A gentle man marries a proud and cruel woman who has two equally disagreeable daughters. The man's daughter, resembling her deceased mother, is mistreated and forced into servitude, earning the nickname "Cinderella." Despite her hardships, she remains kind and gentle. When the king's son hosts a series of balls, Cinderella's stepsisters attend, leaving her behind. Her fairy godmother appears, transforming a pumpkin into a coach and mice into horses, allowing Cinderella to attend the ball in a beautiful gown and glass slippers. At the ball, she captivates the prince, but must leave before midnight, losing one slipper in her haste. The prince searches for the owner of the slipper, declaring he will marry her. Despite her stepsisters' attempts to fit into the slipper, it only fits Cinderella. When she reveals the matching slipper, her true identity is recognized. The prince marries her, and Cinderella forgives her stepsisters, inviting them to the palace where they marry wealthy suitors. Cinderella's kindness prevails, and she finds happiness, leaving behind her past of servitude.
By Dinah Mulock · First published 1829 · Genre: Fairy Tales, Children's Literature, Fantasy