The Singing-Tree and the Speaking-Bird

Name: The Singing-Tree and the Speaking-Bird
Author: Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev

A curious King eavesdrops on his daughters' conversations, leading to the youngest marrying him. After three births, the King's jealous elder daughters deceive him into believing the children are monsters, resulting in their abandonment in a pond. A gardener rescues and raises them. As they grow, the sister learns they lack a Talking-Bird, a Singing-Tree, and the Water of Life. The eldest brother sets out to find these treasures but is turned to stone. The second brother meets the same fate. The sister, determined, seeks the old man in the oak tree for guidance. He provides her with a rolling-pin and instructions to avoid looking back as she climbs a mountain. She successfully retrieves the Talking-Bird and the Singing-Tree, and revives her brothers with the Water of Life. They return home, plant the Singing-Tree, and attract the King's attention during a hunt. The King invites them to his palace, where they reveal their treasures. The Talking-Bird discloses their true parentage, leading to a joyful reunion. The King marries his daughter, punishes the deceitful sisters, and reconciles with his wife, resulting in a life of happiness for the family.

By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1820 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure · 1,949 words

First lines

Once upon a time there was a very inquisitive King who spent all his time eavesdropping at the window. There was also a merchant, who had three daughters, and one day they were talking to their father, and one said: "If only the King's bread-bearer would marry me! " The second one said: "If only the King's valet would cast his eyes upon me! " But the third said: "I want the King himself: I would bear him two sons and one daughter."

Now the King was listening to all this conversation; and after a few days he did exactly as they had wished: the eldest married the King's bread-bearer, the middle one the King's valet, but the youngest married the King himself.

What this Textopian page supports

The Singing-Tree and the Speaking-Bird is listed on Textopian as a short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev, dated 1820 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
Date: 1820 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore, Children's Literature
Length: 1,949 words
Structure: 1 section, 41 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The narrative features magical elements, a royal setting, and moral lessons typical of fairy tales.
Fantasy — The story includes fantastical creatures and events, such as a talking bird and a singing tree.
Adventure — The protagonists embark on a quest to find magical items, facing challenges along the way.
Folklore — The story reflects cultural traditions and oral storytelling practices common in folklore.