The Princess and Curdie

"The Princess and Curdie" by George MacDonald is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story is a sequel to "The Princess and the Goblin," and it continues to follow the adventures of Curdie, the son of a miner, as he embarks on a journey intertwined with magical elements, moral lessons, and encounters with fantastical characters. The narrative hints at themes of courage, sacrifice, and the exploration of one’s inner character. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Curdie and his life on the mountain with his parents. Curdie's character is established as a hardworking boy who cares deeply for those around him, notably the Princess Irene who has left after the defeat of the goblins. The narrative reflects on the wonders and terrors of the mountain itself and sets a mystical tone. The opening chapters also hint at previous events with goblins and the relationship between Curdie and the Princess, foreshadowing the trials and magical experiences that await him as the story progresses. The return of the old princess and the introduction of a white pigeon wounded by Curdie creates a crucial moment of realization and moral questioning for him, establishing the foundation for his character's development throughout the novel. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet and Christian Congregational minister. He became a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow-writer Lewis Carroll. In addition to his fairy tales, MacDonald wrote several works of Christian theology, including several collections of sermons.