The actions of this tale when compared to the Grimm version in many ways make it appear to be another tale type entirely. The similar actions occur when the sister hide their brother from their husbands until they are sure it is safe. The the Brother-in-laws provide the hero information about the quest in which he is involved. In most other respects these tales appear entirely different.

I. This section occurs once.

--sons promise dying father that first suitor will be allowed to marry their sisters

II. This section occurs three times

--ugly man presents himself to eldest prince

--eldest prince denies permission to marry

--ugly man goes to middle prince

--middle prince denies permission to marry

--ugly man goes to youngest prince

--young prince grants permission

III. This section occurs only once

--youngest prince courts Beauty of the World

--king sets task: must stay underground 40 days and contemplate what's in the navel of the earth

--while underground, prince discovers window

--window leads to another world

IV. This section occurs twice

--the prince finds one of his sisters

--she hides him until her husband assures her that he won't harm him

--the prince asks his brother-in-law about the contents of the navel of the earth

--the brother-in-law does not know, but sends the prince along to ask his brother (the husband of his other sister)

V. This section occurs once

--the third brother-in-law also says he does not know the contents of the navel of the earth

--he goes to the highest mountain and whistles

--all the land beasts come forth

--he asks if they know of the contents in the navel of the earth

--they don't, they are dismissed

--he whistles another whistle

--all the winged animals come forth

--he asks them if they know of the contents in the navel of the earth

-- they don't

--an eagle appears, carrying loads of jewels from the navel of the earth

--the prince takes the jewels back to the kingdom of the Beauty of the World

--he shows the jewels to the king and the princess

--the princess agrees to marry the prince, the king consents

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Written by Twila Wingrove
Edited by Michele Nichols