Princess Belle-Etoile

Title: Princess Belle-Etoile

Where it can be found:
D'Aulnoy, Marie Catherine Baronne. The Fairy Tales of Madame D'Aulnoy. Miss Annie Macdonell and Miss Lee, translators. Clinton Peters, illustrator. London: Lawrence and Bullen, 1892.

Summary: Princess was once wealthy, but the only thing she has left is a beautiful set of utensils. In order to feed her three daughters, she sells jewels from these utensils to make sure that they can maintain their modest lifestyle. One day, the Princess is robbed. Always known for her excellent sauces, she decides to start cooking to support her family. In time the Princess gains popularity and wealth for her skills, but she shuts her beautiful daughters up in a room. The daughters, Roussette, Brunette, and Blondine are called down from their room to help her mother serve dinner to an old woman who appeared in her establishment. They all have a very nice time and the old woman is served an elaborate and wonderful meal. 

When she finishes, she reveals to the four women that she cannot pay her bill. The Princess and her daughters are understanding, saying that they are well paid just to see her enjoy herself. The old woman offers to grant the first thing they wish for without thinking of her, and then she disappears. The women are unable to wish for anything without thinking about the old woman (who must have been a fairy) and so they are frustrated. 

While picking strawberries for their mother, the three girls began to speak about who they would like to marry. The king's messenger overhears them, and reports what they have wished to the king. Since they did not think of the old woman when they were daydreaming about their husbands, their wish came true and they were all married to the men they desired. 

Jealousy, resentment, and lying ensues. When Roussette and the mother of the King who married Blondine conspire and put Blondine and Brunette's children on a ship, the fairies protect them. The children are adopted by a former pirate and his wife and they grow up. Belle-Etoile and her cousins and brothers overhear the pirate talking about where they came from and they decide to try to go back home. They hear about a bird who can answer any question, and Belle-Etoile uses her charm and her voice to lure the bird from the mountain. It tells them who their parents are and when they are reunited, the bird confirms to Blondie and the King that they are their children. 


Cultural Origins: France, published 1982 by Madame d'Aulnoy. She adapted the tale from Ancilotto, King of Provino.

Audience: This tale is long and complicated. The version by Madame d'Aulnoy has some details that may not be appropriate for children. Because of this, I would suggest that adults and scholars are the main audience for this tale. You could possibly tell this story in a museum or at a college, if the topic was related to French tales. 

Adaptation Possibilities: If you were to shorten the tale, telling only the first part about the mother and her daughters, it could be a good story for children. The group of women are open-hearted and caring, something that I don't think is often seen in fairy tales. It does eliminate some drama, so perhaps you could add more elements about what the three daughters tried to wish for before they were successful to lengthen the suspense of the tale for a younger audience.