As is typical in many fairy tales, the number "3" features in every episode of the series: {Hans My Hedgehog} — The Princess, after marrying the Grovelhog, learns he sheds his quills each night and she has to keep it a secret for 3 nights in order to break the curse. When she fails and he runs away, she searches the world and wears out 3 pairs of iron shoes in the process. {Fearnot} — Fearnot comes from a family of 3 (father, brother and Fearnot) and was tricked by 3 bullies early in the story. It takes 3 encounters before he finally learns how to shudder (encountering the swamp creature, the half demon in the castle, and the thought of losing his sweetheart). {A Story Short} — The Storyteller loses to the Beggar 3 times while playing Dice. He loses his money, his wife and his own self. {The Luck Child} — Lucky survives 3 attempts on his life by the wicked king (thrown over a cliff, sent to the castle with a letter instructing the queen to kill him, and being sent to the Griffin's lair). {The Soldier and Death} — The Soldier helps 3 beggars and is rewarded each time. He also captures 3 geese the first time he uses the Magic Sack. {The True Bride} — The girl completes 3 tasks given to her by the troll (with the help of the Thought Lion). The Lion also gives her 3 walnuts with gifts hidden inside to barter with the Trollop. {The Three Ravens} — After the Princess's 3 brothers are transformed into ravens, she has to keep silent for 3 years, 3 months and 3 days to break the curse. She also gives birth to 3 sons after marrying the Prince. {Sapsorrow} — Youngest of 3 daughters, Sapsorrow commissions the making of 3 dresses to stall the arranged marriage with her Father. She then wears those 3 dresses on 3 different nights to woo the Prince. {The Heartless Giant} — Youngest of 3 princes, Leo tries to find the Heartless Giant that he released. On the way, he helps 3 animals (bird, fish and wolf) who later aid him. When Leo tries to find where the Giant's heart is hidden, he finds out on the third try.
Episode List:
Episode Name
Disc Order
Directors
Writers
Synopsis
Reaction
IMDB
Personal Rating
Hans My Hedgehog
1
Steve Barron
Anthony Minghella
A poor woman, desperate for a child, makes a fateful wish and the child born to her turns out to be more than anyone could have expected.
This story containts elements that should seem familiar to most but it is told in a uniquely Muppet fashion.
7.5
9
Fearnot
2
Steve Barron
Anthony Minghella
A young lad is sent out to learn what it is to be afraid.
A good tale that has been told in other forms but done with Muppet charm.
8.1
7
A Story Short
3
Charles Sturridge
Anthony Minghella
The Storyteller tells of one time when his life was put in danger for want of one more story.
This episode is a bit on the unusual side, even compared to the other stories in the series.
8.1
7
The Luck Child
4
Jon Amiel
Anthony Minghella
A baby is born and a prophecy is given. A series of both fortunate and unfortunate events appears to be his lot.
Not the best but still a charming tale.
8.3
7
The Soldier and Death
5
Jim Henson
Anthony Minghella
A soldier returns from war and earns a series of wondrous gifts that become both a boon and a bane to him.
This is one of the best in this set of stories. Beautifully shot and wonderfully told.
9.1
10
The True Bride
6
Peter Smith
Anthony Minghella
A young girl, raised by a troll, is aided by a mysterious lion and eventually finds happiness in the arms of a lowley gardener.
Well made and fun to watch, elements of the story may feel familiar, but this is a unique treasure.
7.6
9
The Three Ravens
7
Paul Weiland
Anthony Minghella
A widdower king marries a woman who turns out to be a witch who attempts to rid herself of his children.
This is a fairly sad episode in many ways, but it's very well done and has a (mostly) happy ending.
8.2
9
Sapsorrow
8
Steve Barron
Anthony Minghella
A young princess is forced to run away and disguise herself to avoid being forced to marry her father. In disguise, she meets a prince and comes to love him.
This is very much the story of Cinderella in many ways, but still uniquely set apart.
8.3
9
The Heartless Giant
9
Jim Henson
Anthony Minghella
A young boy befriends and is tricked by a giant who, it turns out, has no heart with which to love.
The sad ending may be a bit hard on a few of the younger viewers, but otherwise, this is a very well made story.
