I read it when I was around ten. I had asked for a book of Greek mythology for my birthday & my mom got me that – plus a book of World Folklore & Fairy Tales. I also saw the Faerie Tale Theater episode revolving around the story, as well as a 2002 film which I’ve never again seen on television. But I found the trailer for it. ( Looking back – I see why I watched it. I obviously thought the animation style was similar to ‘The Swan Princess; which I still love the original – why they needed to make sequels for it – I’ll never know. )
I’m torn between The Magic Flute & Swan Lake – both are such great stories. ( The Magic Flute has a more interesting plot though. ) Man – that fairy tale always creeps me out – just cause rats – the bubonic plague – just . . ick.