In the more popular versions of the tale, only one pea is used. However, Charles Boner added in two more peas in his translation of the story upon which Andersen based his tale. Other differences amongst versions can be seen in various amounts of mattresses as well as feather beds.

Versions of the story differ based on whether or not the character of the helper is included. The helper, in some cases, tells the princess to pretend as though she slept badly. However, in other versions, the helper doesn’t appear at all, and the princess decides to lie all on her own

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