"Märchen-Almanach auf das Jahr 1828" by Wilhelm Hauff is a fairy tale collection published in 1827. Four travelers gather in an inn in the Spessart forest, telling stories through the night to stay awake and ward off feared bandits. Their tales range from German legends to exotic adventures—including the famous "Das kalte Herz" about a charcoal burner who trades his heart for wealth. When robbers actually arrive at midnight, the storytellers must use cunning to protect a countess from kidnapping, leading to unexpected rewards.