I can see this adapted for a modern audience. Here, a child is born in a caul, which is a sign of incredible good fortune. It is prophesied that this child, from a poor family, will go on to marry the princess. The king finds out about it and is furious, and he does everything in his power to get rid of this unwanted future son-in-law. Needless to say, the king's attempts only brings the marriage about. But the king, even after the wedding, seeks to get rid of the boy and sets him to accomplish an impossible task: get three hairs from the devil's own head.