The Golden Goose

1812 Germany

Story

Once upon a time, there was a man who had three sons. The youngest was called Simpleton because everyone thought he was foolish. When the eldest son went to cut wood in the forest, his mother gave him a fine cake and a bottle of wine. In the forest, he met a little grey man who asked to share his food. "Go away!" said the eldest son rudely. But when he swung his axe, he cut his arm and had to go home.

The same thing happened to the second son. He too was rude to the little grey man and hurt himself with his axe. Then Simpleton asked if he could try. His brothers laughed, and his mother gave him only a stale cake and sour beer.

When Simpleton met the little grey man, he gladly shared his poor meal. As they ate together, the stale cake turned into fine cake, and the sour beer became sweet wine! The grateful old man said, "Because you have a good heart, cut down that old tree and you'll find something special."

Inside the hollow tree sat a goose with feathers of pure gold! Simpleton took the goose and went to stay at an inn. The innkeeper's three daughters wanted a golden feather, but when one touched the goose, she stuck fast! The second sister tried to pull her away and stuck too! The third did the same!

The next morning, Simpleton walked on with the golden goose under his arm and the three sisters stuck behind him. Along the way, a parson tried to scold the girls and stuck fast. Then his clerk stuck to him, and then two farmers. Soon Simpleton had a whole parade of people stuck together, running after him!

They came to a kingdom where the princess had never laughed in her life. The king had promised her hand to anyone who could make her smile. When the princess saw the ridiculous parade—Simpleton with his goose and seven people hopping and stumbling behind him—she burst out laughing!

The king wasn't sure he wanted a simpleton for a son-in-law, so he set three impossible tasks. But with the help of the little grey man, Simpleton completed each one. He married the princess, became king, and ruled wisely and kindly, proving that those who share with others deserve the greatest rewards.

History and Meaning

"The Golden Goose" was collected by the Brothers Grimm and published in 1812. It belongs to a category of tales where the kind simpleton succeeds while his unkind, "clever" brothers fail.

The story teaches that kindness and generosity are more valuable than cleverness or selfishness. Simpleton shares his meager food when his brothers refuse to share their fine meals, and he is rewarded for his good heart.

The sticky goose is a popular comic element in fairy tales. The parade of stuck people is meant to be ridiculous and funny, teaching that greed (trying to take golden feathers) has consequences.

The tale has a deeper message about judging people by their character rather than their reputation. Everyone calls the youngest son Simpleton, but he proves to be the wisest and most successful of all. True wisdom lies in having a generous spirit.