The Goose Girl

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s a ‘truth wins’ story—stressful in the middle, but deeply satisfying at the end. For bedtime, it works best for older kids and with a calm, reassuring voice, emphasizing the safe resolution.

Story Synopsis

A young princess is sent on a long journey to marry a prince in a distant kingdom. To protect her, her mother gives her magical items—often a handkerchief with drops of blood that can warn and guide her—and a loyal horse. A maid accompanies her, but as the journey wears on, the maid’s envy grows. Along the road, the maid begins to assert power. She forces the princess to swap clothes and positions, threatens her into silence, and steals her identity. By the time they reach the prince’s castle, the maid presents herself as the bride, while the true princess is sent to work as a goose girl, watching geese in the fields. The princess endures humiliation quietly, holding onto her dignity and the small truth she can protect. In the fields she befriends a young helper (often a boy named Conrad) and clings to memories of her former life. Even her hair—golden and shining—becomes a symbol of who she really is. Over time, the truth presses outward. A king notices strange details: the goose girl’s noble manners, her sorrow, her careful silence. Through a clever test—sometimes a story told in a stove to ‘no one,’ sometimes a staged question—he draws the truth from her. Once the deception is revealed, the rightful princess is honored, and the false maid is punished according to the version. The princess marries the prince, and the story closes with justice restored. The Goose Girl reminds readers that truth can be delayed but not erased. Quiet endurance, honest words, and the right listener can bring dignity back to the surface.

Story Excerpt

There was once an old Queen who had been a widow for many years. She loved her only daughter dearly, and the princess grew up kind, graceful, and bright as morning. When the princess was grown, she was promised in marriage to a prince who lived in a kingdom far away. At last the day came for her to ride out and become a bride. The Queen prepared a royal dowry : shining vessels of silver and gold, cups, jewels, and precious trinkets — everything a princess should bring to her new home. She also chose a waiting - maid to travel with her, to serve her on the road and to hand her, safely and properly, to the prince. Each girl was given a horse. The princess’s horse was named Falada, and Falada could speak. Before they parted, the Queen went to her bedchamber. She took a small knife and pricked her finger so that three drops of blood fell onto a white handkerchief. She pressed it into her daughter’s hands and said, “ Dear child, keep this carefully. It will help you on your way. ” The princess tucked the cloth close to her heart. With a sad, brave farewell, she mounted Falada and rode away with her waiting - maid beside her. The road was long, and the day grew warm. After they had ridden for a while, the princess felt a burning thirst. She said gently to the waiting - maid, “ Please dismount and take my cup. Bring me water from the stream. ” But the waiting - maid’s face hardened. “ If you are thirsty, ” she said, “ get down yourself and drink from the stream. I don’t choose to be your servant. ” The princess was startled. Still, she did not argue. Thirsty…

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