Timm Thaler, or the Traded Laughter

Timm Thaler has, in truth, very little to laugh about. His father dies, his stepmother can hardly stand him, and he lives in grinding poverty. Yet Timm refuses to let this dampen his spirits. His laughter is so infectious that it touches everyone who hears it – even the mysterious Baron Lefuet. The Baron makes Timm an offer: in exchange for his laughter, Timm will acquire the ability to win any bet, no matter how impossible the odds. Timm signs the contract, gaining all the riches the world can offer. Yet this newfound wealth marks the start of a perilous journey – one that forces him into a confrontation with the most powerful man on earth.