An aging king is determined to delay surrendering his throne, so he sends his three sons on a series of increasingly difficult quests. The youngest prince sets out reluctantly—and soon finds himself lost near a magnificent castle inhabited entirely by cats.
There he meets the elegant and mysterious White Cat.
Though she appears to be an animal, the White Cat speaks with intelligence, grace, and authority. She welcomes the prince into her strange household and, when each royal challenge seems impossible, provides exactly what he needs: first the tiniest and most extraordinary dog, then a piece of cloth of almost unbelievable fineness.
But the king’s final demand is greater still. His sons must return with the most beautiful princess in the world.
To fulfill this last task, the White Cat asks the prince to perform an act so shocking that he can scarcely believe her request. When he finally obeys, the secret behind her enchanted form is revealed—and the prince discovers that loyalty, courage, and love can break even the strongest spell.
Included in Andrew Lang’s celebrated 1889 collection The Blue Fairy Book, The White Cat is a magical fairy tale of transformation, royal intrigue, impossible quests, and happily-ever-after enchantment.
