"The folktales collected here - from Teuan, Al-Huceima, Marrakesh, Taza, Fes, and Tahanout - provide a glimpse into Morocco's rich past and cultural heritage." "Drawing on stories he heard as a boy from female relatives, Jilali El Koudia presents a cross section of utterly bewitching narratives. Filled with ghouls and fools, kind magic and wicked, eternal bonds and earthly wishes, these are mesmerizing stories to be savored, studied, or simply treasured. Varied genres include anecdotes, legends, and animal fables. Many of the included tales bear some strong resemblance to European counterparts, for example "Aamar and His Sister" (Hansel and Gretel) and "Nunja and the White Dove" (Cinderella). All capture the heart of Morocco and the soul of its people."--Jacket.

Folktales gathered from members of the author's family.

Preface --Acknowledgments -- Seven brothers and a sister -- The pigeon hunter -- The sultan's daughter -- The fisherman -- Rhaida -- The little sister with seven brothers -- The treasure -- Father and daughters -- The jealous mother -- Seven daughters and seven sons -- Lunja -- Hdiddan -- A tale of two women -- Aamar and his sister -- Three women -- Nunja and the white dove -- The ghoul and the cow -- The ostrich hunter -- Jackal and hedgehog -- Wolf and hedgehog -- The hunter and the two partridges -- Three sisters -- Aisha and the black cat -- The spinster frog -- The girl in the river -- M'Hirez the adopted child -- The girl and the Fakih -- The modest girl -- The mother goat -- A donkey named Fritla -- The exploits of Mr. Know-All -- Glossary -- Critical analysis / Hasan M. El-Shamy -- After word -- Typology -- Register of tale types -- Register of motifs -- Suggested readings.