The Princess and Curdie facts for kids

The Princess and Curdie is a classic fantasy story for kids. It was written by George MacDonald in 1883. This book is the exciting follow-up to The Princess and the Goblin. The adventure continues with Princess Irene and her friend Curdie. They are a bit older now. They need to stop some bad advisors who are making Irene's father, the king, very sick. Irene's special grandmother also returns. She gives Curdie a unique gift. A helpful creature named Lina joins Curdie on his important journey.

About the Story

This book takes place two years after the first one. Princess Irene and her father travel to a place called Gwyntystorm. Meanwhile, Curdie, a miner boy and friend of the Princess, stays at home. He lives with his mother and father.

Curdie's Journey Begins

As time passes, Curdie starts hunting animals just for fun. He also begins to doubt Irene's stories. He wonders if her great-great grandmother is real. One day, Curdie shoots down a white pigeon. He then remembers Irene's tales about her grandmother's special pigeons. Curdie realizes he made a mistake.

A bright light appears on the castle roof. Curdie follows this light. There, he meets the old Princess. She looks small and frail. This is different from how Irene described her.

A Special Gift

The old Princess gently tells Curdie he was wrong. Curdie admits his doubts. Because he now believes, the pigeon he shot heals. The Princess tells him to keep his bow and arrows. But she says he must use them for good things.

The old Princess then gives Curdie a very important quest. Before he leaves, she touches his hands. She burns them in her special fire of roses. His hands are now clean and special. He can now feel the true nature of people. He can tell if they are good or bad. She also gives Curdie's father a special emerald. This gem will change color if Curdie is in danger. This warns his father to go help him.

The Quest to Save the King

Curdie gets a monstrous but friendly creature named Lina. Lina is his only travel companion. She saves him from many dangers on their journey to Gwyntystorm. When they arrive, Curdie's mission becomes clear. He finds himself at the King's palace. The King is very weak and sick in his room. Princess Irene is the only one caring for him.

Curdie sneaks in to spy on the palace servants. He listens to what they are saying. He realizes the King's "doctor" is actually making him sicker. The palace servants and advisors have become bad. They are now enemies of the King. No one can be trusted. Both the Princess and the King are in great danger.

Curdie understands why the old Princess sent him. He must save the King, Irene's father. There is a plot to poison him. Bad people want to steal his kingdom. They also want to force Princess Irene to marry an evil person.

With help from the old Princess, who was disguised as a housemaid, the King, his daughter, and the kingdom are saved. Curdie and Princess Irene later get married. They rule the kingdom after the King passes away. However, they do not have any children. After they both die, the kingdom slowly falls apart. One day, it collapses completely. It is never spoken of again.