A king has three sons, the eldest and middle princes go missing while hunting near an ominous Old Mill. The youngest prince, cautious and clever, decides to investigate. He encounters an old woman who reveals that a dragon, disguised as a hare, resides in the mill and captures those who venture too close. The dragon's strength lies not in its body but in a sparrow hidden deep within a lake, guarded by a series of transformations: a dragon, a wild boar, a hare, a pigeon, and finally, the sparrow. The youngest prince disguises himself as a shepherd and travels to the third kingdom where the lake is located. He seeks employment and is hired by the Tsar, who is wary of the lake's dangers. The prince, equipped with a falcon and two hounds, challenges the dragon to a wrestling match. Their struggle is fierce, but the dragon grows weak under the sun. The prince cleverly demands a kiss from the Tsar's daughter to gain strength, which she reluctantly agrees to, boosting his power significantly. With newfound strength, the prince defeats the dragon, which transforms into a series of animals until the sparrow is revealed. The prince kills the sparrow, ensuring the dragon's demise. The Tsar, impressed by the prince's bravery, offers him his daughter in marriage. The princess, initially hesitant, admits her affection for the prince, leading to their betrothal. After a week of festivities, the prince reveals his true identity as a royal. He returns to the Old Mill to free the captives, including his brothers, who had been imprisoned by the dragon. The king rejoices at the return of his sons and the union of the youngest prince and the princess, who expresses her contentment regardless of his status. The story concludes with the celebration of their marriage and the restoration of peace in the kingdom.
By Parker Fillmore · First published 1930 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale