Thomas Frederick Crane (1844-1927) was an American folklorist.

'The Curse of the Seven Children' is a fairy tale about a king and queen who already have six sons. When the seventh child is due, the king must travel away. He tells his wife that when the baby is born, she should hang a lance out of the window if it is a boy and a distaff if it is girl.

Shortly after this the queen bears a daughter. But a mistake is made, and a lance is hung out of the window. Desperate for a daughter, the king returns and curses his seven sons. When he realises his mistake, it is already too late. Only the baby princess can save her brothers....