The Road to Princess Labam

A prince heard parrots tell of Princess Labam, whose gentle light brightened her distant palace. Curious about her country, he prepared a journey with his parents’ blessing, a horse, and a bundle of sweets.

At his first rest, ants had found the sweets. Instead of brushing them away, he left a little food beside their nest. Their leader thanked him and promised help if he ever needed it.

Farther along, a tiger held up a paw with a thorn. In this magical tale, the tiger asked politely for help. The prince removed the thorn carefully, and another grateful friend joined his journey.

Three wise travelers were arguing about enchanted gifts. The prince helped them share fairly. In thanks, they lent him a flying bed and a water bowl, which carried him toward Labam’s bright country.

He arrived openly at the palace gate and asked to meet the princess. Labam welcomed his stories of the road. Her father offered several magical challenges to learn how the visitor solved difficult problems.

First came a great basket of mustard seeds to press into oil. The prince remembered his tiny friends. Ants arrived together and helped with the patient work, turning thousands of small efforts into one success.

Next, a heavy fallen trunk blocked a garden gate. The prince called his tiger friend, who helped roll it aside. Working together, they opened the path without breaking the surrounding flowers or frightening anyone.

For the third task, a drum floated high above the palace. The borrowed bed carried the prince gently upward. He struck the drum, and its clear note rang across Labam’s shining rooftops.

The final task asked him to split a log with a wax hatchet. Labam offered a magical strand of hair to lay along its edge. Her idea succeeded where strength alone could never have helped.

Labam chose to travel with the prince and learn from his country too. They thanked every helper and returned the borrowed gifts. Their story continued through friendship, shared decisions, and kindness that traveled both ways.