A wealthy man's dying wish to his son, Danilo, is to avoid the enchanted maiden known as Peerless Beauty and marry a sensible village girl instead. However, the mere mention of her name ignites Danilo's obsession. Despite warnings from his uncle and village elders about the dangers of pursuing her, he embarks on a quest to find Peerless Beauty, driven by curiosity and desire. After exhausting his wealth in attempts to see her, Danilo discovers a magic cap that grants him invisibility. Using it, he sneaks into her chamber and is captivated by her beauty. However, when he reveals himself, she tricks him into giving her the cap, leaving him powerless. Desperate, he returns home and searches for hidden treasures, eventually finding a magic pitcher that summons an army. With this newfound power, Danilo threatens Peerless Beauty, who, realizing her predicament, surrenders. Yet, when he reveals the source of his power, she tricks him again, leading to his exile. In the wilderness, Danilo discovers that eating red grapes gives him horns, while white grapes remove them. He devises a plan to return to the castle disguised as a grape seller. Peerless Beauty, intrigued, sends her maid to buy grapes, leading to chaos when the maid and then Beauty herself grow horns after eating the red grapes. In her desperation, she seeks a cure, and Danilo, disguised as a physician, offers to help if she confesses her wrongdoings. After several attempts, she finally reveals her misdeeds, including stealing the magic pitcher and cap. Once she is cured, Danilo reveals his identity. Peerless Beauty, now humbled, begs for forgiveness and promises to be a devoted wife. They marry, and with the help of the magic pitcher, return to Danilo's village, where they live happily ever after, despite the old men claiming credit for his adventures. The story concludes with the affirmation of their love and happiness, overshadowing the earlier warnings and misadventures.
By Parker Fillmore · First published 1920 · Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Romance