Deep in the heart of the mountains, goblins plan an attack on the royal residence. The goblins’ wicked scheme is to capture young Princess Irene and marry her to the heir of the goblin throne. Princess Irene must overcome her fear and plunge deep into the very center of the enemy’s stronghold to rescue a good friend and, perhaps, save her father’s kingdom from the evil goblin army. Irene’s success depends on her ability to live up to her royal calling as a “daughter of the king” and to trust the often vague instructions of a wise yet mysterious old woman who calls herself Irene’s great-great grandmother. The Princess and the Goblin is one of George MacDonald’s most-loved masterworks of children’s fiction. G. K. Chesterton claimed that this story “made a difference to my whole existence.” This amazing tale of courage and faith has inspired other great authors such as Lewis Carroll, J. R. R. Tolkien, Madeleine L’Engle, and C. S. Lewis. Some of the most beautiful and powerful works of children’s literature might never have existed if it were not for The Princess and the Goblin.
Summary by Daniel B. Coupland, Ph.D.
