Ileana Cosânzeana
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ileana Cosânzeana is a figure in Romanian mythology. In the myth, she is a beautiful princess who is kidnapped by the Zmeu, who locks her in his castle and waits for her to give in to his marriage proposal. She is saved by Făt-Frumos, an analogue to Prince Charming. Făt-Frumos is tested by many trials as he makes his way to Ileana Cosânzeana. Finally, he fights the Zmeu, beats him, and frees Ileana Cosânzeana. They both live happily ever after.
Ileana Cosânzeana is usually a brunette, unlike in most fairy tales, where the princess is blonde.[citation needed]