A widow has two daughters: the elder is proud and disagreeable, resembling her mother, while the younger is kind, beautiful, and virtuous, resembling her late father. The mother favors the elder and mistreats the younger, forcing her to do all the household chores. One day, while fetching water, the younger daughter meets a poor woman, who is actually a fairy in disguise. Impressed by the girl's kindness, the fairy grants her a gift: every word she speaks will produce flowers or jewels. When the girl returns home, her mother is astonished by the treasures that come from her mouth and decides to send the elder daughter to the fountain to gain a similar gift. The elder, however, is rude to the fairy, who then curses her to produce snakes and toads instead. The elder daughter returns home, causing her mother to blame the younger sister for the misfortune. The younger girl flees to the forest, where she meets a prince who is captivated by her beauty and the jewels she produces. He marries her, recognizing her worth. Meanwhile, the elder daughter becomes increasingly despised and eventually dies alone in the woods. The story contrasts kindness and rudeness, illustrating the consequences of one's character and actions.
By Charles Perrault · First published 1697 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Children's Literature