"Once upon a time..." Challenge

Question

How would you say this in Spanish?

Answer 1

había una vez un gringo ..........

Well that was too easy. I'll have to look for a harder challenge. - gringojrf, Oct 10, 2012

Answer 2

If you are referring to literature, especially in fairy tales and childrens´stories, we would say "Érase una vez ..................."

True - ian-hill, Oct 10, 2012

Ian-Hill's answer "Habia una vez" is what is written in the childrens book that I used to create my challenge. - gringojrf, Oct 10, 2012

I put this one in my notes. Gracia Julian! - island_fever, Oct 10, 2012

Julian, I give up. I cannot find "Érase" anywhere. It looks like some form of "ser" but I'm not sure. Can you explain it please. - gringojrf, Oct 11, 2012

Gringo, you´re right. It´s a form of "ser." RAE says it is coloquial, but in Mexico DF it is very common - 005faa61, Oct 11, 2012

Thanks Julian. - gringojrf, Oct 12, 2012

Answer 3

Hace tiempo, vivía un gran gringo en un pueblo mexicano..