A Norwegian fairy tale
A farmer gives up his youngest daughter to the White Bear. The White Bear promises the farmer that he will be as rich as he is currently poor. After much persuasion, the daughter agrees to leave and reside with the White Bear. Living with him is not a hardship for she has everything she could ever want. She, however, misses her family and is lonely. Meanwhile, her family is enjoying riches and a massive home beyond their imaginations. The White Bear allows the daughter to visit her family, warning her not to be alone with her mother. The daughter does not listen to the White Bear and horrible consequences ensue. For most of the story the daughter is trying to break a spell she has activated.
Warnings: At night the White Bear becomes a handsome prince. Each night he lies with the girl, but she cannot see who exactly he is. The term "bosom" is used (The daughter hides a small candle in it. A curious child may ask what a bosom is.). The daughter lies. When she does finally help the prince break the spell, the translation says "there was great joy and love between them all that night" and a full page illustration of them lying side by side with the prince passionately kissing her on the cheek. . . .most kids won't understand what this means, but thought I should share it. The trolls are very ugly and may scare more sensitive readers. I was startled when I turned the page to see one for the first time!!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
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