The Golden Goose – A German Folk Tale about Kindness and Joy

Brief Description:

The Golden Goose is a German folk tale about a kind and simple boy who, thanks to his honesty and generosity, finds a magical goose that brings joy and happiness to everyone around him.

In a small village, there lived a simple and kind boy named Hans. He had two older brothers who often mocked his kindness and called him a fool. The boy lived with his mother, helped with the housework, and never complained about the hardships. Despite his brothers' taunts, Hans remained kind and helpful.

One day, their family fell into poverty, and the mother asked her sons to go into the forest to gather firewood. The older brother went first. The mother gave him a pie and a bottle of wine so that he wouldn’t go hungry on his way. When he reached the forest, an old man approached him and asked for some food. But the older brother chased him away, saying: — Go away! I have little food myself! The old man said nothing and left. However, the older brother couldn’t find good firewood and returned home empty-handed.

The next day, the middle brother went. The mother gave him a pie and a bottle of wine as well. But when he met the old man, he answered just as rudely as his brother: — Go away, I don’t have enough food for myself! And he too returned home empty-handed.

When it was Hans' turn, his mother gave him only a stale piece of bread and water, because there was nothing else left in the house. In the forest, he too met the old man, who asked him for something to eat. Without hesitation, Hans gave him everything he had. The old man smiled and said: — You are a good and honest boy. For your kindness, I will help you. Take an axe and go to the big tree. In its roots, you will find something amazing.

Hans followed the old man’s advice. Under the tree’s roots, he found a golden goose. Its feathers shimmered like pure gold. Hans carefully picked up the goose and carried it home. On the way, he stopped in the village to rest.

In the village, everyone noticed the amazing goose. People were so struck by its beauty that one by one, they came to touch its golden feathers. But as soon as they did, they got stuck to the goose and couldn’t pull away. First, a maid stuck to it, then the innkeeper, and soon, other villagers followed. The goose kept walking, and behind it, a long line of people stuck to it followed.

Hans didn’t get angry with these people, but just laughed. He led the entire group to the royal palace. The king had a daughter who hadn’t smiled in years. When she saw this unusual procession, she couldn’t help but laugh. Her laughter was so contagious that the whole palace became filled with joy.

The king, happy that his daughter was smiling again, said to Hans: — You are a kind and cheerful person. If you wish, you can marry my daughter. Hans agreed, and soon they had a grand wedding. Hans brought his mother to the palace, where she lived in comfort, and his brothers never mocked him again. The golden goose stayed with them, bringing joy to everyone who saw it.

The Moral of the Story:

The tale teaches that kindness and generosity are always rewarded. Even the simplest person can find happiness if they sincerely help others and remain true to their principles.

Questions for Children:

1. Why did the old man help Hans and not his brothers?
2. What happened to the people who tried to touch the golden goose?
3. What lesson can we learn from this story?