The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter: Nature’s Transient Beauty in Japanese Folklore
An ancient Japanese folktale weaving bamboo’s delicate beauty, lunar mystery, and life’s fleeting grace.
Top Folktale Stories on GatherTales
-desc
Where Love Is, God Is
A humble Russian cobbler rediscovers faith through acts of kindness in a time of hardship
The Lime Tree
A Russian folktale in which a poor cottager’s endless wishes before a magic lime tree reveal the true value of contentment.
Mullah in the Turkish Bath
A comical tale of anticipation, surprise, and the true nature of reward in an ancient Persian hamam
Luck of a Child
A humble couple in a 19th century American town finds hope when the prophet Elijah crosses their path.
The Harvest Birds: How One Man’s Dream Brought a Field to Life
A tale of grit, hope, and the quiet magic of hard work blooming on American soil.
The Fairy Shilling
A magical coin that defies distance and destiny to always return to its rightful keeper
The Magic Pot
An American folk tale warning of the hidden costs of boundless wishes and uncontrolled magic
Stone Soup: A Tale of Sharing and Community
How a single stone and a traveler’s ingenuity can bring an entire village together
The Gingerbread Man’s Grand Escape
A lively American folktale about a daring chase and the dangers of overconfidence
Aladdin and the Magic Lamp: A Fantasy Tale from Ancient China
Join young Aladdin as he discovers a hidden lamp in a secret cavern, unleashing a mighty genie and beginning an unforgettable adventure of wonder and courage.
The Fisherman and His Wife
A German Folktale of Greed and the Perils of Dissatisfaction
The Nightingale of Copenhagen
A poetic folktale of a bird whose song healed a kingdom’s heart under moonlit skies
The Little Match Girl of Copenhagen
A Poignant Tale of Hope and Hardship on a Frosty New Year’s Eve
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves: The Hidden Treasure of the Mountains
A richly woven tale of discovery, loyalty, and courage, uncovering a secret cave brimming with unimaginable wealth.
Mullah in the Turkish Bath: A Sufi & Persian Tale
A witty folk story from Iran about humility, laughter, and unexpected rewards in an Ottoman bathhouse
Luck of a Child: A Kurdish Tale
A vivid legend of faith, generosity, and divine intervention in an ancient Iraqi village
The Fairy Shilling: An Irish Tale
A mystical Irish coin that defies loss, returning to its owner across hills, rivers, and fairy realms
The Magic Pot of Endless Want
An ancient Indian folktale teaching balance and caution with supernatural gifts
The Mermaid Legend of Palm Harbor
An enchanting folktale of coastal mermaids and moonlit waters along Florida’s shores
The Two Doves of Nablus
A timeless Palestinian folktale of two doves returning each spring to a sacred olive tree, symbolizing enduring devotion amidst war and hope.
The Lantern Maker of Ramallah
A tale of light, longing, and the resilient spirit of Palestine’s olive groves
The Secret Well of Calabar
A Nigerian legend of healing waters hidden in Calabar’s enchanted forest
The Trickster Tortoise and the Rainmaker
How a cunning tortoise tried to seize the skies, only to learn that nature has its own justice