Son of the White Mare 1983

In the picturesque backdrop of a humble horse’s home, Treeshaker (Fanyüvő) emerges, blessed with remarkable abilities from the nourishing milk of his equine mother. As he matures, Treeshaker becomes deeply fascinated by the ancient legends of his ancestors, particularly the tragic tale of the revered Forefather, who fell victim to wicked humanoid dragons. These dragons were unleashed by the three wives of his formidable sons, leaving a weighty legacy that burdens both Treeshaker and his brothers, Stonecrumbler (Kőmorzsoló) and Ironrubber (Vasgyúró), each endowed with unique powers derived from their special connections to the natural world.

After the passing of their beloved horse mother, Treeshaker, Stonecrumbler, and Ironrubber band together with a shared purpose: to eradicate the dragon menace that plagues their land. Their journey takes them to a secluded tree hollow, where they create a makeshift home, rotating tasks to maintain their survival and readiness for the daunting adventure ahead. One brother remains behind each day to cater to their group’s culinary needs, while the other two brave the outside world in search of the mythical entrance to the Underworld, the lair of the dreaded dragon overlords.

Their peaceful life is disturbed by the unexpected arrival of a capricious, ancient being known as Sevenwinged Skullsized Gnome (Hétszűnyű Kapanyányi Monyók), whose relentless craving for porridge soon becomes a significant torment for the trio. When Stonecrumbler and Ironrubber resist his endless demands, the gnome’s demeanor turns hostile, devouring their meager supplies. Treeshaker, ever the clever hero, manages to trap the gnome’s beard in the tree hollow, thwarting his antics once and for all.

As the gnome struggles to escape his predicament, the brothers are compelled to cut down the tree, uncovering a secret entrance to the Underworld hidden beneath its roots. In retribution for his earlier misdeeds, Treeshaker and his brothers decide to shave the gnome’s beard, the very source of his power, and they craft a formidable sword from it—an essential weapon for their fight against the forces of evil.

As Fanyüvő journeys deeper into the Underworld, he comes across the enigmatic gnome, forging an unexpected partnership. Together, they traverse this perilous realm, ultimately triumphing over three powerful dragons. Their victory not only solidifies Fanyüvő’s reputation but also brings the admiration of local princesses who subsequently guide him through the next phase of his quest. With each dragon defeated, Fanyüvő’s legend expands, culminating in the extraordinary reward of being accompanied by the princesses, now secured within a mystical cauldron.

Yet, this newfound strength presents its own challenges, as both Stonecrumbler and Ironrubber struggle to lift the heavy vessel, their combined strength insufficient against its weight. As the portal begins to close, Fanyüvő finds himself trapped within the Underworld, reliant on the gnome’s wisdom to hatch a plan for his escape.

In a twist of fate, the gnome, in exchange for the return of his beloved beard, reveals to Fanyüvő the existence of a magnificent griffin capable of rescuing him from this underground prison. As luck would have it, when a serpent threatens the lives of the griffin’s offspring, Fanyüvő intervenes heroically, ensuring their safety. Grateful, the Griffin Father promises to carry Fanyüvő back to the Upper World.

However, the journey proves grueling, and Fanyüvő faces the arduous task of collecting twelve oxen and barrels of wine—a weight lightened only by the restorative powers of the Forefather, which resulted from Fanyüvő’s previous dragon-slaying feats. As he readies for departure, an act of anguish forces him to sever his own leg to sustain the griffin, a sacrifice illustrating his commitment.

Finally arriving in the Upper World, the miraculous restoration of Fanyüvő’s leg symbolizes his newfound vigor. Forgiving his brothers for their past grievances, Fanyüvő reunites with them, and each brother claims a princess as his own, establishing a prosperous life in their respective castles. As the story draws to a close, the three brothers revel in their harmonious existence until the end of their days.

In the film’s poignant final scene, Fanyüvő is seen walking above a contemporary cityscape, his figure gradually fading to black as the credits roll, serving as a moving reminder that even the most remarkable adventures must eventually conclude.