Story Summary
Discover the Brothers Grimm story of Faithful John, a tale of ultimate loyalty, sacrifice, and magic where a devoted servant risks everything for his king.
An aging king on his deathbed entrusted his most loyal servant, Faithful John, with the guidance of his son. He warned John never to let the prince enter a secret room containing the portrait of the Princess of the Golden Dwelling, for the sight would lead to great peril. Naturally, the young king eventually found the key and fell hopelessly in love with the image. John, ever loyal, helped the king win the princess through a clever ruse involving a ship full of golden treasures. On the journey home, John overheard three ravens prophesying three dangers: a horse that would carry the king to his death, a bridal shirt that would burn him like lime, and the queen falling dead during a dance. John intervened in each instance to save the king, but his actions appeared suspicious. When John drew three drops of blood from the queen's breast to revive her from the final curse, the king sentenced him to death for perceived indecency. At the gallows, John revealed the ravens' prophecy to prove his innocence, knowing the price was turning into stone. Heartbroken, the king kept the stone statue for years. Eventually, he was told he could revive John by sacrificing his own children. He did so out of love, and because of this ultimate act of faith, John was restored and the children were miraculously brought back to life.
The Moral
True loyalty and friendship require immense sacrifice and trust, even when actions are misunderstood or difficult to explain.
“He who is faithful must suffer much.”
Fun Fact
This story is a classic example of the 'Petrified Friend' motif, which is found in various forms across European and Indian folklore, often categorised as ATU Type 516.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Faithful John?
The moral is that true loyalty often requires profound personal sacrifice and that trust is the foundation of any deep bond. It also suggests that selfless acts are eventually rewarded by fate.
Why did Faithful John turn into stone?
John turned to stone because he revealed the secrets he heard from the three ravens. The prophecy stated that anyone who disclosed the warnings to the king would be petrified.
How did the king revive Faithful John?
The king had to show the same level of loyalty John had shown him by sacrificing his two young sons. Because the king acted out of genuine remorse and love, both John and the children were restored to life.
What were the three dangers predicted by the ravens?
The ravens predicted the king would be killed by a chestnut horse, a sulfurous bridal shirt, and that the queen would fall dead while dancing unless three drops of blood were taken from her.
Who wrote the story of Faithful John?
The story was collected and published by the Brothers Grimm in their 1812 anthology, 'Children's and Household Tales.'
What does the Princess of the Golden Dwelling represent?
She represents the 'attainable but dangerous' goal common in folklore, serving as the catalyst for the protagonist's journey and the testing of the servant's loyalty.
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