The Black Bull of Norroway
Quick Answer
A brave fairy tale where a young woman follows a mysterious Black Bull through magic and trials to rescue the one she loves.
Why This Story Works for Bedtime
Best for older kids or multi-night reading. The heart is loyal and hopeful, and you can pause after each ‘helper’ or ‘safe place’ beat.
Story at a Glance
RECOMMENDED AGES
7-11 years
READING TIME
19 min
Story Synopsis
A young woman encounters a powerful Black Bull—mysterious, determined, and oddly protective. A promise draws her into a journey far from home. Together they cross wild landscapes and strange places where enchantment lingers. The Bull carries a secret, and the girl suspects someone is hidden beneath the spell. As the road stretches on, she faces trials, receives help from unlikely allies, and learns patience: real rescue can take time. In the end, her steadiness and courage help break what is bound, turning the strange journey into a tender homecoming.
Story Excerpt
Long ago in Norroway there lived a lady with three daughters. They were not unkind girls, but each one wanted to go out into the wide world and “seek her fortune,” as people said. One morning the eldest daughter said, “Mother, bake me a bannock, and roast me a collop, for I’m going away to seek my fortune.” Her mother did it, though her heart felt heavy. With her food packed, the eldest daughter walked until she came to the cottage of an old washerwoman—an odd, sharp-eyed woman folk whispered about. The old washerwoman listened and nodded. “Stay with me,” she said. “Each day, go to my back door and look out. Tell me what you see.” So the girl stayed. The first day she looked. Nothing. The second day she looked. Nothing. The third day she looked again, and down the road came a grand coach with six horses, their harnesses shining. She ran back, breathless. “I saw a coach-and-six!” “Aye,” said the old washerwoman. “That’s for you.” The coach stopped as if it had been waiting. The eldest daughter climbed in, and away it went, rattling and galloping until she was far out of sight. Not long after, the second daughter said, “Mother, bake me a bannock, and roast me a collop, for I’m going away to seek my fortune.” Her mother did it again, and the second daughter went to the same washerwoman. “Stay,” said the old woman. “Look out my back door each day.” The first day: nothing. The second day: nothing.
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In One Glance
The Black Bull of Norroway is a long fairy tale in which a young woman follows a mysterious black bull on a magical journey. The bull hides a deeper secret, and her patience and courage are tested through trials and enchanted encounters. With help from magical allies, she stays faithful and ultimately helps break the spell. Best read in chapters for older children.
Frequently Asked Questions
A girl follows a mysterious bull through magic and trials to break an enchantment.
It has suspense and spells, so it’s better for older kids.
Ages 8–11.
Read in chapters and stop after a calm ‘safe place’ moment.