The Enchanted Pig

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

A rich fairy tale for older kids, best as chapters. It has mystery and a quest, but the emotional thread—loyalty and learning patience—can be read gently at bedtime.

Story Synopsis

A king leaves for war and warns his three daughters never to enter one forbidden room. Curiosity grows, and eventually the warning is broken, setting the stage for sorrow. Soon after, a strange bargain appears: the youngest princess must marry a pig. The promise feels impossible, yet fairy tales often hinge on keeping one’s word. The princess agrees, and the pig becomes her husband. At first, the match seems humiliating. But at night, something changes: the pig is not what he appears to be. The princess begins to sense there is a curse—and that love might be able to break it if she can be patient. Then comes the turning point: with good intentions but hurried fear, the princess makes a choice too soon. The fragile spell shatters, and the one she loves is lost. Now the story becomes a journey. The princess must travel far, seek wise helpers, and endure hard tasks, learning what patience really means and how devotion can be proven through action. The Enchanted Pig is a classic tale of transformation and consequence: love needs courage, but also timing. For ages 9–11, it offers a deep bedtime theme—sometimes the bravest thing is to wait, trust, and keep your promise.

Story Excerpt

Once, there lived a king who had three daughters. One day, he was called to lead his armies in a distant war. Before he left, he gathered his children and said, “ My dears, I must leave you. Be good and look after the palace. You may walk in the gardens and go into any room you wish, except for one : the small room at the back, in the right - hand corner. Do not enter it, for it would bring you great sorrow. ” The princesses promised to obey. “ Go in peace, Father, ” they said, “ and may you return victorious. ” With tears in their eyes, they kissed his hands, and he departed, leaving the eldest with the keys to the palace. At first, the sisters kept themselves busy with sewing, reading, and walking in the garden. But as the days turned into weeks, a restless curiosity began to grow. “ Sisters, ” said the eldest, “ we have seen every corner of this palace except for that one room. Why should we not see what is inside? ” The youngest princess shook her head. “ Our father forbade it for a reason. We must not break our promise. ” But the second sister sided with the eldest. “ What harm could there be? And how would…

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