Fair Maria Wood

Joseph Jacobs was a scholar and historian, mostly known as a collector and publisher of English Folklore.

 “Fair Maria Wood” is a legend, entered in the “Italian popular tales” collection. The story is about one man, who loses his wife, and after her death declares, that he would marry anyone whom fits her wedding ring. One day he has seen that wife’s ring fits his daughter, and decides to marry her. Learning about the intentions of the father, the girl begins to look for ways to avoid this fate. What is waiting for the girl and how will the story end? Read the tale to know it!

Folklorist Joseph Jacobs is credited with helping many folktales be saved from extinction, and he helped popularize many of the tales we still read today. Enjoy the reading!