National tales about food

An extra place at table or know each other through food

Aggiungi un posto a tavolaComenius project

2011-2013

Hungarian folk tales

Once upon a time there was an old king and he had three beautiful daughters. The old king wanted to marry off hisdaughters. But he couldn’t decide that from the three countries he had which girl should get the most beautiful one. I will give it to the one who loves me the most – he thought.

So the king asked them: ‘How much do you love me?’

The eldest answered: ‘I love youas much as a dove loves wheat.’

And you, my child?

‘I love you, my father as much asI love a cool breeze in hot summer.’

And you, my youngest daughter?

‘I love you my father as much aspeople love salt.’

How?? Like salt???You ungrateful!Did I raise you for this?Did I love you for this?Get out of my house!I don’t want to see you!

The girl tried to explain how much peoplelove salt but it was in vain. She beggedher father to let her stay but her father sent her away.

The poor girl walked and walkedtill she got to a forest. There she found a huge tree with a hole in it.She ate berries and nuts in the forest.

Once the son of the neighbouring king went hunting in the forest.As he was chasing the game he noticed the girl. The princess alsonoticed him and hid in the tree. The young king found the tree. The princess was scared but she came out. She was so beautifulthat the prince fell in love with her at once. He hugged the girl, seated on his horse and took her home to his palace. They hada huge wedding, even the dogs ate meat soup. They lived happily like two doves.

Time passed and once the young king asked his wife:‘Why did your father sent you off?’ Because I saidI loved him as much as people love salt.‘Because of that?’The young king had an idea: he sent a letter to theold king and invited him for dinner.

The next day the old king came. The young king lead him to hisbest room and seated him at the table. Servants brought plentyof food: soup but there was no salt in it. Neither the meat hasany flavour. The old king was left hungry despite all the food.

At first he didn’t complain but then he couldn’t bear it anylonger: ‘What a bad cook you have son! He cooks everything without SALT!!’‘I heard that you don’t like salt.’‘Who did you hear that from??’‘From your daughter.’ Then his daughter appeared.

The king was so happy that he burst out in tears.They hugged and kissed each other.

The king gave his most beautiful country to his youngestdaughter. And they lived happily ever after.

Primary school of Kőtelek

HUNGARY

2013