Riquet with the Tuft

Name: Riquet with the Tuft
Author: Charles Perrault

A queen gives birth to a son, Riquet, who is ugly but possesses great intelligence and the ability to grant wisdom to the one he loves. In a neighboring kingdom, a queen has twin daughters: one is beautiful but lacks sense, while the other is ugly yet wise. As they grow, the beautiful sister becomes increasingly foolish, while the wise sister's appearance worsens. Despite her beauty, the elder sister is overshadowed by her sister's wit, leading to her deep dissatisfaction. Riquet, enamored by the beautiful sister, approaches her in the woods and offers to grant her wisdom if she agrees to marry him. Initially hesitant, she eventually accepts, and upon promising to marry him, she gains the ability to express herself eloquently. This transformation causes a stir at court, as her newfound intelligence attracts many suitors, but none meet her standards. While contemplating her choice, she discovers preparations for her wedding to Riquet. Initially forgetting her promise due to her newfound wisdom, she ultimately recognizes Riquet's worth. Riquet reveals that she has the power to make him handsome, and upon her wish, he transforms into a charming prince. The king approves their union, and they marry, celebrating the triumph of inner qualities over superficial appearances.

By Charles Perrault · First published 1697 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 3,465 words

First lines

Once upon a time there was a Queen who had a son so ugly and so misshapen that it was long disputed whether he had human form. A fairy who was at his birth said, however, that he would be very amiable for all that, since he would have uncommon good sense. She even added that it would be in his power, by virtue of a gift she had just then given him, to bestow as much sense as he pleased on the person he loved the best. All this somewhat comforted the poor Queen. It is true that this child no sooner began to talk than he said a thousand pretty things, and in all his actions there was an intelligence that was quite charming. I forgot to tell you that he was born with a little tuft of hair upon his head, which made them call him Riquet[1] with the Tuft, for Riquet was the family name.

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Riquet with the Tuft is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charles Perrault, dated 1697 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Charles Perrault
Date: 1697 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Folklore
Length: 3,465 words
Structure: 1 section, 47 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — Charles Perrault's 'Riquet with the Tuft' is a classic fairy tale involving magic, a prince, and themes of beauty and intelligence.
Children's Literature — As with many fairy tales, it is designed to be read to children and contains moral lessons.
Fantasy — The book includes magical elements such as a fairy granting wishes.
Folklore — Perrault's tales were grounded in folklore and popular belief.