Old Rinkrank facts for kids

Old Rinkrank is a classic German fairy tale. It was collected by the famous Brothers Grimm and published in their book Children's and Household Tales. This story is about a princess who gets trapped inside a magical glass mountain by a mysterious character called Old Rinkrank. She has to find a way to escape and get back home.

Quick facts for kids Old Rinkrank
Folk tale
Name	Old Rinkrank
Data
Origin Date	6th edition 1850
Published in	Children's and Household Tales

The Glass Mountain Challenge

A king once had a special mountain built. It was made entirely of glass! He announced a big challenge: anyone who could climb to the top of this slippery glass mountain could marry his daughter, the princess.

The Princess's Fall

The princess wanted to help one of the brave suitors. As she and a suitor tried to climb the mountain, she slipped. Suddenly, the glass mountain opened up! The princess fell deep inside.

Meeting Old Rinkrank

She landed in a dark cave. There, she met a strange old man named Old Rinkrank. He gave her a tough choice: either face a terrible end or become his servant. The princess chose to serve him.

Life as a Servant

The princess became Old Rinkrank's servant. Her days were spent washing his dishes and making his bed. As time passed, she grew older in his service. Old Rinkrank even started calling her "Mother Mansrot."

Old Rinkrank's Secret

Every day, Old Rinkrank would pull a special ladder from his pocket. He used it to climb out of the cave and reach the top of the glass mountain. After he climbed, he would pull the ladder up behind him. This way, no one else could use it.

His Daily Treasure

Every evening, Old Rinkrank would return. He always brought back lots of gold and silver. He would add these treasures to his growing collection inside the cave.

The Escape Plan

One day, Mother Mansrot decided she had to escape. After finishing her chores, she closed all the doors and windows in the cave. She left only one small window open.

Trapping Old Rinkrank

When Old Rinkrank returned, he found all the entrances shut. He looked through the small open window to see what Mother Mansrot was doing. Quick as a flash, she slammed the window shut! Old Rinkrank's long beard got caught in the window.

Freedom from the Cave

He was trapped! To get free, he had to give Mother Mansrot his special ladder. She quickly used the ladder to climb out of the cave and reach the top of the glass mountain. Once she was safe, she pulled on a long rope to free Old Rinkrank.

A Happy Ending

The princess returned to her father and her betrothed. She told them everything that had happened to her. The king was very angry about Old Rinkrank's actions.

Justice and Celebration

The king ordered that Old Rinkrank be punished. All of Old Rinkrank's gold and silver treasures were taken. Finally, the princess married her suitor. They lived a wonderful life, filled with happiness and splendor.

Images for kids

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  Old Rinkrank by Edward H. Wehnert