The Goose-Girl at the Well - Fairy Tale by the Brothers Grimm

Reading time for children: 27 min

There was once upon a time a very old woman, who lived with he flock of geese in a waste place among the mountains, and there had a little house. The waste was surrounded by a large forest, and every morning the old woman took her crutch and hobbled into it. There, however, the dame was quite active, more so than any one would have thought, considering her age, and collected grass for her geese, picked all the wild fruit she could reach, and carried everything home on her back.

Any one would have thought that the heavy load would have weighed her to the ground, but she always brought it safely home. If any one met her, she greeted him quite courteously. „Good day, dear countryman, it is a fine day. Ah! you wonder that I should drag grass about, but every one must take his burthen on his back.“ Nevertheless, people did not like to meet her if they could help it, and took by preference a round-about way, and when a father with his boys passed her, he whispered to them, „Beware of the old woman. She has claws beneath her gloves. She is a witch.“

One morning, a handsome young man was going through the forest. The sun shone bright, the birds sang, a cool breeze crept through the leaves, and he was full of joy and gladness. He had as yet met no one, when he suddenly perceived the old witch kneeling on the ground cutting grass with a sickle. She had already thrust a whole load into her cloth, and near it stood two baskets, which were filled with wild apples and pears. „But, good little mother,“ said he, „how canst thou carry all that away?“ – „I must carry it, dear sir,“ answered she, „rich folk’s children have no need to do such things, but with the peasant folk the saying goes:

Don’t look behind you,
You will only see how crooked your back is!“

„Will you help me?“ she said, as he remained standing by her. „You have still a straight back and young legs, it would be a trifle to you. Besides, my house is not so very far from here, it stands there on the heath behind the hill. How soon you would bound up thither.“ The young man took compassion on the old woman. „My father is certainly no peasant,“ replied he, „but a rich count; nevertheless, that you may see that it is not only peasants who can carry things, I will take your bundle.“

If you will try it,“ said she, „I shall be very glad. You will certainly have to walk for an hour, but what will that signify to you; only you must carry the apples and pears as well?“ It now seemed to the young man just a little serious, when he heard of an hour’s walk, but the old woman would not let him off, packed the bundle on his back, and hung the two baskets on his arm. „See, it is quite light,“ said she. „No, it is not light,“ answered the count, and pulled a rueful face. „Verily, the bundle weighs as heavily as if it were full of cobble stones, and the apples and pears are as heavy as lead! I can scarcely breathe.“

He had a mind to put everything down again, but the old woman would not allow it. „Just look,“ said she mockingly, „the young gentleman will not carry what I, an old woman, have so often dragged along. You are ready with fine words, but when it comes to be earnest, you want to take to your heels. Why are you standing loitering there?“ she continued. „Step out. No one will take the bundle off again.“ As long as he walked on level ground, it was still bearable, but when they came to the hill and had to climb, and the stones rolled down under his feet as if they were alive, it was beyond his strength. The drops of perspiration stood on his forehead, and ran, hot and cold, down his back.

„Dame,“ said he, „I can go no farther. I want to rest a little.“ – „Not here,“ answered the old woman, „when we have arrived at our journey’s end, you can rest; but now you must go forward. Who knows what good it may do you?“ – „Old woman, thou art becoming shameless!“ said the count, and tried to throw off the bundle, but he laboured in vain. It stuck as fast to his back as if it grew there. He turned and twisted, but he could not get rid of it. The old woman laughed at this, and sprang about quite delighted on her crutch. „Don’t get angry, dear sir,“ said she, „you are growing as red in the face as a turkey-cock! Carry your bundle patiently. I will give you a good present when we get home.“ What could he do. He was obliged to submit to his fate, and crawl along patiently behind the old woman. She seemed to grow more and more nimble, and his burden still heavier.

All at once she made a spring, jumped on to the bundle and seated herself on the top of it; and however withered she might be, she was yet heavier than the stoutest country lass. The youth’s knees trembled, but when he did not go on, the old woman hit him about the legs with a switch and with stinging-nettles. Groaning continually, he climbed the mountain, and at length reached the old woman’s house, when he was just about to drop. When the geese perceived the old woman, they flapped their wings, stretched out their necks, ran to meet her, cackling all the while. Behind the flock walked, stick in hand, an old wench, strong and big, but ugly as night. „Good mother,“ said she to the old woman, „has anything happened to you, you have stayed away so long?“ – „By no means, my dear daughter,“ answered she, I have met with nothing bad, but, on the contrary, with this kind gentleman, who has carried my burthen for me; only think, he even took me on his back when I was tired.

The way, too, has not seemed long to us. We have been merry, and have been cracking jokes with each other all the time.“ At last the old woman slid down, took the bundle off the young man’s back, and the baskets from his arm, looked at him quite kindly, and said, „Now seat yourself on the bench before the door, and rest. You have fairly earned your wages, and they shall not be wanting.“ Then she said to the goose-girl, „Go into the house, my dear daughter, it is not becoming for thee to be alone with a young gentleman. One must not pour oil on to the fire, he might fall in love with thee.“ The count knew not whether to laugh or to cry.

„Such a sweetheart as that,“ thought he, „could not touch my heart, even if she were thirty years younger.“ In the meantime the old woman stroked and fondled her geese as if they were children, and then went into the house with her daughter. The youth lay down on the bench, under a wild apple-tree. The air was warm and mild. On all sides stretched a green meadow, which was set with cowslips, wild thyme, and a thousand other flowers; through the midst of it rippled a clear brook on which the sun sparkled, and the white geese went walking backwards and forwards, or paddled in the water. „It is quite delightful here,“ said he, „but I am so tired that I cannot keep my eyes open. I will sleep a little. If only a gust of wind does not come and blow my legs off my body, for they are as rotten as tinder.“

When he had slept a little while, the old woman came and shook him till he awoke. „Sit up,“ said she, „thou canst not stay here. I have certainly treated thee hardly, still it has not cost thee thy life. Of money and land thou hast no need, here is something else for thee.“ Thereupon she thrust a little book into his hand, which was cut out of a single emerald. „Take great care of it,“ said she, „it will bring thee good fortune.“ The count sprang up, and as he felt that he was quite fresh, and had recovered his vigor, he thanked the old woman for her present, and set off without even once looking back at the beautiful daughter. When he was already some way off, he still heard in the distance the noisy cry of the geese.

For three days the count had to wander in the wilderness before he could find his way out. He then reached a large town, and as no one knew him, he was led into the royal palace, where the King and Queen were sitting on their throne. The count fell on one knee, drew the emerald book out of his pocket, and laid it at the Queen’s feet. She bade him rise and hand her the little book. Hardly, however, had she opened it, and looked therein, than she fell as if dead to the ground. The count was seized by the King’s servants, and was being led to prison, when the Queen opened her eyes, and ordered them to release him, and every one was to go out, as she wished to speak with him in private.

When the Queen was alone, she began to weep bitterly, and said, „Of what use to me are the splendours and honours with which I am surrounded; every morning I awake in pain and sorrow. I had three daughters, the youngest of whom was so beautiful that the whole world looked on her as a wonder. She was as white as snow, as rosy as apple-blossom, and her hair as radiant as sun-beams. When she cried, not tears fell from her eyes, but pearls and jewels only. When she was fifteen years old, the King summoned all three sisters to come before his throne. You should have seen how all the people gazed when the youngest entered, it was just as if the sun were rising! Then the King spoke, ‚My daughters, I know not when my last day may arrive. I will today decide what each shall receive at my death.

You all love me, but the one of you who loves me best, shall fare the best.‘ Each of them said she loved him best. ‚Can you not express to me,‘ said the King, ‚how much you do love me, and thus I shall see what you mean?‘ The eldest spoke, ‚I love my father as dearly as the sweetest sugar.‘ The second, ‚I love my father as dearly as my prettiest dress.‘ But the youngest was silent. Then the father said, ‚And thou, my dearest child, how much dost thou love me?‘ – ‚I do not know, and can compare my love with nothing.‘ But her father insisted that she should name something. So she said at last, ‚The best food does not please me without salt, therefore I love my father like salt.‘ When the King heard that, he fell into a passion, and said, ‚If thou lovest me like salt, thy love shall also be repaid thee with salt.‘

Then he divided the kingdom between the two elder, but caused a sack of salt to be bound on the back of the youngest, and two servants had to lead her forth into the wild forest. We all begged and prayed for her,“ said the Queen, „but the King’s anger was not to be appeased. How she cried when she had to leave us! The whole road was strewn with the pearls which flowed from her eyes. The King soon afterwards repented of his great severity, and had the whole forest searched for the poor child, but no one could find her. When I think that the wild beasts have devoured her, I know not how to contain myself for sorrow; many a time I console myself with the hope that she is still alive, and may have hidden herself in a cave, or has found shelter with compassionate people.

But picture to yourself, when I opened your little emerald book, a pearl lay therein, of exactly the same kind as those which used to fall from my daughter’s eyes; and then you can also imagine how the sight of it stirred my heart. You must tell me how you came by that pearl.“ The count told her that he had received it from the old woman in the forest, who had appeared very strange to him, and must be a witch, but he had neither seen nor hear anything of the Queen’s child. The King and the Queen resolved to seek out the old woman. They thought that there where the pearl had been, they would obtain news of their daughter.

The old woman was sitting in that lonely place at her spinning-wheel, spinning. It was already dusk, and a log which was burning on the hearth gave a scanty light. All at once there was a noise outside, the geese were coming home from the pasture, and uttering their hoarse cries. Soon afterwards the daughter also entered. But the old woman scarcely thanked her, and only shook her head a little. The daughter sat down beside her, took her spinning-wheel, and twisted the threads as nimbly as a young girl. Thus they both sat for two hours, and exchanged never a word. At last something rustled at the window, and two fiery eyes peered in. It was an old night-owl, which cried, „Uhu!“ three times. The old woman looked up just a little, then she said, „Now, my little daughter, it is time for thee to go out and do thy work.“

She rose and went out, and where did she go? Over the meadows ever onward into the valley. At last she came to a well, with three old oak-trees standing beside it; meanwhile the moon had risen large and round over the mountain, and it was so light that one could have found a needle. She removed a skin which covered her face, then bent down to the well, and began to wash herself. When she had finished, she dipped the skin also in the water, and then laid it on the meadow, so that it should bleach in the moonlight, and dry again. But how the maiden was changed! Such a change as that was never seen before! When the gray mask fell off, her golden hair broke forth like sunbeams, and spread about like a mantle over her whole form. Her eyes shone out as brightly as the stars in heaven, and her cheeks bloomed a soft red like apple-blossom.

But the fair maiden was sad. She sat down and wept bitterly.

One tear after another forced itself out of her eyes, and rolled through her long hair to the ground. There she sat, and would have remained sitting a long time, if there had not been a rustling and cracking in the boughs of the neighbouring tree. She sprang up like a roe which has been overtaken by the shot of the hunter. Just then the moon was obscured by a dark cloud, and in an instant the maiden had put on the old skin and vanished, like a light blown out by the wind.

She ran back home, trembling like an aspen-leaf. The old woman was standing on the threshold, and the girl was about to relate what had befallen her, but the old woman laughed kindly, and said, „I already know all.“ She led her into the room and lighted a new log. She did not, however, sit down to her spinning again, but fetched a broom and began to sweep and scour, „All must be clean and sweet,“ she said to the girl. „But, mother,“ said the maiden, „why do you begin work at so late an hour? What do you expect?“ – „Dost thou know then what time it is?“ asked the old woman. „Not yet midnight,“ answered the maiden, „but already past eleven o’clock.“

„Dost thou not remember,“ continued the old woman, „that it is three years today since thou camest to me? Thy time is up, we can no longer remain together.“ The girl was terrified, and said, „Alas! dear mother, will you cast me off? Where shall I go? I have no friends, and no home to which I can go. I have always done as you bade me, and you have always been satisfied with me; do not send me away.“ The old woman would not tell the maiden what lay before her. „My stay here is over,“ she said to her, „but when I depart, house and parlour must be clean: therefore do not hinder me in my work. Have no care for thyself, thou shalt find a roof to shelter thee, and the wages which I will give thee shall also content thee.“ – „But tell me what is about to happen,“ the maiden continued to entreat. „I tell thee again, do not hinder me in my work. Do not say a word more, go to thy chamber, take the skin off thy face, and put on the silken gown which thou hadst on when thou camest to me, and then wait in thy chamber until I call thee.“

But I must once more tell of the King and Queen, who had journeyed forth with the count in order to seek out the old woman in the wilderness. The count had strayed away from them in the wood by night, and had to walk onwards alone. Next day it seemed to him that he was on the right track. He still went forward, until darkness came on, then he climbed a tree, intending to pass the night there, for he feared that he might lose his way. When the moon illumined the surrounding country he perceived a figure coming down the mountain. She had no stick in her hand, but yet he could see that it was the goose-girl, whom he had seen before in the house of the old woman.

„Oho,“ cried he, „there she comes, and if I once get hold of one of the witches, the other shall not escape me!“ But how astonished he was, when she went to the well, took off the skin and washed herself, when her golden hair fell down all about her, and she was more beautiful than any one whom he had ever seen in the whole world. He hardly dared to breathe, but stretched his head as far forward through the leaves as he dared, and stared at her. Either he bent over too far, or whatever the cause might be, the bough suddenly cracked, and that very moment the maiden slipped into the skin, sprang away like a roe, and as the moon was suddenly covered, disappeared from his eyes. Hardly had she disappeared, before the count descended from the tree, and hastened after her with nimble steps.

He had not been gone long before he saw, in the twilight, two figures coming over the meadow. It was the King and Queen, who had perceived from a distance the light shining in the old woman’s little house, and were going to it. The count told them what wonderful things he had seen by the well, and they did not doubt that it had been their lost daughter. They walked onwards full of joy, and soon came to the little house. The geese were sitting all round it, and had thrust their heads under their wings and were sleeping, and not one of them moved. The King and Queen looked in at the window, the old woman was sitting there quite quietly spinning, nodding her head and never looking round. The room was perfectly clean, as if the little mist men, who carry no dust on their feet, lived there.

Their daughter, however, they did not see. They gazed at all this for a long time, at last they took heart, and knocked softly at the window. The old woman appeared to have been expecting them. She rose, and called out quite kindly, „Come in, I know you already.“ When they had entered the room, the old woman said, „You might have spared yourself the long walk, if you had not three years ago unjustly driven away your child, who is so good and lovable. No harm has come to her. For three years she has had to tend the geese; with them she has learnt no evil, but has preserved her purity of heart. You, however, have been sufficiently punished by the misery in which you have lived.“ Then she went to the chamber and called, „Come out, my little daughter.“ Thereupon the door opened, and the princess stepped out in her silken garments, with her golden hair and her shining eyes, and it was as if an angel from heaven had entered.

She went up to her father and mother, fell on their necks and kissed them. There was no help for it, they all had to weep for joy. The young count stood near them, and when she perceived him she became as red in the face as a moss-rose, she herself did not know why. The King said, „My dear child, I have given away my kingdom, what shall I give thee?“ – „She needs nothing,“ said the old woman. „I give her the tears that she has wept on your account. They are precious pearls, finer than those that are found in the sea, and worth more than your whole kingdom, and I give her my little house as payment for her services.“ When the old woman had said that, she disappeared from their sight. The walls rattled a little, and when the King and Queen looked round, the little house had changed into a splendid palace, a royal table had been spread, and the servants were running hither and thither.

The story goes still further, but my grandmother, who related it to me, had partly lost her memory, and had forgotten the rest. I shall always believe that the beautiful princess married the count, and that they remained together in the palace, and lived there in all happiness so long as God willed it. Whether the snow-white geese, which were kept near the little hut, were verily young maidens (no one need take offence), whom the old woman had taken under her protection, and whether they now received their human form again, and stayed as handmaids to the young Queen, I do not exactly know, but I suspect it. This much is certain, that the old woman was no witch, as people thought, but a wise woman, who meant well. Very likely it was she who, at the princess’s birth, gave her the gift of weeping pearls instead of tears. That does not happen now-a-days, or else the poor would soon become rich.

Read another short fairy tale (5 min)

The Three Brothers

Mother Trudy

The Three Little Pigs

Learn languages. Double-Tap on one word.Learn languages in context with Childstories.org and Deepl.com.

Backgrounds to fairy tale „The goose-girl at the well“

„The Goose-Girl at the Well“ is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm and listed as KHM 179 in their collection „Kinder- und Hausmärchen“ (Children’s and Household Tales). As with many of their collected tales, it has its roots in oral storytelling traditions and folklore.

The story follows a young girl who, after the death of her mother, is left with her stepmother and stepsister. The stepmother is cruel and envious of the girl’s beauty, while the stepsister is lazy and unkind. The stepmother forces the girl to work hard, doing menial tasks like spinning and keeping geese.

One day, while the girl is working at a well, an old woman appears and asks for a drink. The girl kindly helps the old woman, who turns out to be a fairy in disguise. As a reward for the girl’s kindness, the fairy blesses her so that every time she speaks, gold coins and precious gems fall from her mouth.

When the stepmother learns of this, she sends her own daughter to the well, hoping for a similar reward. However, the stepsister is rude to the old woman, and as a result, the fairy curses her so that snakes and toads fall from her mouth whenever she speaks.

Later, a young king discovers the girl with the golden gifts and falls in love with her. Despite the stepmother’s attempts to prevent their marriage, the girl marries the king and lives happily ever after. The cruel stepmother and stepsister are punished for their wickedness.

„The Goose-Girl at the Well“ shares some similarities with other fairy tales, such as „Cinderella“ and „Toads and Diamonds.“ The story teaches moral lessons about kindness, generosity, and the consequences of one’s actions, as well as the triumph of good over evil.

Interpretations to fairy tale „The goose-girl at the well“

„The Goose-Girl at the Well“ is a fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm that teaches valuable moral lessons and explores common themes found in traditional stories. Here are some interpretations of the tale:

Kindness and generosity: One of the central themes of the story is the importance of kindness and generosity. The protagonist’s good nature and willingness to help the old woman (fairy) lead to her being rewarded. This theme emphasizes the idea that treating others with kindness and respect can lead to positive outcomes.

Consequences of one’s actions: The story demonstrates that actions have consequences, both good and bad. The protagonist is rewarded for her kindness, while the stepsister faces a curse for her rude behavior. This theme serves as a reminder that choices and actions can significantly impact one’s life and the lives of those around them.

Inner beauty vs. outer beauty: The tale highlights the importance of inner beauty and goodness. While the stepmother and stepsister may be physically attractive, their cruel and selfish behavior makes them unappealing. In contrast, the protagonist’s kindness and generosity make her truly beautiful, both inside and out.

The triumph of good over evil: As with many fairy tales, „The Goose-Girl at the Well“ showcases the triumph of good over evil. Despite the stepmother’s attempts to sabotage the protagonist’s happiness, the girl ultimately finds love and happiness with the king. This theme serves as a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, goodness and virtue can ultimately prevail.

Magical transformation and reward: The story features magical elements that reward the protagonist and punish the antagonist. The fairy’s intervention is a common motif in fairy tales, representing the idea that supernatural forces can intervene in human affairs to restore balance and justice.

Overall, „The Goose-Girl at the Well“ is a tale that emphasizes the importance of kindness, generosity, and inner beauty. It teaches valuable moral lessons about the consequences of one’s actions and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The goose-girl at the well“

„The Goose-Girl at the Well“ is a lesser-known Brothers Grimm fairy tale, so it does not have as many adaptations as some of the more famous stories. Nevertheless, there are some adaptations and retellings that incorporate this tale:

Book retellings and adaptations: Various collections of Brothers Grimm fairy tales include „The Goose-Girl at the Well“ among their stories, often with new translations or illustrations to engage modern readers. Examples include „Grimm’s Complete Fairy Tales“ (Canterbury Classics) and „The Complete Grimm’s Fairy Tales“ (Pantheon Books).

Short films and animations: Though there are no major film adaptations of „The Goose-Girl at the Well,“ smaller studios or independent animators may have created short adaptations that can be found on platforms like YouTube. These adaptations often focus on the moral lessons and themes of the story, making them suitable as educational tools for children.

Theater and live performances: „The Goose-Girl at the Well“ may be adapted for the stage as part of a larger collection of Grimm’s fairy tales or as an individual performance. These adaptations can involve live actors, puppetry, or other forms of theater to bring the story to life for audiences, emphasizing the tale’s moral lessons and themes.

Art and illustrations: Artists may have drawn inspiration from „The Goose-Girl at the Well“ to create visual representations of the story. These illustrations can be found in various books, art collections, or online galleries, capturing key moments and characters from the tale.

While „The Goose-Girl at the Well“ has not received the same level of attention or adaptations as some of the more well-known Grimm fairy tales, it still offers valuable moral lessons and themes. These adaptations and retellings help keep the story alive and introduce it to new generations of readers and viewers.

Adaptions of the fairy tale „The goose-girl at the well“

„The Goose-Girl at the Well“ is a beloved fairy tale that has inspired many adaptations in various forms of media over the years. Here are a few notable examples:

Operas and plays: The story has been adapted into several operas and plays over the years, including „The Goose Girl“ by composer George Frederick Handel, which premiered in 1728, and a play by German playwright Carl Zuckmayer, which premiered in 1936.

Children’s books: The story has been adapted into numerous children’s books, including „The Goose Girl“ by Shannon Hale, which was published in 2003 and became a New York Times bestseller. Other notable adaptations include „The Goose Girl“ by Eric A. Kimmel, „The Goose Girl and the Well“ by Heather Forest, and „The Goose Girl: A Story from the Brothers Grimm“ by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm.

Films and TV shows: The story has been adapted into several films and TV shows over the years, including a 1977 Czechoslovakian film titled „O Zlaté Husce“ („The Golden Goose“), and a 2009 German film titled „Die Gänsemagd“ („The Goose Girl“), which was broadcast on television.

Comics and graphic novels: The story has also been adapted into several comics and graphic novels, including „Grimm Fairy Tales: The Goose Girl“ by Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco, which was published in 2011.

Overall, „The Goose-Girl at the Well“ has proven to be a timeless and enduring story that continues to inspire and captivate audiences of all ages in a variety of mediums.

Summary of the plot

„The Goose-Girl at the Well“ is a Brothers Grimm fairy tale that tells the story of a kind and generous girl who faces adversity but ultimately triumphs over evil.

The tale begins with a young girl who is left in the care of her cruel stepmother and lazy stepsister after her mother’s death. The stepmother, envious of the girl’s beauty, forces her to perform menial tasks, such as spinning and tending to the geese.

One day, while the girl is working at a well, she encounters an old woman who asks for a drink of water. The girl kindly helps the old woman, who turns out to be a fairy in disguise. As a reward for the girl’s kindness, the fairy blesses her so that every time she speaks, gold coins and precious gems fall from her mouth.

When the stepmother learns of this, she sends her own daughter to the well, hoping for a similar reward. However, the stepsister is rude to the old woman, and as a result, the fairy curses her so that snakes and toads fall from her mouth whenever she speaks.

A young king discovers the girl with the golden gifts and falls in love with her. Despite the stepmother’s attempts to prevent their marriage, the girl marries the king, and they live happily ever after. The cruel stepmother and stepsister are ultimately punished for their wickedness.

„The Goose-Girl at the Well“ teaches moral lessons about kindness, generosity, and the consequences of one’s actions. It is a classic tale of good triumphing over evil and the importance of inner beauty.

——

Backgrounds to fairy tale „The goose-girl at the well“

„The Goose-Girl at the Well“ is a traditional German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, in their compilation „Grimm’s Fairy Tales“ (also known as „Kinder- und Hausmärchen“ in German). The Brothers Grimm were philologists, cultural researchers, and authors who lived in the early 19th century. They are best known for their work in preserving and documenting the folklore and oral traditions of their time, which eventually became the basis of the fairy tales that are popular today.

The tale is classified under the Aarne-Thompson-Uther (ATU) classification system as type 923, which is referred to as „Love Like Salt.“ This classification system is an international index for folktales, providing a way to categorize stories by their narrative elements and themes.

Fairy tales from this ATU group typically involve a child, usually a daughter, who uses a metaphor to describe her love for a parent. The parent misunderstands the metaphor and punishes the child, only to later regret the decision and seek reunion. Similar stories in this ATU group include „Water and Salt,“ „Cap O‘ Rushes,“ and „The Dirty Shepherdess.“

„The Goose-Girl at the Well“ also shares some parallels with the story of „King Lear,“ a play by William Shakespeare, in which a king divides his kingdom among his daughters based on their declarations of love for him. However, the youngest daughter’s honest expression of love is mistaken for a lack of affection, leading to tragedy and suffering.

Interpretations to fairy tale“The goose-girl at the well“

„The Goose-Girl at the Well“ can be interpreted in various ways, touching on themes such as love, forgiveness, transformation, and the value of seemingly ordinary things.

Love: The tale explores different kinds of love, including familial love and romantic love. The youngest daughter’s love for her father is compared to salt, which may be seen as mundane but is essential for life. This suggests that her love is deep, enduring, and indispensable, even though it may not be expressed in extravagant ways. The romantic love between the count and the youngest daughter also shows the importance of looking beyond appearances and recognizing inner beauty.

Forgiveness: The king eventually regrets banishing his youngest daughter and is given the opportunity to reunite with her. The story teaches the importance of forgiveness and second chances in relationships, even when a grave mistake has been made.

Transformation: The tale demonstrates that appearances can be deceiving, as the ugly goose-girl is revealed to be the beautiful, lost princess. This theme of transformation also extends to the old woman, who could be interpreted as a wise and powerful figure in disguise, and the hut, which transforms into a castle at the end of the story.

Value of ordinary things: The theme of valuing ordinary or mundane things is illustrated by the comparison of love to salt. Salt may seem common, but it is essential for human life and adds flavor to food. Similarly, the princess’s love for her father is genuine and vital, even if it isn’t expressed through grand gestures.

Overall, the story of „The Goose-Girl at the Well“ teaches readers to appreciate the significance of seemingly ordinary things, recognize the transformative power of love, and understand the importance of forgiveness and redemption in relationships.

Summary of the plot

„The Goose-Girl at the Well“ is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm, classified under the Aarne-Thompson type 923 (‚Love Like Salt‘).

The story begins with a count carrying a heavy burden up a mountain for an old woman who raises geese. When they reach the hut, the old woman warns the count not to fall in love with the ugly girl tending the geese. The old woman gives the count an emerald box as a token of gratitude, which he later shows to a king and queen in a nearby town.

Upon seeing the box, the queen faints and the count is imprisoned. When the queen wakes, she explains that her youngest daughter wept pearls and jewels but was banished after stating she loved her father like salt. The daughter was given only a sack of salt and was never seen again. The pearl in the emerald box reminds the queen of her daughter’s jewel tears.

The count, king, and queen decide to visit the old woman in the mountains. Meanwhile, the ugly girl, who is the banished princess, bathes in a well and turns into a beautiful, sad girl, returning to her ugly form when the moonlight is blocked. When the count sees her transformation, he’s captivated by her beauty.

At the hut, the old woman scolds the king and queen for being unjust to their daughter. The old woman then reveals the daughter, and the family is reunited in tears. The old woman disappears, and the hut turns into a castle. The count marries the youngest princess, and they live happily ever after.

The tale has been adapted into various forms of popular culture, including TV movies, series, and a German musical production.

Informations for scientific analysis