Dick Whittington and His Cat

This classic English folktale recounts the rags-to-riches story of Dick Whittington, a poor country boy who finds fame and fortune in London with the help of his cat.

Example: The story illustrates the popular medieval belief that London's streets were paved with gold, symbolizing opportunity.

Dick leaves his impoverished life in Gloucestershire, lured by tales of London's wealth. Upon arrival, he finds the reality far different from his expectations. Through a chance encounter, he gains employment in the household of a wealthy merchant, Mr. Fitzwarren.

Highlight: Dick's fortunes change dramatically when his cat is sent on a trading voyage, solving a rat infestation in a foreign land and earning him great wealth.

Despite initial hardships and homesickness, Dick perseveres. The story culminates in him hearing the Bow Bells of London prophesying his future as Lord Mayor, inspiring him to return and fulfill his destiny.

Quote: "Turn again, Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London."

The tale emphasizes themes of perseverance, kindness, and the rewards of hard work, as Dick uses his newfound wealth to benefit the city and ultimately marries his true love, Alice Fitzwarren.

The Legend of Gelert

This touching tale revolves around Prince Llywelyn and his faithful hunting dog Gelert, exploring themes of loyalty and hasty judgment.

Vocabulary: Cradle - a bed for an infant, symbolizing protection and care in the story.

Highlight: The story emphasizes the importance of not making rushed judgments based on appearances.

The Story of Stonehenge

The legendary origins of Stonehenge are recounted in this tale set in post-Saxon invasion Britain. King Aurelius, seeking to memorialize fallen noblemen, enlists the help of the wizard Merlin to create a magnificent monument.

Highlight: According to legend, Merlin used magic to transport massive stones from Ireland to create Stonehenge.

Merlin reveals that the perfect memorial would be the "Giant's Dance" - a circle of stones located on a mountain in Ireland. These stones were said to have healing properties and were originally brought from Africa by giants.

Vocabulary: Giant's Dance - The legendary name for the stone circle that became Stonehenge.

The king's forces battle the Irish to claim the stones. Merlin then uses his magic to load the massive rocks onto ships and transport them back to Britain. Upon return, he arranges them in a circle at the burial site of the noblemen.

Definition: Stonehenge - The prehistoric stone monument located on Salisbury Plain in England, consisting of a circular arrangement of large standing stones.

This legendary account provides a fanciful explanation for Chi ha costruito Stonehenge, attributing its creation to the wizard Merlin's magical abilities rather than the actual long process of construction by prehistoric peoples.