The Golden Keys
Golden keys that appear in a Swedish folk tale, unlocking a reward or a forbidden treasure for the hero who obtains them. The keys belong to the tale's wonder-logic: ordinary locks fall open before them, and possession of the keys brings the hero to fortune. The motif is told as part of the tale 'The Golden Keys'. In the Swedish version the humble meadow-maid Lena meets three fairies who give her a golden key to a magical dream garden, on the strict condition that she tell no one of it; when the young king falls into danger, she must break her word to save him, and her selfless choice earns he