Release date is 2024-07-17

Albert László from page images generously made available by the Hungarian Electronic Library

"Az egyszeri királyfi: Mese 9 képben, 3 felvonásban" by Ernő Szép is a theatrical piece likely written in the early 20th century. This work combines elements of folktale and fantasy, revolving around themes of life, death, and the nature of existence. The story mainly follows a young prince who grapples with the concept of mortality while embarking on an adventurous search for a mythical land where death holds no power. The opening of the story sets a serene yet contemplative atmosphere with young shepherd boys gathered at a fire on the vast plains of Hortobágy. They engage in playful banter, storytelling, and deep philosophical musings about stars and the nature of life and death. The scene shifts to the prince in his chamber, consumed by melancholy thoughts of mortality, which lead him to contemplate leaving his home in search of an extraordinary realm where one can escape the inevitability of death. As the tale unfolds, the prince finds himself not only grappling with this heavy theme but also coming into contact with a mystical princess, further deepening the exploration of love and life’s fleeting nature. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Budapest: Franklin-Társulat, 1914