Strands · No. 955 · Wednesday, October 14, 2026

NYT Strands #955 hints and answers

Today’s theme clue is “Folk & fairy tale twosomes”. Hints for the theme and the spangram, one step at a time.

By DailyWordHint editors · Puzzle for Wednesday, October 14, 2026 · Puzzle by Tracy Bennett for The New York Times

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0 of 7 theme words found

Today’s themeFolk & fairy tale twosomes

Every 3 non-theme words you find earn a hint.

0 of 8 hints used

The theme6 words

NudgeReveal nudge

Nothing here travels alone; count them off in twos.

Helpful?

HintReveal hint

Three classic matchups: a slow race, an enchanted kiss, a rose-guarded castle romance.

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One wordReveal one word

One theme word: TORTOISE

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AnswerReveal answer

Theme words: BEAST, BEAUTY, FROG, HARE, PRINCESS, TORTOISE

The spangramTouches two sides

NudgeReveal nudge

Its twin waves goodbye on the final page.

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HintReveal hint

A storyteller's set formula, used before anything happens; its counterpart ends the tale.

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One wordReveal one word

O _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ E (13 letters)

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AnswerReveal answer

ONCEUPONATIME

Hints drafted with AI and checked automatically for spoilers. How we write hints