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Cover of The Princess Nobody: A Tale of Fairyland

The Princess Nobody: A Tale of Fairyland

Written by Andrew Lang

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Fantasy fictionCourtshipFairy talesPrincessesFairiesQuests (Expeditions)Courts and courtiers

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About this book

"The Princess Nobody: A Tale of Fairyland" by Andrew Lang is a charming tale that falls under the genre of children's literature, likely written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around a royal family's longing for a child and the mystical events that follow when a dwarf offers the king a baby, leading to the birth of a beautiful princess, Niente. This whimsical narrative intersects with themes of fairy tale enchantments and moral lessons that are typical of Lang's style. The plot begins with the King and Queen's desperation for a child, resulting in the birth of the Princess Niente, also known as "Princess Nobody," due to her name's meaning in Italian. However, uncertainty looms when a dwarf claims her as part of a promise made by the king. To protect Niente, the Water Fairy sends her away, sparking a quest among princes to find and rescue her. Among them is Prince Comical, who ultimately discovers the princess in Mushroom Land. After overcoming various challenges, including a tragic moment of curiosity that causes them to be separated, the couple's love triumphs, leading to a joyous reunion. The story emphasizes themes of love, the perils of curiosity, and the eventual rewards of bravery and determination in the fantastical realm of fairies and enchantments.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Princess Nobody: A Tale of Fairyland, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • whimsical
  • enchanting
  • adventurous

Andrew Lang's "The Princess Nobody: A Tale of Fairyland" is a classic children's fairy tale about a royal couple's desperate wish for a child, leading to the birth of Princess Niente, or 'Nobody.' Her existence is complicated by a dwarf's claim, prompting the benevolent Water Fairy to hide her away. A quest ensues, with Prince Comical ultimately discovering Niente in Mushroom Land. Their journey is marked by challenges, including a separation caused by curiosity, before their enduring love and determination lead to a joyous reunion and a triumphant ending in the whimsical realm of fairyland.

“"A child, a child!" sighed the Queen, "A small hand to hold, a sweet voice to hear! What is a kingdom without an heir?"”

Key themes

Love and Longing
This theme is central, beginning with the King and Queen's profound longing for a child, which sets the entire plot in motion. It evolves into the romantic love between Princess Niente and Prince Comical, which is tested by separation and adversity but ultimately triumphs through perseverance. The story emphasizes love as a powerful, driving force capable of overcoming great obstacles.
Curiosity and Consequence
A pivotal theme explored through Niente's actions. Her succumbing to curiosity, despite warnings, leads directly to the second major separation from Prince Comical. This serves as a classic fairy tale warning about the dangers of forbidden knowledge or acting impulsively, highlighting that even seemingly innocuous actions can have significant, sometimes tragic, repercussions.
Bravery and Determination
This theme is predominantly embodied by Prince Comical, whose unwavering commitment to finding and rescuing Niente drives much of the narrative. His persistence through multiple quests and challenges, even after initial success turns to renewed separation, underscores the importance of courage and steadfastness in achieving one's goals and proving one's worth.

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