Household Tales · Character

the master

A generic authority figure in various tales, often a craftsman or employer.

minor

Also known as The master

First appearance: the frog king or iron henry

the master shows up with force in The Wishing-Table, the Gold-Ass, and the Cudgel in the Sack. The page is where that presence becomes real.

The miller who gives the second son the gold-ass as a reward.

In the storyThe Wishing-Table, the Gold-Ass, and the Cudgel in the SackOpen this moment free

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In The Wishing-Table, the Gold-Ass, and the Cudgel in the Sack: The miller who gives the second son the gold-ass as a reward. Later, in The Robber Bridegroom: The miller, father of the maiden, who wishes to see her…

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See the master in the frog king or iron henry

Character Web

38 connections

A slice of how the master sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Folkloric Character Archetypes
Protagonist
Sibling Survivors

+33 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the sisters, driven by envy of the Queen’s beauty and their o…

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In the story

the master appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Wishing-Table, the Gold-Ass, and the Cudgel in the Sack
The miller who gives the second son the gold-ass as a reward.
The Robber Bridegroom
The miller, father of the maiden, who wishes to see her well married and promises her to the suitor.
Thumbling as Journeyman
A master craftsman with whom Thumbling works briefly; his wife mistreats Thumbling.
Clever Grethel
Grethel's master, who is tricked into believing the guest stole the chickens.
Hans in Luck
Hans's former master who pays him with a large lump of gold for his faithful service.
The Young Giant
The greedy smith who hires the young giant as a journeyman but is kicked away after the giant's first blow destroys the anvil.
The Poor Miller's Boy and the Cat
The old miller who promises his mill to the apprentice who brings the best horse.
The Fox and the Horse
The peasant who drives the horse away but later takes him back after seeing the lion.
The Old Man Made Young Again
Hosts the Lord and St. Peter, lends his forge, and later attempts to rejuvenate his mother-in-law with disastrous results.
The Twelve Idle Servants
The master who calls the servants and eventually pushes the cart out himself.
The Owl
The owner of the barn who initially scoffs at the servant but becomes terrified himself upon seeing the owl.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for the master unlock in the free preview.

See the master in the frog king or iron henry

See the master in The Wishing-Table, the Gold-Ass, and the Cudgel in the Sack