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Long ago, a giant sea monster known as the Meester Stoor Worm rose out of the sea. It was said that the Stoor Worm’s body stretched halfway around the world. That its one eye was as red as fire. That its breath was poison to all living things.

Every day it moved closer to Scotland.

The king of Scotland asked the sorcerer for help. “You must give your only daughter, Princess Gemlovely, to the Stoor Worm,” said the sorcerer. “Only then will it leave."

The king went pale. Princess Gemlovely was kind, gentle, and loved by everyone. “Is that the only way to save my people?” the king asked.

“It is the only way,” the sorcerer said.

The king knew the sorcerer was serious. But he wasn’t ready to give up yet.

The king sent a message to all of Scotland: The man who can kill the Meester Stoor Worm will get half of the kingdom and Princess Gemlovely as his bride. The king was excited when thirty-six men came forward.

But as soon as they saw the monster, they all ran away. The king was sad.

He knew the princess had to be offered up to the Stoor Worm.

There was great grief throughout the land.

On the day before the princess would be offered to the monster, a farm boy went to the seashore. His name was Ahmad.

All his life Ahmad wanted to be a great hero.

He was determined to defeat the Stoor Worm and save Princess Gemlovely.

Ahmad borrowed a small boat. He loaded a bucket of burning coals into it and rowed toward the Stoor Worm.

At dawn, the monster awoke. It slowly opened its giant jaws in a yawn. A great flood of water rushed into its open mouth.

The boat and Ahmad were swept in. Ahmad was carried down the Stoor Worm’s throat.

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