What is the story of The Tale of the Prince and the Ogress?

The Tale of the Prince and the Ogress is a lesser-known folktale, which has variations across different cultures. The story follows a young prince who becomes entangled in a dangerous relationship with an ogress, a female supernatural being.

As the tale begins, the prince encounters a beautiful woman while wandering in the woods. Unbeknownst to him, the woman is actually an ogress in disguise. They quickly fall in love, and the prince marries her. The ogress, however, has ulterior motives: she intends to consume the prince's soul.

Over time, the prince grows weak and sickly, as the ogress gradually drains his life force. As his condition worsens, the prince's family and friends become suspicious of the mysterious woman, and they try to uncover her true nature.

In some versions of the story, the prince's loved ones enlist the help of a wise man or shaman, who reveals the ogress's true identity. In other versions, the prince himself discovers her secret. Eventually, the ogress is exposed, and the prince's family must save him from her clutches.

The story typically ends with the ogress being defeated or banished, and the prince's health and spirit being restored. The tale serves as a cautionary story, warning against the dangers of falling for appearances and the importance of discernment when choosing a partner.