This was the first story to be shot and served as a pilot episode before the other 8 were green-lit. As such, the other directors who followed Steve Barron were encouraged to use the same visual style Barron originated. The Storyteller's make-up is different and heavier in places in this installment, and his dog's voice is noticeable deeper.
The story is based on the early German folk tale "Hans-My-Hedgehog", collected by the Brothers Grimm.
The episode won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program.
The Rule of Three - The Princess, after marrying the Grovelhog, learns he sheds his quills each night, and she has to keep it a secret for three nights, in order to break the curse. When she fails and he runs away, she searches the world and wears out three pairs of iron shoes in the process.