About this tale
A classic fairy tale about a princess placed under a powerful curse that sends her into a deep, enchanted sleep for a hundred years. When a brave young prince discovers the hidden castle, he must find the courage to awaken her and restore life to the kingdom.
Narrated by Henry
Full recording: 5:57
Long ago, in a great kingdom, there lived a king and queen whose happiness was clouded by one sorrow: they had no children. For years they prayed and made offerings, until at last a beautiful little daughter was born to them. The overjoyed king announced a great celebration. He invited the entire royal family, the nobly born, friends, neighbors, and above all the fairies who, in the days of his ancestors, had blessed children with their gifts.
Seven fairies had been invited, each endowed with a great gift. A splendid feast was prepared for them, with golden plates and goblets set with precious stones. They were also to present the princess with their gifts, to ensure her happiness for her whole life. Just before the fairies' ceremony began, an old fairy entered the hall, someone who had not been seen for a long time, because for years she had been thought dead. The king ordered a place to be set for her at the table, but for the forgotten guest there was no golden plate left. The old fairy felt slighted and looked coldly at everyone…
