The King of the Golden River facts for kids
Title page, designed by Richard Doyle
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| Author | John Ruskin |
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| Illustrator | Richard Doyle Arthur Rackham (1932) |
| Cover artist | Richard Doyle Arthur Rackham (1932) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fairy tales, Fantasy, Novel |
| Publisher | Smith, Elder & Co. (1851) |
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Publication date
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1842 (book publication 1851) |
| Media type | Print (hardback and paperback) |
| Pages | 56 pp |
The King of the Golden River or The Black Brothers: A Legend of Stiria is a famous story written by John Ruskin. He first wrote it in 1841 for a twelve-year-old girl named Effie Gray. The story was later published as a book in 1851.
This book quickly became a popular classic during the Victorian era, which was a time in British history from 1837 to 1901. It sold out three times! The story is often called a fairy tale. It shows how love, kindness, and being good can win against evil. Some people also see it as a fable, which is a story with a moral lesson. It can also be seen as a parable, a simple story used to teach a spiritual or moral lesson.
The book has beautiful pictures. The first edition had 22 illustrations by Richard Doyle. Later, in 1932, another artist named Arthur Rackham also drew pictures for the story.
Contents
About the Story
The King of the Golden River is set in a magical land. It tells the tale of three brothers. Two of them, Hans and Schwartz, are very mean and greedy. The youngest brother, Gluck, is kind and gentle.
The Black Brothers
Hans and Schwartz are known as the "Black Brothers." They are selfish and cruel. They run their farm poorly and treat everyone badly, especially their younger brother, Gluck. They care only about money and gold.
Gluck's Kindness
Gluck is the opposite of his brothers. He is good-hearted and always tries to do the right thing. He shows kindness to others, even when his brothers are mean to him. His kindness is a very important part of the story.
The Golden River
The story gets its name from a special river. This river flows through a valley and is said to have magical powers. The brothers learn about the legend of the Golden River. It is believed that if someone throws three drops of holy water into the river at its source, it will turn into gold.
The Quest for Gold
Hans and Schwartz try to get the gold from the river. They are driven by their greed. However, because they are so unkind, they fail in their attempts. Their actions show that being greedy and selfish does not bring true wealth or happiness.
Gluck's Journey
Gluck also goes on a journey to the Golden River. But his reasons are different. He wants to help others and is guided by his good heart. Along his way, he meets people and creatures who need help. His choices show the power of compassion.
The Moral of the Tale
The story teaches a strong lesson. It shows that true wealth is not about having lots of gold. Instead, it is about being kind, generous, and good to others. The actions of the brothers prove that greed leads to ruin, while kindness brings blessings.
Why This Story Matters
The King of the Golden River is more than just a fairy tale. It is a story that has taught many generations about important values. It reminds us that our actions have consequences. Being good and caring for others is always the best path.
Themes in the Story
The main themes in the book include:
- Good versus Evil: The clear difference between the kind Gluck and his cruel brothers.
- Greed and its Consequences: How the brothers' desire for wealth leads to their downfall.
- The Power of Kindness: How Gluck's good deeds are rewarded.
- Nature's Role: The magical river and the natural world play a big part in the story's events.
Legacy of the Book
This book is still read today because its message is timeless. It continues to inspire readers to choose kindness and generosity. It is a great example of how a simple story can teach deep lessons about life.
