Croatian Tales of Long Ago

"Croatian Tales of Long Ago" by Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić is a collection of enchanting folk tales likely written in the early 20th century. The book weaves together various narratives from Croatian folklore, exploring themes of magic, adventure, and moral lessons, featuring characters such as the three grandsons—Bluster, Careful, and Quest—who embark on a journey through challenges and encounters with mystical beings. The opening of "Croatian Tales of Long Ago" introduces the characters of an old man named Witting and his three grandsons who live in a peaceful glade within an ancient forest. One spring morning, they venture out to check on their beehives when they encounter All-Rosy, a golden youth who reveals the possibility of exploring the world but cautions them to remain with their grandfather until they repay his kindness. As they return home, Rampogusto, the wicked King of Forest Goblins, witnesses their encounter and schemes to turn the brothers against their grandfather, setting the stage for trials that explore themes of loyalty, truth, and the consequences of straying from moral imperatives. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić was a Croatian writer. She has been praised as the best Croatian writer for children.