Black Horse

The Golden-Headed Fish

In short: In this Armenian tale, a prince releases the fish that is supposed to restore his father’s sight.

The Golden-Headed Fish · A fish with a golden head FAIRY TALE ATLAS · № 34 The Golden-Headed Fish In this Armenian tale, a prince releases the fish that is supposed to restore his father’s sight. Origin Armenian storytelling tradition Atlas record 1898 First appearance Exact date unknown SIGNATURE MOTIF A fish with a golden head Reach¹ 1/10 Suggested age² 8+ Member rating No votes yet 1 records · 1 countries or regions blackhorsestories.com

¹ Based on the number of Atlas countries, capped at 10. ² Editorial suggestion for reading this page. Discover Black Horse’s question

Origin and tradition

Armenian storytelling tradition

In the 1898 edition, Seklemian says he heard the story from his grandmother. Searching for a cure for the king’s eyes, the prince catches the golden-headed fish in the last net. When it speaks and asks to live, he lets it go. Back home, the king takes the decision as a betrayal. The fish’s later return changes the meaning of that first encounter.

Dated records and sources

  1. 1898 · Armenian storytelling tradition
    A. G. Seklemian · The Golden Maiden

Country pages

Origin
Black Horse. The Golden-Headed Fish. https://blackhorsestories.com/en/atlas-tale-golden-fish/