The Princess and the Goblin

George MacDonald's classic fantasy novel introduces Princess Irene, an eight-year-old living a solitary life in a mountain castle. Unbeknownst to her, a race of vengeful goblins dwells in the mines below, plotting against the human kingdom. Irene's discovery of a mysterious great-great-grandmother and her magical thread, along with the bravery of a young miner named Curdie, sets in motion a thrilling adventure to thwart the goblins' scheme to abduct the princess and flood the mines. The story explores themes of courage, honor, and the nature of good and evil, wrapped in rich symbolism, making it a timeless tale for young readers.

There was once a little princess whose father was king over a great country full of mountains and valleys. His palace was built upon one of the mountains, and was very grand and beautiful. The princess, whose name was Irene, was born there, but she was sent soon after her birth, because her mother was not very strong, to be brought up by country people in a large house, half castle, half farmhouse, on the side of another mountain, about half-way between its base and its peak.