The youth saw the golden bowl, filled with the milk of a sky goat, placed before the Snake King. Determined to learn the hidden secrets of the night, he jumped without thinking toward the bowl.

The characters in international, as well as in Estonian, fairy tales are usually not named, but are referred to generically—a certain “king,” “princess” or “a brave prince.”  In the typical fairy tale “a poor peasant boy,” after performing different tasks and through various miracles and exciting events, marries the beautiful princess and becomes the king of the land.  There is no thought of identifying the characters any further.  The chief characters are placed in sharp opposition to each other.  The endings are often optimistic.  The Estonian fairy tale reflects, in its own way, the social conditions from which it originates.  The fairy tale is full of commonplace expressions and motifs used in other tales which are part of the general style of the storyteller.

Influenced by the fairy poetry of Western Europe, the following story, “The Bathing Nymphs,” is a literary fairy tale emphasizing the realm of night, its fascinating beauty, its romance, and the curiosity of man.

Once there lived a restless youth, who could find no peace because he was troubled with a strong desire to know all kinds of mysteries unknown to men.  He learned eagerly the language of birds and animals, but he wanted to know more of the deeper mysteries.  He heard that things hidden from the eyes of mortals were happening in the woods at night.  He yearned to witness these mysteries for himself.  For a time, he visited one magician after another.  He asked them to sharpen his eyes and mind, but none knew how to help him.

At last he met the wizard of Finland, who was famous for his skills in the arts of magic.  The wizard tried to discourage the curious youth and said, “Dear son, do not long for useless knowledge that will bring no happiness.  Many things are purposely hidden from the eyes of man for his own good.  The knowledge would destroy the peace of his heart.  Those who have glimpsed the hidden things can never be happy again.  Before you decide, think it over carefully so that you may not regret it later.”

But the youth would not listen and willfully repeated his wish.  At last the wizard said, “In spite of all my warnings, you wish to bring misfortune upon yourself.  I shall tell you what to do, but you must be careful.”