Once upon a time, a wealthy king and queen longed for a child. When their wish was finally granted, the queen gave birth not to a human baby, but to a little donkey foal. Heartbroken, she wanted to abandon it, but the king declared the donkey his son and heir.
The young donkey grew up cheerful and developed a great love for music. Despite his hooves, he persevered and learned to play the lute beautifully. One day, seeing his reflection in a spring, he was dismayed and set off to see the world with a single companion.
They arrived at a kingdom ruled by an old king with a beautiful daughter. The donkey announced himself at the gate and, when ignored, played enchanting music on his lute. Amazed, the gatekeeper brought him to the king. Though laughed at initially, the donkey insisted on his noble status and was allowed to sit beside the king and the princess, whom he admired greatly.
After a time, feeling despondent, the donkey decided to leave. The king, who had grown fond of him, offered him anything to stay—gold, jewels, even half the kingdom. The donkey refused until the king offered his daughter's hand in marriage, which the donkey eagerly accepted.
On their wedding night, the king sent a servant to spy. To everyone's astonishment, once alone, the donkey cast off his skin, revealing himself as a handsome young prince. He explained to his bride that he was worthy of her. Each morning, he would put the skin back on.
The servant reported this to the king, who was skeptical. The next night, the king hid and witnessed the transformation himself. Following the servant's advice, he stole the donkey skin and burned it to ashes.
Discovering his skin gone at dawn, the prince was frightened and planned to flee. The king stopped him, saying, "Stay, my son. You are a fine man." He offered the prince half his kingdom immediately and the rest upon his death. The prince agreed to stay. He eventually inherited both his father-in-law's and his own father's kingdoms, living happily ever after.