We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge for the month of April. The Story Crossroads theme for this year is “Becoming: Tales of Transformation & Calling.” We love exploring traditional tales from around the world within that theme.
About Riddlin’ Red Ettin:
“The Red Ettin” is a Scottish folktale rooted in oral tradition and known as early as the 16th century through The Complaynt of Scotland. Later preserved by folklorists such as Joseph Jacobs, the story reflects a long journey from spoken tale to written form.
Its structure highlights transformation through choice: three young men set out, but only one succeeds. The Red Ettin’s riddles are the final test, yet the true becoming begins earlier—through wisdom, humility, and kindness.
Symbolism and Themes:
Becoming Through Choice – Each boy is given the same decision: take blessing or take more. Their paths diverge long before they meet the giant.
Calling Through Character – The third boy’s kindness, humility, and willingness to accept “enough” prepare him for what lies ahead.
Transformation Through Wisdom – The riddles are not random—they represent insight. Knowing how to answer is what allows the hero to overcome.
Restoration and Liberation – The hero’s success frees others turned to stone, showing that becoming is not just personal—it restores community.
50-word-or-less summary:
Two brothers fail to defeat the Red Ettin and are turned to stone. A third boy, choosing blessing and showing kindness, gains magical guidance, answers the giant’s riddles, and defeats him. He restores his companions, rescues a princess, and fulfills his destiny as a wise and worthy hero.
Finding the Story:
Sometimes the word is spelled “Ettin” and others it is “Etin.” You can explore this Folklore Scotland (modern retelling): https://folklorescotland.com/the-red-etin/. You can also go to the Internet Sacred Text Archive (public domain text):
https://sacred-texts.com/neu/eng/eft/eft24.htm
Finding the Transformation:
What makes this story stand out is that the hero’s becoming begins long before the confrontation. The earlier choices—patching the bucket, accepting his mother’s blessing, sharing his food—quietly prepare him for the moment others fail.
The first two boys seek adventure. The third becomes worthy of it.
His story reminds us that calling is not proven in a single heroic act—it is revealed through a pattern of choices that shape who we are.
Are we waiting for a defining moment to become who we’re meant to be—or are we already becoming through the choices we make every day?
Share your thoughts in the comments! While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See our popular links and upcoming events at our One-Stop.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads celebrates the 11th hybrid summit & festival on May 2 & 4-6, 2026 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us.
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Creative West; Utah Division of Arts and Museums; City of Murray; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Utah Storytelling Guild; Murray City Library; Pleasant Grove Library; American Fork Library and people like you.