ABSTRACT
T o illustrate further the generic characteristics identified in the introductory chapters and to suggest how gender influences fairy tales, we will undertake in this chapter an analysis of two selected fairy tales with male protagonists, "Three Hairs from the Devil's Beard" (AT 461) and "Faithful John" (AT 516). Both are examples of the middle and largest category of fairy tales, that is, tales for and about postpubescent adolescents. Both tales have ordinary protagonists who have no special abilities. The hero of "Three Hairs from the Devil's Beard" is born with a prophecy that he will marry the king's daughter, but he benefits from the help of others in accomplishing that task and demonstrates no special skill of his own during his adventure. Even though the protagonist of "Faithful John" is a king's son, he has no unique talents; he relies on the help of his faithful servant to achieve his goals and actually seems somewhat slow-witted at times.
