S1E7: Fortunatus and His Purse (Grey Fairy Book)

**Please use your own judgement before sharing these stories with children. Although I do my best to keep the language friendly, the content may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Synopsis

After his father loses their fortune, young Fortunatus decides to help. He sets out and quickly finds employment as a page. Another page, jealous of Fortunatus’ success and eager to be rid of him, tells him that he has fallen out of favor. Believing him, Fortunatus packs up and leaves, travelling from town to town, and becoming penniless. 

Soon enough, he finds himself lost in a dense wood, until a mysterious lady appears. She gifts him with a magical money purse that would perpetually contain 10 gold pieces for him and his children.

Finally out of the woods, Fortunatus tests his gift, indeed finding 10 gold pieces inside. 

A year passes and Fortunatus remembers his parents. He decides it is time to travel back to them. He contracts a more experienced traveler to accompany him on the journey home. Before leaving, they stop at the companion’s home to visit with his wife and children. Fortunatus is immediately smitten with the man’s youngest daughter and they are married. 

Arriving home, Fortunatus learns of his parents passing and mourns for quite some time. Eventually wanderlust sets in and his wife agrees to let him go.

During his extended travels he gains the favor of a Sultan, who shows him his most prized possession: an enchanted cap which can transport the wearer wherever they wish to go. Without thinking Fortunatus uses the cap to return home. 

With his magic purse and enchanted cap, Fortunatus and his family live out the rest of their days in comfort.

Poll/Question/Links

Questions or Comments?

Book

The Grey Fairy Book by Andrew Lang

Music 

"Princess (Instrumental Version)" by Josh Woodward. 

Free download: https://www.joshwoodward.com/