Fairy stories, especially from the rich traditional of Ireland where the supernatural grew from the legends of the Celts, are the magic stories of everyday folk seeking solutions to the challenges of the day. This spritely collection brings together tales inspired by older myths (the tragic 'Story of Deirdre' and 'The Knighting of Cuculain') and fables and stories of banshees, kings, changelings, tricksters and beloved princesses. 'Smallhead and the King's Sons' (a Cinderella story) and 'The Haughty Princess' (recalling Grimm's 'King Thrushbeard') are amongst the many delightful Irish takes on international archetypes of hope, morality and wonder.