King Thrushbeard Page #2

"King Thrushbeard," a tale by the Brothers Grimm, tells the story of a proud princess who is cursed with a series of misfortunes after rejecting all her suitors, including a humble but wise man named King Thrushbeard. When she is forced to marry him under humiliating circumstances, the princess learns valuable lessons about humility and love. Through trials and transformations, she discovers that true worth lies beyond outward appearances, leading to an unexpected happily-ever-after. This story blends themes of wisdom, identity, and the unpredictable nature of fate.

• Children

								

her pots to take home with her.

All at once the King's son came in. He was dressed in silk and velvet,
and he had a golden chain round his neck.

When he saw the beautiful Woman standing at the door, he seized her by
the hand, and wanted to dance with her.

But she shrank and refused, because she saw that it was King
Thrushbeard, who had been one of the suitors for her hand, and whom
she had most scornfully driven away.

Her resistance was no use, and he dragged her into the hall. The
string by which her pockets were suspended broke. Down fell the pots,
and the soup and savoury morsels were spilt all over the floor.

When the guests saw it, they burst into shouts of mocking laughter.

She was so ashamed, that she would gladly have sunk into the earth.
She rushed to the door, and tried to escape, but on the stairs a Man
stopped her and brought her back.

When she looked at him, it was no other than King Thrushbeard again.

He spoke kindly to her, and said: 'Do not be afraid. I and the
Beggar-Man, who lived in the poor little hovel with you, are one and
the same. For love of you I disguised myself; and I was also the
Hussar who rode among your pots. All this I did to bend your proud
spirit, and to punish you for the haughtiness with which you mocked
me.'

She wept bitterly, and said: 'I was very wicked, and I am not worthy
to be your wife.'

But he said: 'Be happy! Those evil days are over. Now we will
celebrate our true wedding.'

The waiting-women came and put rich clothing upon her, and her Father,
with all his Court, came and wished her joy on her marriage with King
Thrushbeard.

Then, in truth, her happiness began. I wish we had been there to see
it, you and I.
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