The Twelve Dancing Princesses

1812 Germany

Story

Once upon a time, there was a king who had twelve beautiful daughters. Each night, the princesses were locked in their bedroom, but every morning, their dancing shoes were found worn through as if they had danced all night long. The king was baffled and proclaimed that whoever could discover the princesses' secret would marry one of them and inherit the kingdom.

Many princes tried to solve the mystery, but each one fell asleep before midnight and could discover nothing. Then a poor soldier, returning from the wars, met an old woman on the road. She gave him a magic cloak that would make him invisible and warned him not to drink the wine the princesses would offer.

The soldier went to the palace and was given a room next to the princesses' bedroom. The eldest princess brought him a goblet of wine, but remembering the old woman's warning, he pretended to drink it and then pretended to fall asleep.

At midnight, the soldier watched as the eldest princess knocked on her bed, and it sank into the floor, revealing a hidden staircase! The twelve princesses descended, and the soldier, wearing his invisible cloak, followed them.

They walked through three magical underground groves—one with trees of silver, one with trees of gold, and one with trees of diamonds. The invisible soldier broke off a branch from each as proof. At last, they came to a great lake where twelve princes waited in boats to row them across to a magnificent castle.

In the castle, the princesses danced and danced until their shoes were worn through, just as they did every night. The soldier danced among them, invisible, drinking from their cups and pocketing a golden goblet as more proof.

When morning came, the soldier revealed everything to the king, showing him the silver, gold, and diamond branches and the golden goblet. The princesses had to confess that he was right. The king asked the soldier which princess he would marry, and he chose the eldest, as she was the cleverest. The enchantment over the underground kingdom was broken, and the soldier and princess lived happily ever after.

History and Meaning

"The Twelve Dancing Princesses" (also known as "The Worn-Out Dancing Shoes") was collected by the Brothers Grimm and published in 1812 in Germany. The tale has versions in many cultures, suggesting ancient origins.

The story follows a classic fairy tale pattern: a seemingly impossible task, magical assistance for the worthy hero, and a happy ending through cleverness rather than brute strength. The soldier succeeds not through fighting but through wisdom and following good advice.

The three magical groves—silver, gold, and diamond—represent increasing levels of enchantment and treasure. This triple pattern is common in European folklore, symbolizing progression and completion.

The tale has inspired many adaptations, including the animated film "Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses" (2006) and has been retold in countless picture books. It remains popular for its blend of mystery, magic, and romance.