreated by a jealous stepmother, escape their confinement and grow magical violets that reflect their personal story. Instead of seeking revenge, the princes choose a life of kindness, healing, and service, becoming symbols of mercy and compassion. The story is framed by a sick girl, Marianne, who hears the tale from a talking violet and finds hope in its message. With themes of resilience, quiet heroism, and the power of small, kind acts, the story encourages empathy, forgiveness, and personal growth.

Fairy Tales From Brazil

• How the Rabbit Lost His Tail (3 years and over | 5 minutes): is a charming and light-hearted tale about generosity, resilience, and finding joy in the simple things. In the story, a rabbit loses his long tail to a jealous cat but graciously trades it for a knife. Through a series of exchanges—knife for basket, basket for lettuce—the rabbit ends up without his tail but happily munching on delicious lettuce. This whimsical tale offers a gentle message for children: even when we lose something, we can find happiness in unexpected places, especially when we stay kind, adaptable, and optimistic.
• Why the Bananas Belong to the Monkey (6 years and over | 7 minutes): a playful Brazilian folktale that explains, with humor and imagination, why monkeys are so fond of bananas. When a tricky monkey cheats an old woman out of good fruit, she sets a clever trap with a wax boy. The monkey gets stuck, but a clever monkey rescue—and the sun’s help—frees him. The old woman gives up banana farming, and the monkeys claim the garden. This tale delights young listeners while reinforcing themes like fairness, cleverness, and teamwork. It’s a fun way to explore cause and effect, trickster tales, and cultural storytelling.

Fairy Tales From China

• How the moon got her face (5 years and over | 4 minutes): a poetic legend about loneliness, love, and transformation. In this tale, the moon—once sad and unseen—finds beauty and joy through the love of a kind and graceful girl named Tseh-N’io. Longing to be admired and loved like the stars and flowers, the moon ultimately gains a radiant face after Tseh-N’io joins him in the sky. This story offers a mythological explanation for the moon’s glowing beauty and introduces themes of empathy, emotional longing, and the power of kindness. Ideal for sparking imagination and thoughtful conversation with children.
• Why dog and cat are enemies (8 years and over | 3 minutes): a clever folktale that explains the age-old rivalry between cats and dogs. In the story, a once-prosperous couple becomes poor after unknowingly selling a magical ring. Their loyal dog and cat team up to retrieve it—with the dog carrying the cat across a river and the cat using a mouse to get the ring from a locked chest. But when the cat returns home first and takes all the credit, the dog is unfairly blamed. Feeling betrayed, he turns against the cat—and from then on, dogs and cats have never gotten along. This tale gently explores themes like teamwork, loyalty, justice, and the consequences of selfishness in a fun, imaginative way for young audiences.

Fairy Tales From England

• The Three Sillies (6 years and over | 7 minutes): a light-hearted folktale that celebrates the playful absurdity of human imagination. When a farmer’s family cries over a hammer that might fall on a future grandchild, the daughter’s suitor declares them the silliest people he’s ever met—until his travels prove otherwise. From a woman hoisting a cow onto a roof to villagers trying to rescue the moon from a pond, the tale offers delightful nonsense and timeless humor. Children learn to laugh at illogical fears and enjoy the fun of storytelling, while adults may smile at how worry can sometimes go too far.
• The tears of princess Prunella (7 years and over | 13 minutes): is a touching fairy tale about kindness, perception, and emotional growth. Princess Prunella, lonely and dissatisfied, chooses an unusual playmate: Robert, the court musician’s son, who can only hear beautiful sounds. His magical “deafness” shields him from anger and sorrow, but also from the princess’s feelings. As their friendship deepens, Robert sets off on a long journey to become a truly kind boy—one who can hear not just beauty, but also the sadness of someone he loves. The story gently teaches children that real sweetness comes from courage, wisdom, kindness, and even a bit of foolishness, and that listening—truly listening—is an act of love.

Fairy Tales From France

• The White Doe (6 years and over | 9 minutes): a fairy tale about love, jealousy, loyalty, and transformation. When a princess named Desirée is cursed to avoid sunlight or face death, betrayal leads her to be transformed into a white deer. As she roams the forest, her loyal maid Giroflée stays by her side, and her true love, Prince Guerrier, unknowingly seeks her. The story explores inner strength, patience, and the power of true love to overcome even the cruelest spells. It offers children a powerful message about being true to oneself, resisting envy, and the redemptive power of kindness and forgiveness.
• Prince Darling (7 years and over | 9 minutes): a moral fairy tale about personal growth, accountability, and the true meaning of goodness. When a kind king wishes for his son to become a good person, the fairy Candide gives the prince a magical ring that stings when he misbehaves. As Prince Cheri grows arrogant and cruel, he loses the ring and falls into disgrace—only to be transformed into animals that reflect his flaws. Through hardship, selflessness, and acts of kindness, Cheri slowly regains his humanity, ultimately proving himself worthy of love and leadership. The story encourages children to reflect on empathy, humility, and the idea that true nobility comes from character, not status.

Fairy Tales From Germany

• The Pack of Ragamuffins (4 years and over | 5 minutes): a humorous and cautionary folktale that highlights cleverness, mischief, and consequences. When a proud rooster and his wife Hen go nut-gathering, their journey home turns into an adventure involving a bossy duck, a needle, a pin, and a duped innkeeper. Although the tale is playful, it subtly raises themes like honesty, hospitality, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. It’s a great way to start conversations with children about trust, fairness, and how small choices affect others.
• The Story of the Fisherman and His Wife (8 years and over | 16 minutes): a classic German fairy tale that teaches children about greed, humility, and being content with what they have. When a poor fisherman spares a magical talking fish, his wife’s endless wishes—for a cottage, a castle, to be queen, empress, pope, and even like God—grow more outrageous with each gift the fish grants. But her insatiable greed eventually leads them back to their original poverty. This tale is a gentle yet powerful way to start conversations with children about gratitude, self-control, and the true sources of happiness.

Fairy Tales From Holland

• The Day Thief and the Three Birds (4 years and over | 2 minutes): a short moral tale about a man who refuses to work or beg, choosing instead to steal—only to end up in prison. Along his journey, he meets a crow, a magpie, and a sparrow, each offering different advice. The story cleverly uses birds to symbolize choices in life: hard work, humility, and temptation. The tale ends with the man realizing too late that honest labor was the wiser path. It’s a simple yet effective fable that encourages discussion about pride, consequences, and making good decisions.
• Genevieve of Brabant (7 years and over | 8 minutes): a classic tale of loyalty, injustice, and ultimate redemption. It tells the story of Genevieve, a noblewoman falsely accused by a jealous knight named Golo while her husband, Count Siegfried, is away at war. Banished to the forest with her baby, Genevieve survives through her courage and the kindness of nature. Years later, she is finally reunited with her husband, who learns the truth and forgives his enemies, following her example of grace. This story offers rich lessons about forgiveness, resilience, and the power of truth and love.

Fairy Tales From Ireland

• The Tale of Vivionn the Giantess (8 years and over | 4 minutes): an Irish legend from the Fenian Cycle, filled with themes of loyalty, honor, and tragic love. It tells the story of Vivionn, a fleeing giantess who seeks the protection of Finn and the Fianna from her cruel husband, Æda. Though the Fianna promise her safety, Æda attacks and fatally wounds her before escaping across the sea. Despite the Fianna’s pursuit, he vanishes. Vivionn dies, leaving gifts and a legacy of sorrow. This tale introduces children to Irish mythology while emphasizing values like courage, loyalty to one’s word, and respect for those seeking refuge.
• The Story of Conn-Eda (9 years and over | 35 minutes): is a rich Irish legend full of adventure, magic, and moral lessons. Prince Conn-eda, the noble and beloved son of King Conn, is betrayed by his jealous stepmother, who sends him on an impossible quest for three magical treasures. Guided by a wise man and a mysterious enchanted horse, Conn-eda bravely overcomes deadly challenges—including fiery serpents and a blazing mountain. His kindness and loyalty are ultimately rewarded when he breaks the spell over the horse, who is revealed to be a prince. Conn-eda returns victorious, the wicked queen meets her fate, and he finds love and peace. The story teaches values like courage, humility, selflessness, and justice.

Fairy Tales From Japan

• The Old Man Who Made Trees Blossom (8 years and over | 7 minutes): a traditional moral tale that contrasts kindness and selfishness through two elderly neighbors. Downstream, generous and compassionate, is rewarded time and again—first by a magical dog, then by enchanted rice, and finally by blossom-bringing ashes. Upstream, in contrast, is greedy and cruel, stealing and destroying what he envies, and ultimately faces punishment. The story teaches children about the value of selflessness, the consequences of jealousy, and the rewards of treating others—and animals—with kindness and respect.
• My Lord Bag of Rice (8 years and over | 7 minutes): a traditional Japanese folktale that highlights bravery, generosity, and the rewards of selfless heroism. The story follows Fujiwara Hidesato, a fearless warrior who agrees to help the Dragon King defeat a terrifying centipede that threatens his underwater kingdom. Hidesato’s courage and clever thinking lead to victory, and he is rewarded with magical gifts, including a self-refilling bag of rice—earning him the nickname “My Lord Bag of Rice.” This tale encourages children to face fears bravely, help others in need, and expect that kindness and courage are often rewarded in surprising ways.

Fairy Tales From Norway

• The Princess on the Glass Hill (8 years and over | 12 minutes): is a classic Norwegian fairy tale about bravery, persistence, and hidden worth. The story follows Boots (also mockingly called Assepasser by his brothers), the youngest of three sons. While his older brothers fail to solve a mystery on their father’s farm, Boots quietly succeeds—taming three powerful magical horses over three nights. When a king offers his daughter’s hand to any man who can ride up a slippery glass hill, only a mysterious knight on a copper, silver, and finally golden horse manages the feat—each time catching an apple from the princess. In the end, the humble Boots reveals himself as the rider, earning the princess’s hand and half the kingdom. This tale encourages children to value kindness, determination, and humility, showing that greatness often comes from unexpected places.
• How Thor Went to Jotunheim (9 years and over | 25 minutes): is a thrilling Norse myth that teaches humility, courage, and the value of self-awareness. The story follows the god Thor and his companion Loki on a journey to Jotunheim, land of the giants, where Thor is tricked by clever illusions. Despite failing a series of seemingly simple challenges—drinking from a cup, lifting a cat, and wrestling an old woman—Thor later learns these were magical tests: the cup was the ocean, the cat the world serpent, and the woman was old age itself. Thor’s efforts, though appearing to fall short, were actually incredible feats. This tale reminds children that strength comes in many forms, and that learning from failure can lead to greater wisdom.