When the year had run its course, and the youth had gathered up the last branch and laid it with the others, he did as the toad had ordered him: set fire to the heap, and withdrew for a while to his chamber. He then returned and swept round the heap, that all the branches, great and small, might be burnt to ashes. Behold! there rose from the midst of the fire a damsel exquisitely beautiful; she was whiter than snow, and her hair hung down to her feet and covered her like a mantle.

When the youth saw the fair damsel, he ran quickly and snatched her out of the flames. The young maiden then fell on his neck, overcome with joy, and thanked him for having saved her. She was the daughter of a king, and had been enchanted by a troll, who had changed her into a loathsome toad.

At the same moment a great commotion and noise arose in the palace, and the court was filled with courtiers, knights and high-born dames, all of whom had, in like manner been enchanted. All now came forward and greeted their queen as well as the brave youth who had released them. But the princess ordered horses to be put instantly to her gilded chariot, and made preparations for immediate departure. She then caused the peasant's son to be clothed in silk and rich scarlet, gave him arms and other equipment, such as might befit a prince's son -- and thus was the poor peasant lad transformed into as noble and stately a youth as ever girded a sword to his side. When everything was. ready for the journey, the king's daughter said: "I can well believe that your thoughts are turned to your brothers, who are directing their steps towards home together with their brides. We will, therefore, travel to your father, that he may also know what kind of bride you have earned for yourself." The youth immediately stepped into the gilded chariot, and in great state and with a large retinue they departed to visit the old peasant in his cottage.

The youth and his fair bride now traveled on to the old peasant's cottage, at which they did not arrive until late in the evening. They entered and begged to have lodging for the night; but the old man answered, as was the truth that he was expecting his three sons with their brides, and had, moreover, only a very small cottage, that was ill suited to receive persons of such high nobility. But the king's daughter said that she would have her way, and the old peasant could not refuse her. She then ordered a sumptuous Yule-feast to be prepared, and sent her pages out into the neighborhood to invite guests to the entertainment. When the evening was far advanced, and the feast was ready, the two elder sons arrived with their brides; and no one wondered that the old man was not particularly delighted with his daughters-in-law, as they were homely and cross. While they were sitting at table, the king's daughter asked the old man whence he had procured so fine a cloth and such a beautiful drinking-cup. The old peasant answered: "My two elder sons were out, and received them as payment for their services." Whereupon the princess said: "No, your elder sons earned neither the one nor the other; but if you will know the truth, it is your youngest son who has earned them; and here you see the fellow both of the cloth and cup." When she had thus spoken, the youth rose from the table and all now saw that the stranger prince was no other than the old peasant's youngest son, the little lad, who had formerly been so despised by his kindred. When the old man recognized his son, and, at the same time, heard all that had taken place, he was stricken with amazement, and could scarcely believe his own eyes and ears. But the two elder sons stood with shame before their father and the many guests; and their treachery and falsehood became in later times known to the whole neighborhood.

The youth and the beautiful princess now allowed the guests to drink to their happy union, and there was such a Yule-feast as had not been seen within living memory. But when Yule was over, the bride and bridegroom returned to their kingdom, and took the old peasant with them. And the youth became king over the whole realm, and lived with his fair queen in love and happiness.
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