Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440 - Posts Tagged "ogres"
Old-World Wisdom and Fairy Tale Wonders Await in "Fables from Italy"
Writing "Fables from Italy" was a journey through the heart of Italy’s storytelling traditions, bringing to life folktales that have been passed down for generations. These stories, once told in village squares, by glowing hearths, and in bustling marketplaces, are filled with clever tricksters, daring heroes, and magical transformations. From the eerie fate of a girl trapped inside a myrtle tree to the absurdity of a king who raises a flea as large as a sheep, I worked to preserve the charm and mystery that have made these tales endure for centuries.
As I reimagined these stories, I found myself drawn to the cunning peasants who outwit kings, the noble daughters who defy impossible odds, and the creatures both wondrous and terrifying. Penta’s harrowing journey—cast into the sea by her own brother, only to find her way to a kingdom where justice prevails—was a story I knew had to be told with all its depth and emotion. In another, a merchant’s daughter sculpts the perfect man from sugar and spice, only for love and jealousy to reshape his fate in unexpected ways. These tales are glimpses into a world where wit and kindness can be as powerful as magic.
One of the joys of writing this book was capturing the humor, wisdom, and imagination that run through these fables. Some are cautionary, warning against vanity, greed, or deception, while others celebrate loyalty, perseverance, and quick thinking. A fearless heroine outsmarts an ogre using only her wits, while a foolish young man is thrown into the sea for his antics—only to turn disaster into triumph. Whether weaving a tale of enchantment or mischief, I wanted each story to feel both timeless and fresh, just as compelling now as when it was first told.
I’m excited to share this collection with readers who love folklore, adventure, and a touch of magic. "Fables from Italy" is my tribute to Italy’s rich storytelling heritage, filled with legends, myths, and fairy tales rewritten in a way that stays true to their essence while making them engaging for today’s readers. Whether you’re discovering these fables for the first time or revisiting them in a new light, I hope you find as much joy in reading them as I did in bringing them to life.
As I reimagined these stories, I found myself drawn to the cunning peasants who outwit kings, the noble daughters who defy impossible odds, and the creatures both wondrous and terrifying. Penta’s harrowing journey—cast into the sea by her own brother, only to find her way to a kingdom where justice prevails—was a story I knew had to be told with all its depth and emotion. In another, a merchant’s daughter sculpts the perfect man from sugar and spice, only for love and jealousy to reshape his fate in unexpected ways. These tales are glimpses into a world where wit and kindness can be as powerful as magic.
One of the joys of writing this book was capturing the humor, wisdom, and imagination that run through these fables. Some are cautionary, warning against vanity, greed, or deception, while others celebrate loyalty, perseverance, and quick thinking. A fearless heroine outsmarts an ogre using only her wits, while a foolish young man is thrown into the sea for his antics—only to turn disaster into triumph. Whether weaving a tale of enchantment or mischief, I wanted each story to feel both timeless and fresh, just as compelling now as when it was first told.
I’m excited to share this collection with readers who love folklore, adventure, and a touch of magic. "Fables from Italy" is my tribute to Italy’s rich storytelling heritage, filled with legends, myths, and fairy tales rewritten in a way that stays true to their essence while making them engaging for today’s readers. Whether you’re discovering these fables for the first time or revisiting them in a new light, I hope you find as much joy in reading them as I did in bringing them to life.
Uncovering Hidden Gems Among Beloved Stories in "Fables from France"
The French tradition of fairy tales is one of the richest in the world, and this collection brings together both the classics everyone remembers and the treasures waiting to be rediscovered. Inside you will find familiar wonders like Cinderella with her glittering slipper, Sleeping Beauty resting in her enchanted sleep, and Beauty and the Beast where love transforms the unexpected. Each of these timeless tales shines with a uniquely French spirit, full of elegance, imagination, and a touch of danger.
What makes the collection even more exciting are the stories that many readers may not yet know. The White Cat tells of an enchanted feline who hides a queenly secret, The Blue Bird captures a love transformed by magic, and Princess Rosette enchants with charm and courage. These are the stories that once filled the salons of Paris, written by women and men who shaped the literary fairy tale as we know it today. They deserve to be read alongside the classics that never left us.
The range of moods within the book is remarkable. Some tales are lighthearted and whimsical, offering clever tricks and happy endings, while others, like Bluebeard and Little Red Riding Hood, remind us of the darker paths in the forest. That balance between delight and dread is what gives these stories their lasting power. Children can enjoy the adventure and sparkle, while adults recognize the depth of meaning hidden beneath the surface.
It has been a joy to bring these tales together in one place, giving them a new life for today’s readers. Whether you are revisiting old favorites or meeting new ones for the first time, this collection invites you to wander through enchanted woods, cross paths with ogres and fairies, and discover the heart of storytelling that has endured for centuries. The magic of France’s fairy tales is alive once more, gathered here in "Fables from France."
What makes the collection even more exciting are the stories that many readers may not yet know. The White Cat tells of an enchanted feline who hides a queenly secret, The Blue Bird captures a love transformed by magic, and Princess Rosette enchants with charm and courage. These are the stories that once filled the salons of Paris, written by women and men who shaped the literary fairy tale as we know it today. They deserve to be read alongside the classics that never left us.
The range of moods within the book is remarkable. Some tales are lighthearted and whimsical, offering clever tricks and happy endings, while others, like Bluebeard and Little Red Riding Hood, remind us of the darker paths in the forest. That balance between delight and dread is what gives these stories their lasting power. Children can enjoy the adventure and sparkle, while adults recognize the depth of meaning hidden beneath the surface.
It has been a joy to bring these tales together in one place, giving them a new life for today’s readers. Whether you are revisiting old favorites or meeting new ones for the first time, this collection invites you to wander through enchanted woods, cross paths with ogres and fairies, and discover the heart of storytelling that has endured for centuries. The magic of France’s fairy tales is alive once more, gathered here in "Fables from France."
The Road to 1,440
I'm Samuel DenHartog, and at 51, at the end of November of 2023, I've embarked on a remarkable journey as a writer. My diverse background in computer programming, video game development, and film prod
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