Let's set the scene: Vienna in the 1820s. This isn't your typical dusty old play; it's a magical folk tale brought to life on stage.

The Story

Fortunatus Wurzel is a poor, kind-hearted coal burner. His life changes when he helps a trapped spirit, Moisasur, king of the mountains. As a reward, he gets a magic root that grants any wish. Sounds great, right? But Fortunatus gets greedy. He wishes for endless wealth and a life of luxury, forgetting his humble roots. Moisasur, feeling betrayed, slaps him with the 'magic curse' of the title: from now on, every bite of food Fortunatus tries to eat instantly turns into something inedible and disgusting. The man who has everything can't enjoy the simplest pleasure. The rest of the story follows his desperate, often funny, attempts to break the curse and find real happiness again.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how modern the central problem feels. It's not about dragons or knights, but about a man who got exactly what he thought he wanted and found it made him miserable. Raimund writes with this great mix of slapstick comedy and genuine heart. You laugh when Fortunatus tries to sneak a bite, only to have a sausage turn into a writhing snake, but you also feel for him. The play asks a simple, powerful question: what good is all the treasure in the world if you can't enjoy a simple meal with friends?

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who loves classic European folklore with a sharp, humorous edge. If you enjoy the moral fables of the Brothers Grimm but wish they had more jokes and stage magic, you'll find a friend in Raimund. It's also a fantastic, quick read for theater fans curious about the popular entertainment of 19th-century Vienna. Just maybe don't read it on an empty stomach!