Once upon a time, in a kingdom nestled among rolling hills and dense, whispering forests of Hungary, there lived a wise and just king. His three daughters, the Princesses, were the pride of the realm, each more beautiful and clever than the last. Their laughter could lighten the heaviest heart, and their kindness was known throughout the land. Yet despite their beauty and grace, a mysterious enchantment shadowed the castle: each night, the princesses vanished without a trace.
The king, desperate to protect his daughters, summoned knights and warriors from far and wide. Many brave men tried to uncover the secret of their nightly disappearances, but all failed. The princesses returned only at dawn, unharmed, yet silent about their nocturnal journeys. The kingdom buzzed with fear and curiosity, for no one could determine where the princesses went or what powers lurked behind the castle walls.
In a distant village, far beyond the king’s realm, there lived a young and courageous man named János. He was the son of a humble miller, yet he possessed a heart brimming with courage and a sharp mind that outshone even the cleverest scholars. One evening, as János listened to the stories of wandering merchants, he learned of the mysterious disappearance of the three princesses. Inspired by tales of valor, he resolved to discover their secret and bring peace to the kingdom.
János journeyed through thick forests and across wide rivers, guided by the silver light of the moon. Along the way, he encountered strange and magical creatures: talking foxes who whispered secrets of the woods, singing birds who guided him through hidden paths, and an old hermit who warned him of dangers that no sword could defeat. Yet János was undeterred; his determination shone brighter than any fear.
At last, he reached the king’s castle, a fortress of stone and gold that gleamed in the dawn light. He offered his service to the king, pledging to uncover the secret of the princesses. The king, weary of endless attempts by others, granted János permission, albeit with a cautious heart. That night, the young man hid within the castle corridors, his eyes wide with curiosity and resolve. As midnight struck, the princesses, dressed in garments woven from moonlight, began to vanish once more.
János followed silently, descending into the depths of the castle. He discovered a hidden staircase carved from the living rock, leading to an enchanted underground world where the air shimmered with magic. There, he saw the princesses, guarded by a fierce and terrifying dragon, its scales glittering like polished emeralds, its breath a river of fire. The dragon was no ordinary beast, it was the guardian of a magical realm, keeping the princesses safe from unknown dangers above.
Summoning every ounce of courage, János challenged the dragon. He drew upon the wisdom he had gathered on his journey, using clever tricks and quick reflexes rather than brute strength alone. With a combination of courage, skill, and wit, he defeated the dragon, not with violence alone, but by outsmarting it and winning its respect. The dragon, recognizing János’ bravery and noble heart, vowed to protect him and the princesses in future, retreating to the shadows of its magical lair.
With the dragon subdued, János led the princesses back to the castle, revealing the truth behind their nightly disappearances. The king, overjoyed and deeply grateful, rewarded János with a place of honor in his court. Over time, János and the eldest princess fell in love, their bond strengthened by courage, trust, and shared adventure. The kingdom celebrated, for peace had returned, and the magical secret that had shadowed the castle was now transformed into a story of bravery and wisdom.
From that day forward, the princesses walked freely, no longer bound by fear, and the kingdom prospered. János became a symbol of courage, showing that true bravery lies not only in strength but in intelligence, kindness, and determination.
Moral Lesson:
Courage and cleverness together can overcome the greatest challenges. True heroism is shown through wisdom, determination, and the willingness to face the unknown with a pure heart.
Knowledge Check:
Q1: Who is the main hero of the story?
A1: János, a courageous miller’s son who uses bravery and intelligence to solve the mystery of the princesses.
Q2: What magical challenge does János face?
A2: A dragon guarding the princesses in an enchanted underground realm.
Q3: Why were the princesses disappearing each night?
A3: They were protected by a magical dragon, guarding them in an enchanted realm.
Q4: What qualities made János successful?
A4: Courage, intelligence, resourcefulness, and a kind heart.
Q5: What cultural origin does this folktale represent?
A5: Hungarian folklore, collected by György Gaal in 1859.
Q6: What is the moral of the story?
A6: True bravery comes from a combination of courage, wisdom, and integrity, not just physical strength.
Cultural Origin: Hungarian folktale, Hungary
Source: Adapted from the Hungarian folktale “Three Princesses,” collected by György Gaal in 1859.
