Once there were three brothers, the youngest of whom was mocked and called Simpleton. When the elder brothers went to the forest to cut wood, they were selfish and refused to share their rich food with a hungry little grey man. In return, they suffered accidents and failed. When Simpleton went, he shared his meager burnt cake and sour beer with the man. As a reward, the man showed him a tree containing a goose with feathers of pure gold. Simpleton took the goose to an inn, where the landlord's three daughters each tried to steal a golden feather. To their horror, they found themselves physically stuck to the goose and each other. As Simpleton walked toward the city, a parson, a sexton, and two laborers also became stuck in a comical, involuntary chain. In the city lived a princess who was so serious she never laughed. The King decreed that whoever made her laugh would marry her. Upon seeing the ridiculous parade of the golden goose and its stuck followers, the princess burst into laughter. Though the King tried to set more impossible tasks, the little grey man helped Simpleton complete them all. Simpleton married the princess and lived happily as the heir to the kingdom.
Kindness and generosity toward others lead to unexpected rewards, while greed and selfishness lead to embarrassment and failure.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Golden Goose?
The moral is that kindness and generosity are rewarded, while greed and selfishness lead to humiliation. Simpleton’s willingness to share his humble meal brings him fortune, whereas his brothers' selfishness leads to their failure.
Who wrote The Golden Goose?
The story was collected and published by the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, in their famous 1812 collection, 'Children's and Household Tales.' It remains one of their most popular lighthearted folktales.
Why did the people get stuck to the goose?
They were motivated by greed. When the innkeeper's daughters tried to steal the golden feathers, they were magically bound to the bird, and everyone who touched them thereafter became part of the chain.
How did Simpleton make the princess laugh?
The princess, who was famously solemn, found the sight of Simpleton and the long, absurd line of people stuck together incredibly hilarious. Seeing the frantic parade caused her to burst into laughter for the first time.
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