Household Tales · Chapter
The Valiant Little Tailor explained
A little tailor kills seven flies with one blow, embroiders 'Seven at one stroke!' on his belt, and sets out into the world.
What happens
A little tailor kills seven flies with one blow, embroiders 'Seven at one stroke!' on his belt, and sets out into the world. Through cunning and trickery, he defeats two giants, captures a unicorn and a wild boar, and wins the king's daughter and half the kingdom. When the queen discovers his true identity and plots to get rid of him, he overhears the plan and frightens the servants away, remaining king for life.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Redemption
The tailor transforms from a humble craftsman into a king, though his redemption is ambiguous as he maintains his position through deception.
Social Class and Marriage
The tailor's marriage to the princess crosses class boundaries, but the queen's later attempt to expose him shows the fragility of such unions.
Promises and Their Consequences
The king repeatedly promises rewards but tries to renege, only to be forced to keep his word after the tailor completes each task.
Characters to notice
- the boy
The little tailor who kills seven flies, defeats giants, and becomes king.
- the princess
The king's daughter who marries the tailor but later plots against him.
- the young King
The king who sets the tailor impossible tasks and later tries to have him kidnapped.
Key passages
“Seven at one stroke!”
Killed seven with a single blow.
The tailor's boastful motto, originally referring to flies, which he uses to intimidate giants and the king.
“I smote seven at one blow. I killed two giants, I brought away one unicorn and caught a wild boar, and am I to fear those who are standing outside the room.”
I killed seven with one blow, defeated two giants, captured a unicorn and a boar—so why would I fear the men outside?
The tailor's overheard speech that frightens the king's servants and saves him from capture.