Folksburywoods Story Blog

“I hope this boat knows where it’s going. I don’t want to be late for supper,” said the fool.

Angus was considered a fool. He wondered why folks were so cruel. He rarely spoke. When he did, it was a yes or no.

“Look at how high I am, I can see the village from here,” said Angus.

After the fool’s parents died, Angus set out to seek his fortune with a loaf of bread and a jug of wine. While walking down the road, the fool met a stranger.

“Good day, might you offer me food and drink?” asked the old man.

“What’s mine is yours, said Angus. The two shared a meal. When they finished, the man offered his boat to Angus as a thank you for his generosity.

“It is a magical boat that will take you anywhere you tell it to go. I am old and no longer wish to sail the skies for adventure,” said the man.

“Thank you for the gift, but I am fine with walking,” said the fool.

The man explained that if the fool told the boat to go to the crystal mountain. He would find his heart’s delight.

“I am seeking my fortune. I will accept your offer,” the fool said.

Climbing into the boat, the fool commanded it to take him to the crystal mountain. The craft jumped into the air and sailed away.

“It won’t be long now, and I have all the potatoes I can eat,” said the fool.

By midday, Angus had reached the crystal mountain and tied his boat at the gates of an enormous castle.

“I guess I am supposed to enter this fancy place, and I will get my potatoes,” said the fool.

Walking into the grand hall, Angus met a beautiful princess who thanked him for rescuing her.

“You must be a brave knight to come here,” the lady said. “The Troll will be back any moment.”

“I came for my heart’s delight,” said the fool.

Unaware that it was potatoes he sought. The princess told the fool how he could defeat the troll, thinking she was his heart’s delight.

“You must challenge the master to an eating contest,” said the princess. “Whoever eats the most will receive his prize.”

Angus laughed, knowing that there wasn’t a soul on earth who could outeat him when potatoes were on the table.

So it was to be the troll at one end and the fool at the other. Each contestant had a mountain of roasted spuds before him. When the clock struck the hour, they began to eat.

After several plates, the fool noticed his plate was empty. “What kind of place are you operating here? I’m still as hungry as a bear. Bring me my potatoes,” said the fool.

The troll struggled to get another potato down his throat when his cook brought another tray.

Angus grabbed the plate and began to devour the food as if he had not eaten in a year. “These spuds are the best I have had the pleasure of enjoying,” said Angus.

The troll, not wanting to be outdone, stuffed another potato into his mouth. The tuber became lodged in his throat because there was no more room in his stomach.

Unable to breathe, the troll collapsed on the floor and died.

The princess rushed to the fool and kissed his cheek. “You’ve freed me, I am yours forever,” said the woman.

“That’s alright with me as long as you can cook potatoes as good as these,” said the fool.

The princess was wise beyond her years. Along with all the gold and jewels, she took the troll’s cook. She wanted to keep her new husband happy.

The two still live in the princess’s castle, as far as I know. The fool still enjoys a heaping of potatoes at every meal.

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