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Tale Summary

There once was a king’s son who had many beautiful books. He could read about everything and see the most beautiful images, but he could not find out where the Garden of Paradise was to be found, and this was what he thought most about. Until he was seventeen, the Prince believed that had he been in the position of Adam and Eve, he would not have caused sin to enter the world. One day the Prince was walking alone in the woods when a great downpour began, soaking him completely. He discovered a big cave where a strong, old woman invited him to warm up, telling him he was in the cavern of the winds. She explained that her sons were the four winds of the world; the Northwind, Zephyr, the Southwind, and the Eastwind. All the sons arrived and the Eastwind explained that he would be returning after a hundred-year-long gap to the Garden of Paradise the next day. The Prince woke up the next day on the back of the Eastwind, who had invited him along to the Garden of Paradise. They flew for some time and finally arrived at the Island of Bliss. The Prince had never seen such beauty in his life before. The Fairy of the Garden was just as gorgeous, and after showing them around, the Prince asked if he could stay there forever. She replied that he could stay if he didn’t allow himself to be tempted to do what was forbidden. She gave him the option of testing himself, saying that he could return with the Eastwind or remain. She explained that every evening when she left him she must say, “Come with me” and beckon him, but he must not, as with every step he took, the longing would grow stronger. If he followed, he would see her sleeping beneath the Tree of Knowledge. She warned if he kissed her, Paradise would sink down into the Earth, and the sharp winds of the wilderness would whistle around him, with sorrow following. The Prince agreed to remain, and the Fairy warned him once again of what would occur that night. Upon her beckoning, the Prince forgot everything and followed, becoming more tempted with each step. He thought to only see her and not kiss her, but saw that she had tears welling up so he kissed away her tears. Immediately the winds harshly blew around him as Paradise sank. At last, his memory came back and he found himself back with the mother of the winds. The story ends with Death promising that he would be laid in his coffin when he expected it least, but first, he must wander about on Earth to expiate his sin and become a better person. Upon his death, he would have the option of entering the Garden of Paradise above if he was holy and good, otherwise, he would sink deeper in his coffin, where Death would only go check once in every thousand years.

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