Don Giovanni De La Fortuna
by Andrew Lang · from The Pink Fairy Book
Adapted Version
Once, there was a man named Giovanni. He had lots of money. He spent it all. Now he is poor. He felt very sad. He had no home. He walks alone. He is hungry.
A magic man sees him. "Do you want money?" he asks. "Yes!" says Giovanni. The man gives him a magic purse. It is small but magic. Giovanni holds it tight. "Say 'give me money'," he says. "But stay dirty for three years."
Giovanni says yes. He gets money from the purse. He buys nice things. He buys a big car and a new hat. But he gets very, very dirty. His clothes are old. He smells bad. But no one likes him.
He sits on a big house's steps. The man inside says, "Go away! You are dirty!" "'I'll buy your house,' Giovanni says. The man laughs. 'Okay!' he says. Giovanni's purse fills a room with gold. He buys the big house. Giovanni smiles. He now has a home. He lives there alone. But he is still dirty.
The king needs money. He asks Giovanni for help. The king has no money for his people. Giovanni helps quickly. Giovanni sends a wagon of gold. The king is happy. The king thanks him many times. "You are very kind," the king says. "You can marry my oldest daughter."
The oldest princess sees Giovanni's dirty picture. "No!" she says. "He is too dirty!" She cries and runs away. The king is sad. He does not know what to do. "I gave my word," he says.
The youngest princess is kind. "I will marry him," she says. "To help you, Father." She is brave and good. Her father smiles. He is proud of her.
Giovanni asks to wait two months. The time is almost up. He washes his hair. He shaves. He brushes his teeth. He looks in the mirror. He puts on nice, clean clothes. Now he looks very handsome. He is clean and nice.
He takes a nice boat to the palace. The queen and the oldest princess see him. They feel very sad and upset. They cry and leave. They go away to the sea. They never come back. Giovanni waves goodbye.
Giovanni and the youngest princess get married. They are very happy. They have a big party. Everyone is joyful. The old king gives his crown to Giovanni. He rests. Giovanni becomes king. He and his wife are happy forever. His purse always gives them money. They help the poor people.
Patience and keeping your word bring good things.
Original Story
Don Giovanni De La Fortuna
Sicilianische Mahrchen
There was once a man whose name was Don Giovanni de la Fortuna, and he
lived in a beautiful house that his father had built, and spent a great
deal of money. Indeed, he spent so much that very soon there was none
left, and Don Giovanni, instead of being a rich man with everything
he could wish for, was forced to put on the dress of a pilgrim, and to
wander from place to place begging his bread.
One day he was walking down a broad road when he was stopped by a
handsome man he had never seen before, who, little as Don Giovanni knew
it, was the devil himself.
‘Would you like to be rich,’ asked the devil, ‘and to lead a pleasant
life?’
‘Yes, of course I should,’ replied the Don.
‘Well, here is a purse; take it and say to it, “Dear purse, give me some
money,” and you will get as much as you can want But the charm will only
work if you promise to remain three years, three months, and three days
without washing and without combing and without shaving your beard or
changing your clothes. If you do all this faithfully, when the time is
up you shall keep the purse for yourself, and I will let you off any
other conditions.’
Now Don Giovanni was a man who never troubled his head about the future.
He did not once think how very uncomfortable he should be all those
three years, but only that he should be able, by means of the purse,
to have all sorts of things he had been obliged to do without; so he
joyfully put the purse in his pocket and went on his way. He soon began
to ask for money for the mere pleasure of it, and there was always as
much as he needed. For a little while he even forgot to notice how dirty
he was getting, but this did not last long, for his hair became matted
with dirt and hung over his eyes, and his pilgrim’s dress was a mass of
horrible rags and tatters.
He was in this state when, one morning, he happened to be passing a fine
palace; and, as the sun was shining bright and warm, he sat down on the
steps and tried to shake off some of the dust which he had picked up on
the road. But in a few minutes a maid saw him, and said to her master,
‘I pray you, sir, to drive away that beggar who is sitting on the steps,
or he will fill the whole house with his dirt.’
So the master went out and called from some distance off, for he was
really afraid to go near the man, ‘You filthy beggar, leave my house at
once!’
‘You need not be so rude,’ said Don Giovanni; ‘I am not a beggar, and if
I chose I could force you and your wife to leave your house.’
‘What is that you can do?’ laughed the gentleman.
‘Will you sell me your house?’ asked Don Giovanni. ‘I will buy it from
you on the spot.’
‘Oh, the dirty creature is quite mad!’ thought the gentleman. ‘I shall
just accept his offer for a joke.’ And aloud he said: ‘ All right;
follow me, and we will go to a lawyer and get him to make a contract.’
And Don Giovanni followed him, and an agreement was drawn up by which
the house was to be sold at once, and a large sum of money paid down in
eight days. Then the Don went to an inn, where he hired two rooms, and,
standing in one of them, said to his purse, ‘ Dear purse, fill this room
with gold;’ and when the eight days were up it was so full you could not
have put in another sovereign.
When the owner of the house came to take away his money Don Giovanni
led him into the room and said: ‘There, just pocket what you want.’ The
gentleman stared with open mouth at the astonishing sight; but he had
given his word to sell the house, so he took his money, as he was told,
and went away with his wife to look for some place to live in. And Don
Giovanni left the inn and dwelt in the beautiful rooms, where his rags
and dirt looked sadly out of place. And every day these got worse and
worse.
By-and-bye the fame of his riches reached the ears of the king, and, as
he himself was always in need of money, he sent for Don Giovanni, as he
wished to borrow a large sum. Don Giovanni readily agreed to lend him
what he wanted, and sent next day a huge waggon laden with sacks of
gold.
‘Who can he be?’ thought the king to himself. ‘Why, he is much richer
than I!’
The king took as much as he had need of; then ordered the rest to be
returned to Don Giovanni, who refused to receive it, saying, ‘Tell his
majesty I am much hurt at his proposal. I shall certainly not take
back that handful of gold, and, if he declines to accept it, keep it
yourself.’
The servant departed and delivered the message, and the king wondered
more than ever how anyone could be so rich. At last he spoke to the
queen: ‘Dear wife, this man has done me a great service, and has,
besides, behaved like a gentleman in not allowing me to send back the
money. I wish to give him the hand of our eldest daughter.’
The queen was quite pleased at this idea, and again messenger was sent
to Don Giovanni, offering him the hand of the eldest princess.
‘His majesty is too good,’ he replied. ‘I can only humbly accept the
honour.’
The messenger took back this answer, but a second time returned with the
request that Don Giovanni would present them with his picture, so that
they might know what sort of a person to expect. But when it came, and
the princess saw the horrible figure, she screamed out, ‘What! marry
this dirty beggar? Never, never!’
‘Ah, child,’ answered the king, ‘how could I ever guess that the rich
Don Giovanni would ever look like that? But I have passed my royal word,
and I cannot break it, so there is no help for you.’
‘No, father; you may cut off my head, if you choose, but marry that
horrible beggar--I never will!’
And the queen took her part, and reproached her husband bitterly for
wishing his daughter to marry a creature like that.
Then the youngest daughter spoke: ‘Dear father, do not look so sad. As
you have given your word, I will marry Don Giovanni.’ The king fell on
her neck, and thanked her and kissed her, but the queen and the elder
girl had nothing for her but laughs and jeers.
So it was settled, and then the king bade one of his lords go to
Don Giovanni and ask him when the wedding day was to be, so that the
princess might make ready.
‘Let it be in two months,’ answered Don Giovanni, for the time was
nearly up that the devil had fixed, and he wanted a whole month to
himself to wash off the dirt of the past three years.
The very minute that the compact with the devil had come to an end his
beard was shaved, his hair was cut, and his rags were burned, and day
and night he lay in a bath of clear warm water. At length he felt he was
clean again, and he put on splendid clothes, and hired a beautiful ship,
and arrived in state at the king’s palace.
The whole of the royal family came down to the ship to receive him, and
the whole way the queen and the elder princess teased the sister about
the dirty husband she was going to have. But when they saw how handsome
he really was their hearts were filled with envy and anger, so that
their eyes were blinded, and they fell over into the sea and were
drowned. And the youngest daughter rejoiced in the good luck that had
come to her, and they had a splendid wedding when the days of mourning
for her mother and sister were ended.
Soon after the old king died, and Don Giovanni became king. And he was
rich and happy to the end of his days, for he loved his wife, and his
purse always gave him money.
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Story DNA
Moral
Patience and adherence to one's word, even in difficult circumstances, can lead to great rewards and reveal true character.
Plot Summary
Don Giovanni, a once-wealthy man, loses his fortune and accepts a magical purse from the devil, which grants him unlimited money but requires him to remain unwashed and unkempt for three years, three months, and three days. Despite his repulsive appearance, he becomes immensely rich, even buying a palace and lending money to the king. When the king offers him his eldest daughter's hand, she refuses due to his filth, but the youngest princess nobly agrees. At the end of his term, Don Giovanni transforms into a handsome man, causing the envious queen and eldest princess to drown, while he marries the youngest princess, becomes king, and lives happily ever after.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Andrew Lang's 'Fairy Books' were collections of folk tales from various cultures, often adapted for a Victorian English audience. This specific tale is noted as 'Sicilianische Mahrchen' (Sicilian Fairy Tale).
Plot Beats (13)
- Don Giovanni, a once-wealthy man, spends all his money and becomes a poor pilgrim.
- He encounters the devil, who offers him a magical money-generating purse in exchange for remaining unwashed and unkempt for three years, three months, and three days.
- Don Giovanni accepts the deal, becomes immensely rich, but also incredibly dirty and repulsive.
- He buys a palace from a mocking gentleman, demonstrating his vast wealth despite his appearance.
- The king, hearing of Don Giovanni's riches, borrows money from him and, impressed, offers him his eldest daughter's hand in marriage.
- The eldest princess is horrified by Don Giovanni's appearance and refuses to marry him.
- The youngest princess, out of duty and kindness, agrees to marry Don Giovanni to uphold her father's word.
- Don Giovanni requests two months for the wedding, as his term with the devil is almost over.
- The moment the compact ends, Don Giovanni cleanses himself, shaves, cuts his hair, and dresses in splendid clothes.
- He arrives at the palace in state, transformed into a handsome man.
- The queen and eldest princess, consumed by envy and anger at his transformation, fall into the sea and drown.
- Don Giovanni marries the youngest princess after a period of mourning.
- The old king dies, and Don Giovanni becomes king, living happily with his wife and his magical purse.
Characters
Don Giovanni de la Fortuna ★ protagonist
Initially handsome and well-dressed, later filthy with matted hair and rags, finally handsome and splendidly dressed again.
Attire: Initially fine clothes, then pilgrim's rags, finally splendid clothes.
Initially extravagant and careless, later determined and patient, finally generous and loving.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young nobleman in his late teens with sharp, aristocratic features and a confident smirk. He has tousled dark brown hair and bright, intelligent eyes. He wears a richly embroidered crimson doublet with gold trim over a white silk shirt, dark breeches, and polished leather boots. One hand rests on his hip while the other casually holds a single red rose. He stands with a relaxed, self-assured posture, his head held high. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Devil ⚔ antagonist
Handsome
Attire: Inferred to be well-dressed, perhaps in a dark, elegant style.
Deceptive, manipulative, opportunistic.
Image Prompt & Upload
A malevolent, ageless figure with crimson skin and sharp, obsidian horns curving from his temples. He wears an impeccably tailored black nobleman's doublet with a high collar and a sweeping, blood-red velvet cape. His slicked-back hair is the color of midnight, and his pointed beard is neatly trimmed. He has a cunning, knowing smirk, with one eyebrow arched. He holds a glowing, ancient-looking contract in one clawed hand, his posture upright and imperious. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
King ◆ supporting
Not described.
Attire: Royal robes and crown.
Greedy, pragmatic, bound by his word.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dignified, middle-aged man with a kind, wise expression, dressed in an elaborate deep blue velvet robe adorned with gold embroidery and fur trim, a jeweled golden crown on his graying hair, and holding a golden scepter in one hand. He stands tall with a supportive, reassuring posture, his shoulders back and gaze forward. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Youngest Daughter ◆ supporting
Not described.
Attire: Princess's gown.
Kind, selfless, dutiful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman in her late teens with a kind, curious expression and warm brown eyes. Her long, chestnut hair is tied back with a simple ribbon, with a few loose strands framing her face. She wears a practical, earth-toned dress with a white apron, the hem slightly dusty. Her posture is relaxed yet attentive, one hand lightly touching her chin as if in thought. She stands straight, looking directly forward with a gentle, hopeful smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Queen ○ minor
Not described.
Attire: Queenly attire.
Judgmental, status-conscious.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl, perhaps ten years old, with a gentle and thoughtful expression. She has long, flowing chestnut hair adorned with a delicate, small gold crown. She wears a floor-length gown of deep blue velvet with intricate gold embroidery along the neckline and sleeves, and a matching blue cloak trimmed with white fur. She stands with a straight, poised posture, one hand lightly touching the edge of her cloak. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Eldest Daughter ○ minor
Not described.
Attire: Princess's gown.
Snobbish, shallow.
Image Prompt & Upload
A teenage girl around fourteen years old, with a practical and responsible demeanor. She has long, chestnut brown hair neatly tied back in a single braid. Her expression is gentle but slightly weary, with kind brown eyes. She wears a simple, faded blue dress with a white apron, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her posture is attentive, standing straight with her hands clasped gently in front of her. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Don Giovanni's Beautiful House
A beautiful house that his father had built, implying spaciousness and elegance.
Mood: Initially luxurious and carefree, later desolate and empty.
Don Giovanni initially lives lavishly before losing his fortune.
Image Prompt & Upload
Golden hour light bathes a grand Italianate villa, its warm stone facade glowing with honeyed hues. Elegant arched windows and marble balustrades reflect the sunset. The house opens onto a vast, manicured lawn dotted with sculpted hedges and classical statues. In the distance, a line of slender cypress trees frames a view of rolling Tuscan hills under a soft lavender sky. The atmosphere is serene, spacious, and aristocratically elegant. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Broad Road
A wide, open road suitable for travel, dusty.
Mood: Neutral, a place of transition and chance encounters.
Don Giovanni meets the devil and receives the magic purse.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, dusty road stretches toward distant mountains under a vast, golden-hour sky. The path is made of pale, packed earth, worn smooth by travel, with faint ruts from cart wheels. Glowing blue and purple wildflowers grow in sparse clusters along the edges. The road is flanked by an ancient, whispering forest of towering, moss-covered trees with gnarled roots. Sunbeams pierce through the canopy, illuminating swirling motes of dust in the air. A gentle breeze stirs the leaves and carries a faint, magical shimmer. The atmosphere is peaceful yet adventurous, with a warm, inviting glow. No border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Fine Palace Steps
Steps leading up to a fine palace, covered in dust from Don Giovanni.
Mood: Contrasting filth and grandeur, leading to conflict.
Don Giovanni is insulted and decides to buy the palace.
Image Prompt & Upload
Twilight bathes the grand, sweeping marble steps of a baroque palace in a melancholic blue glow. A thick layer of golden dust, stirred by an unseen wind, coats every surface, softening the edges of ornate balustrades and crumbling stone urns. The palace facade looms above, its once-gilded balconies and arched windows now muted and shadowed. Overgrown ivy with dark leaves creeps over the lower steps, and a few fallen, dusty leaves rest on the landings. The atmosphere is still, silent, and heavy with forgotten grandeur. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
Inn Room Filled with Gold
A hired room in an inn, completely filled with gold coins.
Mood: Miraculous, overwhelming wealth.
Don Giovanni proves his wealth and buys the palace.
Image Prompt & Upload
Evening light filters through a small, grimy window of a rustic inn room, illuminating a vast, chaotic mountain of gleaming gold coins that completely fills the space. The coins spill from a torn chest, covering the simple wooden floor, piled against the rough-hewn bed frame, and cascading over a small table. Warm, golden light from a single wall-mounted lantern casts deep, dramatic shadows across the endless metallic surface, highlighting the texture of individual coins. The air is thick with a dusty, opulent stillness. The room's wooden beams and stone walls are barely visible beneath the treasure. Rich amber, deep brown, and brilliant gold dominate the color palette. No border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Royal Palace
The residence of the king, implying opulence and formality.
Mood: Initially regal and scheming, later filled with envy and anger.
The king offers his daughter's hand in marriage, leading to conflict and resolution.
Image Prompt & Upload
At sunset, a grand royal palace of white marble and gold filigree rises against a twilight sky painted in hues of lavender and peach. Warm light glows from tall, arched stained-glass windows, illuminating formal gardens with geometric hedges and blooming rose bushes. A wide, reflective moat surrounds the structure, mirroring the palace's soaring spires and ornate balustrades. The air is still and serene, with a soft, golden-hour haze highlighting the intricate stone carvings and polished marble steps leading to massive, ornate doors. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
