The Nine Peahens and the Golden Apples

The dragon flew out and caught the queen on the road and carried her away

The Nine Peahens and the Golden Apples is a folk tale that originates from Eastern Europe, particularly found in Serbian and Bulgarian traditions. This story falls under the Aarne-Thompson classification system as type 400, "The Quest for the Lost Wife", and shares similarities with various tales of the same motif across different cultures.

Plot

The tale begins with a king who discovers that the golden apples in his garden are being stolen by nine peahens. Intrigued and determined to find the thief, he tasks his three sons with guarding the garden. The first two sons fall asleep during their watch, but the youngest son stays awake and sees the peahens transforming into beautiful maidens to eat the apples. The youngest prince falls in love with one of the maidens, who notices him and tells him to follow her if he wishes to see her again.

The prince embarks on a quest to find the peahen maiden, facing various challenges and receiving help from magical beings along the way. His journey leads him to a distant kingdom, where he discovers that the peahen maiden is actually a princess under a spell. The prince must then complete several impossible tasks to free her and her sisters from the spell and to prove his worth.

Themes and Analysis

The story of The Nine Peahens and the Golden Apples explores themes of love, perseverance, and transformation. The motif of golden apples serves as a symbol of desire and the pursuit of the unattainable, a common theme in folklore. The transformation of the peahens into maidens and the impossible tasks are elements that highlight the magical and fantastical aspects of folk tales.

The tale also emphasizes the importance of kindness and wisdom over brute strength, as the youngest prince succeeds not through force but through his cleverness and the assistance of magical allies. This reflects a recurring motif in folklore where the youngest or least likely hero triumphs.

Cultural Significance

This story is significant in Eastern European folklore for its depiction of mythical creatures and its moral lessons. It has been passed down through generations, reflecting the values and beliefs of the cultures from which it originates. The tale has been adapted into various forms, including literature, theater, and film, showcasing its enduring appeal and versatility.

See Also

• Folklore
• Aarne-Thompson classification system
• Mythical creatures in Slavic folklore
• Golden apples in mythology