9. THE WHITE SNAKE

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/52521/52521-h/52521-h.htm#hdr_2
GOOD FOR GAME: SIMPLE PUZZLES - GET THINGS TO SOLVE.

Very wise king: seemed to know everything!
Ate a special dish every day, alone. Nobody knew what was in it.
Eventually the most trusted servant (who took the dish away) looked.
A white snake.
The servant ate a bit.
Could understand the birds talking!

Queen lost ring.
They suspected that servant (as he was most trusted, so had access to the ring)
Gave him 24 hours to produce it or be executed.
Heard a duck say she had eaten the ring!
Got cook to kill the duck.
The queen got her ring, realised a duck had eaten it.
Apologised to the servant. Asked him to name his reward. A horse and money to travel.

He saved 3 fishes who were caught in reeds out of water.
He saved ants from getting trodden by his horse.
He saved hungry birds - killed his horse for their food!
Each promised to help him.

Walked to city. Saw beautiful princess.
The man who could do whatever task she asked could marry her. If failed, killed.

Had to fetch golden ring cast into the sea.
The fish helped him.

She did not want to marry a commoner, so...
Had to pick up ten sacks of scattered seed.
The ants helped him.

Wanted an apple from the Tree of Life.
He searched three kingdoms.
Lay down by a tree to sleep.
The birds helped him.

He married the princess and they lived happily ever after.