The Three Citrons: the Story of a Prince who Cli

Name: The Three Citrons: the Story of a Prince who Climbed the Glass Hill
Author: Parker Fillmore

An aged king urges his only son, a prince, to marry before he dies. The prince, lacking a romantic interest, encounters an old woman who instructs him to climb the Glass Hill and pluck the Three Citrons to find a wife. Determined, the prince embarks on a journey, facing challenges and meeting two ogres at lead and silver castles, who direct him to the Golden Castle for further guidance. At the Golden Castle, the prince learns that the Glass Hill is nearby. He struggles to climb the smooth hill but discovers that throwing dumplings creates steps, allowing him to reach the top. He successfully plucks the Three Citrons, which vanish, leaving him on a plain. Hungry, he opens the first citron, releasing a beautiful maiden who disappears when he cannot provide for her. The same occurs with the second citron. Upon returning home, the prince finally opens the last citron during a grand feast, revealing a stunning maiden who he can provide for, leading to their betrothal and wedding. After the king's death, the young king faces war and builds a throne for his queen in the garden to protect her. An old woman, angered by not being invited to the wedding, instructs a gipsy servant to deceive the queen. The gipsy tricks the queen into letting her up, puts a pin in her head, and takes her place. The king, returning from battle, is horrified to find the gipsy instead of his wife. He mourns her loss until a white dove reveals the pin in its head. Removing the pin transforms the dove back into the queen. The king punishes the gipsy and the old witch, restoring peace and happiness to his reign with his beloved wife.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1925 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure · 5,066 words

First lines

Once upon a time there was an aged king who had an only son. One day he called the prince to him and said: "My son, you see that my head is white. Soon I shall be closing my eyes and you are not yet settled in life. Marry, my son, marry at once so that I can bless you before I die."

The prince made no answer but he took the king's words to heart and pondered them. He would gladly have done as his father wished but there was no young girl upon whom his affections were set.

What this Textopian page supports

The Three Citrons: the Story of a Prince who Climbed the Glass Hill is listed on Textopian as a novella by Parker Fillmore, dated 1925 CE.

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

Work type: Novella
Author: Parker Fillmore
Date: 1925 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore, Romance
Length: 5,066 words
Structure: 1 section, 127 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The narrative follows classic fairy tale elements, including a prince, magical quests, and fantastical creatures.
Fantasy — The story features magical elements such as the Glass Hill, Yezibaba, and enchanted citrons.
Adventure — The prince embarks on a journey filled with challenges and encounters as he seeks the citrons.
Folklore — The story incorporates traditional motifs and characters common in folklore, particularly Slavic.