The Three Golden Hairs: the Story of a Charcoal-

Name: The Three Golden Hairs: the Story of a Charcoal-Burner's Son who Married a Princess
Author: Parker Fillmore

A king, passionate about hunting, loses his way in the forest and spends the night at a charcoal-burner's cottage. During the night, three old women, the Fates, bestow gifts upon the charcoal-burner's newborn son, including a promise that he will marry the king's daughter. The king, upon discovering this, orders the child to be drowned. However, the baby floats down the river and is rescued by a fisherman, who raises him as his own, naming him Plavachek. As Plavachek grows into a handsome young man, the king encounters him while seeking water. Recognizing him as the child he ordered to be killed, the king devises a plan to eliminate him by sending him with a letter instructing the queen to execute him. Plavachek, lost in the forest, meets an old woman who turns out to be his godmother. She switches the letter for one that commands a wedding between Plavachek and the princess. After the wedding, the king returns and, furious, learns that Plavachek is now his son-in-law. To rid himself of Plavachek, the king demands three golden hairs from Grandfather Knowitall as a dowry, believing it to be an impossible task. Plavachek sets off on his quest, encountering various people who request his help in return for their assistance in finding Grandfather Knowitall. He eventually reaches the palace of Grandfather Knowitall, who is revealed to be the Sun. His godmother helps him obtain the three golden hairs and provides answers to the questions he promised to ask. Plavachek learns how to restore a well of life, an apple tree of youth, and how to relieve a boatman of his endless duty. Plavachek successfully completes his tasks, earning riches and horses from the grateful kings. He returns to the king with the golden hairs, and the princess rejoices at his return. The king, obsessed with the idea of regaining his youth, sets off in search of the apple and the water of life, leaving Plavachek to fulfill his destiny as the king's son-in-law. The story concludes with the king still searching for the means to restore his youth, while Plavachek's fate aligns with the prophecy of the Fates.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1947 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure · 4,046 words

First lines

There was once a king who took great delight in hunting. One day he followed a stag a great distance into the forest. He went on and on until he lost his way. Night fell and the king by happy chance came upon a clearing where a charcoal-burner had a cottage. The king asked the charcoal-burner to lead him out of the forest and offered to pay him handsomely.

"I'd be glad to go with you," the charcoal-burner said, "but my wife is expecting the birth of a child and I cannot leave her. It is too late for you to start out alone. Won't you spend the night here? Lie down on some hay in the garret and tomorrow I'll be your guide."

What this Textopian page supports

The Three Golden Hairs: the Story of a Charcoal-Burner's Son who Married a Princess is listed on Textopian as a short story by Parker Fillmore, dated 1947 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Parker Fillmore
Date: 1947 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore, Romance
Length: 4,046 words
Structure: 1 section, 118 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The Three Golden Hairs: the Story of a Charcoal-Burner's Son who Married a Princess by Parker Fillmore
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, a quest, and a moral lesson typical of fairy tales.
Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical characters and events, such as Fates and magical transformations.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey filled with challenges and encounters, characteristic of adventure stories.
Folklore — The story reflects traditional cultural themes and motifs common in folklore.