The Golden Goose

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s whimsical, with repeating comedic beats that kids can predict (touch → stick → join the line). The tone stays light and ends joyfully, which makes it a fun bedtime story without lingering tension.

Story Synopsis

Three brothers each try their luck in the forest, but only the youngest—often called Dummling—treats a small stranger with kindness. He shares his food and speaks politely, even when others would dismiss the visitor. In return, the stranger points him to a tree where a golden goose is hidden. When Dummling takes the goose, something silly happens: anyone who tries to grab a feather gets stuck fast. A greedy girl touches it—stuck. A helper tries to pull her free—stuck. Soon a whole line of people is wobbling along behind Dummling, unable to let go. The sight is so ridiculous that it sparks laughter—exactly what a gloomy princess needs. Because Dummling’s strange parade makes her laugh, doors open for him in surprising ways. The tale celebrates kindness, humility, and joyful consequences: doing good leads to wonder, and wonder leads to happiness.

Story Excerpt

There was once a man who had three sons The two older boys were sure they were clever and capable and they acted as if their youngest brother were not They called him Dummling and they laughed at him whenever they could One day the eldest son said Father I’m going to the forest to cut wood His mother packed him a fine sweet cake and a bottle of wine so he would not be hungry or thirsty Off he went his axe on his shoulder feeling quite pleased with himself In the deep green of the forest where the light fell in quiet patches he met a little old man with grey hair and a kind wrinkled face The old man bowed politely Good day he said Do give me a piece of cake from your pocket and let me have a drink of your wine I am so hungry and thirsty The eldest son frowned If I give you my cake and wine I’ll have none for myself Be off with you And he walked past leaving the little old man standing there He chose a tree and began to chop But before long his strokes grew careless The axe slipped in a wrong way and he ended up needing to hurry home to have…

In One Glance