https://www.storynory.com Fairy tales and legends including many that you have probably never heard before. Rumbustious and amusing, or gentle and spiritual, these tales are a world tour of stories ! We have adapted many of these stories especially for Storynory Sat, 17 May 2025 06:05:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.2.1 noCharles Perrault was the first of the great fairy tale authors, writing in France in the 18th C. His romantic stories rank among the greats, including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast.Stories from around the world https://www.storynory.com/the-wise-girl/ https://www.storynory.com/the-wise-girl/#respond Thu, 23 Jun 2022 09:39:04 +0000 https://www.storynory.com/?p=28345 https://www.storynory.com/the-wise-girl/feed/ 0 noTwo peasants are arguing about who owns a foal. A rich widow claims that her cart gave birth to it. Her poor neighbour is sure that his mare is the mother and the foal belongs to him. The poor man's wise daughter helps him win the dispute, by solving some subtle riddles.Two peasants are arguing about who owns a foal. A rich widow claims that her cart gave birth to it. Her poor neighbour is sure that his mare is the mother and the foal belongs to him. The poor man's wise daughter helps him win the dispute, by solving some subtle riddles.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales, Russian Stories https://www.storynory.com/three-donkey-fables/ https://www.storynory.com/three-donkey-fables/#respond Tue, 07 Dec 2021 21:51:30 +0000 https://www.storynory.com/?p=28165 https://www.storynory.com/three-donkey-fables/feed/ 0 noDonkeys are famous for being stubborn. These three funny fables show you how humans get on with their asinine friends.Donkeys are famous for being stubborn. These three funny fables show you how humans get on with their asinine friends.Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, Aesop, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/the-unwilling-mermaid/ https://www.storynory.com/the-unwilling-mermaid/#respond Mon, 13 Sep 2021 20:12:23 +0000 https://www.storynory.com/?p=28053 https://www.storynory.com/the-unwilling-mermaid/feed/ 0 noYou might think it would be a lot of fun to be a cute mermaid, but this girl is not happy about what happens to her when she experiences some strange goings-on. Listen to find out why. A longer than usual fairy tale with lots of twists, turns, and submersions!You might think it would be a lot of fun to be a cute mermaid, but this girl is not happy about what happens to her when she experiences some strange goings-on. Listen to find out why. A longer than usual fairy tale with lots of twists, turns, and submersions!Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/how-the-monkey-became-a-trickster/ https://www.storynory.com/how-the-monkey-became-a-trickster/#respond Wed, 09 Jun 2021 11:01:18 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=27867 https://www.storynory.com/how-the-monkey-became-a-trickster/feed/ 0 noWhy are monkeys full of mischief? This tuneful story from Brazil will explain. And you will hear a monkey who played the guitar before The Monkees.Why are monkeys full of mischief? This tuneful story from Brazil will explain. And you will hear a monkey who played the guitar before The Monkees.Monkey Tales, Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/the-king-of-the-birds/ https://www.storynory.com/the-king-of-the-birds/#comments Fri, 02 Apr 2021 08:05:04 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=27739 https://www.storynory.com/the-king-of-the-birds/feed/ 99 noOne of Korea's most popular stories. There are two brothers, one is rich and mean, the other is poor and good hearted. The poor brother receives help from the King of the Birds, and the older brother hopes to gain the same reward.One of Korea's most popular stories. There are two brothers, one is rich and mean, the other is poor and good hearted. The poor brother receives help from the King of the Birds, and the older brother hopes to gain the same reward.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/the-chinese-year-of-the-ox/ https://www.storynory.com/the-chinese-year-of-the-ox/#comments Thu, 11 Feb 2021 21:01:22 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=27690 https://www.storynory.com/the-chinese-year-of-the-ox/feed/ 107 noAn Ox is a large animal that looks like a bull, but he is generally patient, hard-working, and easy-going. And people who are born in the year of the Ox are said to be like that too! How did humans come to have this useful animal on earth to help them farm? Listen on to find out.An Ox is a large animal that looks like a bull, but he is generally patient, hard-working, and easy-going. And people who are born in the year of the Ox are said to be like that too! How did humans come to have this useful animal on earth to help them farm? Listen on to find out.Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, World Fairytales, Chinese Stories https://www.storynory.com/the-evil-mouse/ https://www.storynory.com/the-evil-mouse/#comments Sat, 08 Jul 2017 21:34:40 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=25118 https://www.storynory.com/the-evil-mouse/feed/ 173 noAn old French story about an evil mouse who orders a young girl to play with fire.An old French story about an evil mouse who orders a young girl to play with fire.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, French Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/boy-loved-draw-cats/ https://www.storynory.com/boy-loved-draw-cats/#comments Tue, 27 Jun 2017 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=25107 https://www.storynory.com/boy-loved-draw-cats/feed/ 211 noA boy is training to be a zen monk in Japan. Life in the monastery is hard. There is one thing he loves to do - and it is not to study or work in the garden.A boy is training to be a zen monk in Japan. Life in the monastery is hard. There is one thing he loves to do - and it is not to study or work in the garden.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales, Japanese-stories https://www.storynory.com/the-ugly-boatman/ https://www.storynory.com/the-ugly-boatman/#comments Wed, 21 Jun 2017 23:00:05 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=25097 https://www.storynory.com/the-ugly-boatman/feed/ 190 noA story from Vietnam about a fisherman who plays a bamboo flute - if only his face was as beautiful as his music !A story from Vietnam about a fisherman who plays a bamboo flute - if only his face was as beautiful as his music !Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales, Vietnamese Stories https://www.storynory.com/the-three-dogs/ https://www.storynory.com/the-three-dogs/#comments Mon, 05 Jun 2017 20:47:23 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=25016 https://www.storynory.com/the-three-dogs/feed/ 285 noA boy sets out with three loyal dogs and they slay a dragon on their way. Watch out for twists and turns in the story!A boy sets out with three loyal dogs and they slay a dragon on their way. Watch out for twists and turns in the story!Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, World Fairytales, Animal Stories, Myths and World Stories, German Stories https://www.storynory.com/boy-spoke-birds/ https://www.storynory.com/boy-spoke-birds/#comments Fri, 03 Mar 2017 07:17:59 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=24781 https://www.storynory.com/boy-spoke-birds/feed/ 159 noA story from Russia about a boy who who could speak to the birds and who proved homself to be an excellent son.A story from Russia about a boy who who could speak to the birds and who proved homself to be an excellent son.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales, Russian Stories https://www.storynory.com/cats-dogs-enemies/ https://www.storynory.com/cats-dogs-enemies/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2017 16:13:38 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=24573 https://www.storynory.com/cats-dogs-enemies/feed/ 985 noA story from China that explains why cats hate dogs. Told by a mouse.A story from China that explains why cats hate dogs. Told by a mouse.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales, Chinese Stories https://www.storynory.com/a-spooky-irish-story/ https://www.storynory.com/a-spooky-irish-story/#comments Mon, 24 Oct 2016 13:17:34 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=24445 https://www.storynory.com/a-spooky-irish-story/feed/ 439 noFor Halloween, a spooky story from Ireland about some witches with horns growing from their heads.For Halloween, a spooky story from Ireland about some witches with horns growing from their heads.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales, Irish Stories https://www.storynory.com/the-weaver-and-the-dragon/ https://www.storynory.com/the-weaver-and-the-dragon/#comments Fri, 27 May 2016 16:34:29 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23890 https://www.storynory.com/the-weaver-and-the-dragon/feed/ 269 noAn Irish weaver becomes a knight, serves 'The King of Dublin' and takes on a dragon.An Irish weaver becomes a knight, serves 'The King of Dublin' and takes on a dragon.Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, World Fairytales, Irish Stories https://www.storynory.com/the-pooka-in-the-kitchen/ https://www.storynory.com/the-pooka-in-the-kitchen/#comments Mon, 16 May 2016 10:49:39 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23879 https://www.storynory.com/the-pooka-in-the-kitchen/feed/ 450 noThe servants in a large Irish House are grateful to a Pooka who comes every night to do their work for them. At Christmas, they decide to reward him.The servants in a large Irish House are grateful to a Pooka who comes every night to do their work for them. At Christmas, they decide to reward him.Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, Christmas Stories, World Fairytales, Irish Stories https://www.storynory.com/jack-hannaford/ https://www.storynory.com/jack-hannaford/#comments Mon, 14 Mar 2016 14:49:28 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23807 https://www.storynory.com/jack-hannaford/feed/ 172 noA cunning old soldier plays a trick on a naive couple. A traditional English folk story.A cunning old soldier plays a trick on a naive couple. A traditional English folk story.Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, World Fairytales, English Stories https://www.storynory.com/the-doctor-and-the-fairy-princess/ https://www.storynory.com/the-doctor-and-the-fairy-princess/#comments Sun, 21 Feb 2016 11:38:11 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23756 https://www.storynory.com/the-doctor-and-the-fairy-princess/feed/ 269 noA doctor is called in the middle of the night to help a fairy princess. Will his reward make him rich or a prisoner of the fairy folk?A doctor is called in the middle of the night to help a fairy princess. Will his reward make him rich or a prisoner of the fairy folk?Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/the-priests-supper/ https://www.storynory.com/the-priests-supper/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2016 14:49:25 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23712 https://www.storynory.com/the-priests-supper/feed/ 217 noSome Irish Fairy Folk have a question for a hungry priest.Some Irish Fairy Folk have a question for a hungry priest.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/the-piper-and-the-pooka/ https://www.storynory.com/the-piper-and-the-pooka/#comments Mon, 28 Dec 2015 17:21:27 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23687 https://www.storynory.com/the-piper-and-the-pooka/feed/ 217 noThe Pooka is a wondrous creature that can shift its shape. Sometimes it's friendly, sometimes it isn't, but it is almost always mischievous.The Pooka is a wondrous creature that can shift its shape. Sometimes it's friendly, sometimes it isn't, but it is almost always mischievous.Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, World Fairytales, Irish https://www.storynory.com/the-demon-cat/ https://www.storynory.com/the-demon-cat/#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2015 10:44:18 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23644 https://www.storynory.com/the-demon-cat/feed/ 711 noAN Irish story about a spooky cat who demands fish ( by Lady Wilde )AN Irish story about a spooky cat who demands fish ( by Lady Wilde )Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/how-anansi-brought-wild-animals-into-the-world/ https://www.storynory.com/how-anansi-brought-wild-animals-into-the-world/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2015 07:47:33 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23274 https://www.storynory.com/how-anansi-brought-wild-animals-into-the-world/feed/ 500 noAnansi, the anti-hero of West African folklore, refuses to follow instructions.Anansi, the anti-hero of West African folklore, refuses to follow instructions.African Stories, Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/anansi-meets-father-thunder/ https://www.storynory.com/anansi-meets-father-thunder/#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2015 13:02:14 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23168 https://www.storynory.com/anansi-meets-father-thunder/feed/ 419 noAnansi visits an old man under the sea and receives a gift. The gift is more wonderful than anything he expected but his mean spirit gets the better of him.Anansi visits an old man under the sea and receives a gift. The gift is more wonderful than anything he expected but his mean spirit gets the better of him.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/how-wisdom-got-out/ https://www.storynory.com/how-wisdom-got-out/#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2015 15:02:53 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23161 https://www.storynory.com/how-wisdom-got-out/feed/ 298 noAnansi, our hero from Ghana in West Africa, keeps all the world's wisdom in a pot and he decides to hide it up a tree.Anansi, our hero from Ghana in West Africa, keeps all the world's wisdom in a pot and he decides to hide it up a tree.African Stories, Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/how-anansi-brought-stories-to-the-world/ https://www.storynory.com/how-anansi-brought-stories-to-the-world/#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2015 16:33:34 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23144 https://www.storynory.com/how-anansi-brought-stories-to-the-world/feed/ 275 noThe shape-shifting Anansi is sometimes a spider, sometimes a man. He comes from Ghana in West Africa and he is one of the great storytellers of the world.The shape-shifting Anansi is sometimes a spider, sometimes a man. He comes from Ghana in West Africa and he is one of the great storytellers of the world.African Stories, Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/the-good-turn/ https://www.storynory.com/the-good-turn/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2015 10:26:43 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23133 https://www.storynory.com/the-good-turn/feed/ 314 noA boy of Zanzibar goes out hunting and does a good turn to an Ape, a Snake, and a Lion. Is it true that one good turn deserves another?A boy of Zanzibar goes out hunting and does a good turn to an Ape, a Snake, and a Lion. Is it true that one good turn deserves another?Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/donkey-lion/ https://www.storynory.com/donkey-lion/#comments Sun, 15 Feb 2015 07:13:46 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23013 https://www.storynory.com/donkey-lion/feed/ 178 noA donkey is dim enough to fall for the same trick twice.A donkey is dim enough to fall for the same trick twice.Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/monkey-shark/ https://www.storynory.com/monkey-shark/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2015 17:16:00 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=23001 https://www.storynory.com/monkey-shark/feed/ 232 noA clever monkey has a story that explains a story.A clever monkey has a story that explains a story.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/amazing-gazelle/ https://www.storynory.com/amazing-gazelle/#comments Thu, 05 Feb 2015 13:24:48 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=22991 https://www.storynory.com/amazing-gazelle/feed/ 168 noA story from Zanzibar about a clever gazelle who helps a beggar.A story from Zanzibar about a clever gazelle who helps a beggar.Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/aponibolinayen-and-the-healing-oranges/ https://www.storynory.com/aponibolinayen-and-the-healing-oranges/#comments Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:10:47 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=12282 https://www.storynory.com/aponibolinayen-and-the-healing-oranges/feed/ 137 noFrom the Philippines. Aponibolinayen has a headache and longs for healing oranges of guarded by a fierce giant. Her husband is determined to fetch them for her.From the Philippines. Aponibolinayen has a headache and longs for healing oranges of guarded by a fierce giant. Her husband is determined to fetch them for her.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/three-short-fables-from-the-philippines/ https://www.storynory.com/three-short-fables-from-the-philippines/#comments Mon, 31 Mar 2014 14:47:09 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=12265 https://www.storynory.com/three-short-fables-from-the-philippines/feed/ 302 noWhy Dogs Wag their Tails, why hens peck the ground, and why spiders hate fliesWhy Dogs Wag their Tails, why hens peck the ground, and why spiders hate fliesLatest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/aponibolinayen/ https://www.storynory.com/aponibolinayen/#comments Mon, 24 Mar 2014 19:04:12 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=12256 https://www.storynory.com/aponibolinayen/feed/ 85 noA beautiful woman with magical powers marries the Sun in this fable from the Philippines.A beautiful woman with magical powers marries the Sun in this fable from the Philippines.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/the-elfin-knight/ https://www.storynory.com/the-elfin-knight/#comments Sun, 26 Jan 2014 22:39:47 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=12135 https://www.storynory.com/the-elfin-knight/feed/ 193 noA ghostly knight rides across a Scottish moore. Two brave Earls ignore warnings about him, and go hunting on the moore. Only one of them carries the sign of the Trinity.A ghostly knight rides across a Scottish moore. Two brave Earls ignore warnings about him, and go hunting on the moore. Only one of them carries the sign of the Trinity.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/the-sprightly-tailor/ https://www.storynory.com/the-sprightly-tailor/#comments Mon, 20 Jan 2014 13:29:25 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=12122 https://www.storynory.com/the-sprightly-tailor/feed/ 64 noA spooky, scary, and at the same time funny story from Scotland, about a taylor who has to sew some trews in the haunted ruins of an old church.A spooky, scary, and at the same time funny story from Scotland, about a taylor who has to sew some trews in the haunted ruins of an old church.Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/2014-chinese-year-of-the-horse-the-horse-that-ran-away/ https://www.storynory.com/2014-chinese-year-of-the-horse-the-horse-that-ran-away/#comments Fri, 27 Dec 2013 08:03:11 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=12095 https://www.storynory.com/2014-chinese-year-of-the-horse-the-horse-that-ran-away/feed/ 93 no2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse - starting on January 31. Hope you all have a wonderful year ! This is a chinese tale about a man whose prize possession was his one and only horse. When it ran away, everyone thought he had suffered the most terrible bad luck - but he was wise and saw things differently.2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse - starting on January 31. Hope you all have a wonderful year ! This is a chinese tale about a man whose prize possession was his one and only horse. When it ran away, everyone thought he had suffered the most terrible bad luck - but he was wise and saw things differently.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales, Chinese Stories https://www.storynory.com/prince-cheri/ https://www.storynory.com/prince-cheri/#comments Mon, 16 Sep 2013 11:58:10 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=11445 https://www.storynory.com/prince-cheri/feed/ 75 noA prince has a good fairy to look over him, but he behaves badly and she punishes him.A prince has a good fairy to look over him, but he behaves badly and she punishes him.Latest Stories for Podcast, Small Stories, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/the-moscow-cat/ https://www.storynory.com/the-moscow-cat/#comments Wed, 26 Jun 2013 10:33:58 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=11074 https://www.storynory.com/the-moscow-cat/feed/ 123 noA strong and independent cat from Moscow runs away to live in the forrest. A story that is half realistic - in fact based on a real cat - and half traditional Russian fairy tale.A strong and independent cat from Moscow runs away to live in the forrest. A story that is half realistic - in fact based on a real cat - and half traditional Russian fairy tale.Latest Stories for Podcast, Fairy Tales, Small Stories, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/undine/ https://www.storynory.com/undine/#comments Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:51:47 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=11049 https://www.storynory.com/undine/feed/ 117 noA watery fairytale from Germany that is not unlike the Little MermaidA watery fairytale from Germany that is not unlike the Little MermaidLatest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/the-king-and-the-beggar-maid/ https://www.storynory.com/the-king-and-the-beggar-maid/#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 15:12:46 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=10968 https://www.storynory.com/the-king-and-the-beggar-maid/feed/ 100 noA king does not seem interested in marrying until he comes across a beggar maid. This is an ancient story that is often referred to in literature. Shakespeare mentions it in several of his plays, including Romeo and Juliet.A king does not seem interested in marrying until he comes across a beggar maid. This is an ancient story that is often referred to in literature. Shakespeare mentions it in several of his plays, including Romeo and Juliet.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/red-fortunes/ https://www.storynory.com/red-fortunes/#comments Wed, 01 May 2013 09:44:10 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=10956 https://www.storynory.com/red-fortunes/feed/ 39 noRed Fortunes is Bertie's novel for Grown Ups. It's available on Amazon both in Kindle and in Paperback. And even better, for the first 5 days of May it's FREE on Kindle. Download it now and please leave a review on Amazon.Red Fortunes is Bertie's novel for Grown Ups. It's available on Amazon both in Kindle and in Paperback. And even better, for the first 5 days of May it's FREE on Kindle. Download it now and please leave a review on Amazon.Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales https://www.storynory.com/the-rooster-and-the-fox/ https://www.storynory.com/the-rooster-and-the-fox/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 07:01:52 +0000 http://www.storynory.com/?p=10934 https://www.storynory.com/the-rooster-and-the-fox/feed/ 119 noIf you like Aesop's fables, you will probably enjoy this. It is the lively story of a fox who tries to trick a farmyard rooster. There are plenty of good morals; "pride comes before the fall," and "do not fall for false flattery," are a couple examples. Geoffrey Chaucer included the story in his "Canterbury […]If you like Aesop's fables, you will probably enjoy this. It is the lively story of a fox who tries to trick a farmyard rooster. There are plenty of good morals; "pride comes before the fall," and "do not fall for false flattery," are a couple examples. Geoffrey Chaucer included the story in his "Canterbury […]Latest Stories for Podcast, All Stories, World Fairytales