Publisher's Synopsis
In the far reaches of Sweden's deep forests and mist-covered mountains, a tapestry of tales comes to life, each one woven with threads of courage, trickery, and ancient magic. Giants like Stompe Pilt roam the hills, challenging even the bravest shepherds with their brute strength, only to be outsmarted by a clever boy who knows how to turn a simple cheese into a weapon of wit. On the shores of secret lakes, the hunter Lars makes a dangerous bargain with Fairies and Wood Nymphs, gaining a deadly aim but paying a price far higher than he could have ever imagined.
In these stories, we meet the young prince who, aided by a wild man, dons a suit of golden armor and rides a gleaming steed up a glass mountain to win the hand of a beautiful princess. Alongside these heroes, the cunning swan maiden slips from her mortal husband's grasp, her feathery garments carrying her away to a life beyond human understanding, leaving only the mystery of her existence behind. There is the tale of the wise Lady Margaretta, whose unyielding spirit and purity of heart confront a restless spirit in a haunted inn, uncovering murder and securing justice with nothing more than a gold ring and an unwavering resolve. These stories draw us into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, where a simple goat-herd can stand his ground against a fearsome giant, and a prince can reclaim his destiny with nothing but courage and a promise fulfilled. Through them, we glimpse a Sweden alive with the echoes of ancient giants, bold hunters, enchanted princesses, and clever youths who navigate their fates with both cunning and bravery, reminding us that the greatest adventures are often found in the most unexpected places.
