The king had three daughters and wanted to marry them off, but give the best to the one who loved him most. When asked, the eldest said she loved him like a dove loves wheat. The second said she loved him like a cool breeze. But the youngest said she loved him like people love salt. Angry at the comparison, the king sent her away. She found refuge in the forest, where a prince saw and fell in love with her. They married, and the prince learned of why she was sent away. He invited the king to dinner with no salt, so the king understood her comparison and was reunited happily with his daughter.

1. National tales about food
An extra place at table or know each other
through food
Aggiungi un posto a tavola
Comenius project
2011-2013

4. Once upon a time there was an old king and he had three
beautiful daughters. The old king wanted to marry off his
daughters. But he couldn’t decide that from the three countries
he had which girl should get the most beautiful one. I will give
it to the one who loves me the most – he thought.

5. So the king asked them:
‘How much do you love me?’
The eldest answered: ‘I love you
as much as a dove loves wheat.’
And you, my child?
‘I love you, my father as much as
I love a cool breeze in hot summer.’
And you, my youngest daughter?
‘I love you my father as much as
people love salt.’

6. How?? Like salt???
You ungrateful!
Did I raise you for this?
Did I love you for this?
Get out of my house!
I don’t want to see you!
The girl tried to explain how much people
love salt but it was in vain. She begged
her father to let her stay but her father sent
her away.

7. The poor girl walked and walked
till she got to a forest. There she
found a huge tree with a hole in it.
She ate berries and nuts in the
forest.

8. Once the son of the neighbouring king went hunting in the forest.
As he was chasing the game he noticed the girl. The princess also
noticed him and hid in the tree. The young king found the tree.
The princess was scared but she came out. She was so beautiful
that the prince fell in love with her at once. He hugged the girl,
seated on his horse and took her home to his palace. They had
a huge wedding, even the dogs ate meat soup.
They lived happily like two doves.

9. Time passed and once the young king asked his wife:
‘Why did your father sent you off?’ Because I said
I loved him as much as people love salt.
‘Because of that?’
The young king had an idea: he sent a letter to the
old king and invited him for dinner.

10. The next day the old king came. The young king lead him to his
best room and seated him at the table. Servants brought plenty
of food: soup but there was no salt in it. Neither the meat has
any flavour. The old king was left hungry despite all the food.

11. At first he didn’t complain but then he couldn’t bear it any
longer: ‘What a bad cook you have son! He cooks everything
without SALT!!’
‘I heard that you don’t like salt.’
‘Who did you hear that from??’
‘From your daughter.’ Then his daughter appeared.

12. The king was so happy that he burst out in tears.
They hugged and kissed each other.

13. The king gave his most beautiful country to his youngest
daughter. And they lived happily ever after.

14. Primary school of Kőtelek
HUNGARY
2013