George MacDonald

The Princess and the Goblin George MacDonald

The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald

The eight-year-old Princess Irene lives in a society of inhabitants of the sun (those who live above ground) and goblins (those who live underground). Although they are all people, those who live underground have turned into horrible-looking individuals due to the lack of sun. Goblins sleep during the day and only come out at night. Because of this, the sun dwellers make sure their doors are locked and that they are safe inside at night.

After Princess Irene meets her great-great-grandmother (called her grandmother), she learns that few can see her relative, and most do not believe she is real even when looking at her. Princess Irene meets a 12-year-old miner named Curdie when he rescues her from the goblins after Irene and her nurse stay on the mountain after dark.

Princess Irene returns the favor and rescues Curdie after he is captured by goblins following a nearly invisible thread his grandmother made for him. However, when Irene tries to introduce Curdie to her grandmother, Curdie is unable to see her. When Curdie's parents tell him about the incident, he feels embarrassed and realizes that even if he can't see something, it doesn't mean someone else can't see it.

Over time, Curdie realizes that the goblins intend to kidnap Irene and force her to marry their goblin prince. Unable to warn Irene of impending danger, Curdie, with the help of Irene's grandmother, defeats the attacking hordes and finds Irene safely in her mother's arms. He no longer doubts Irene's stories.