The Princess and the Goblin A Classic Victorian Fairy Tale of Courage and Wonder

The Princess and the Goblin is George MacDonald's enchanting fairy tale of courage, faith, and hidden wisdom, a classic that helped shape the development of modern fantasy literature. First published in 1872, the story follows Princess Irene, a young royal who lives in a mountain castle, and Curdie, the brave miner's son who becomes her unlikely ally. Beneath the mountains live the goblins-mischievous and cunning creatures who harbor a secret plan against the kingdom above. As danger grows, Irene discovers the mysterious guidance of her wise and seemingly magical great-great-grandmother, while Curdie's courage and loyalty become essential in confronting the goblins' plot. Together they must navigate hidden tunnels, strange encounters, and the uncertainties of trust and belief. MacDonald's tale combines adventure with deeper spiritual and moral themes, reflecting the author's belief in imagination as a gateway to truth and wonder. Admired by later writers such as C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, The Princess and the Goblin remains one of the great Victorian fairy tales and an enduring classic of children's fantasy literature.