The Golden Bird
A king's son sets out to find the Golden Bird after his father promises him anything he desires if he succeeds. He encounters various obstacles and characters along the way, including a fox, a dog, and an old man. The story explores themes of perseverance, deception, and the consequences of one's actions.
By Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm · First published 1815 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure · 3,510 words
First lines
In the olden time, there was a King, who had behind his palace a beautiful pleasure-garden, in which there was a tree that bore Golden Apples. When the apples were getting ripe they were counted, but on the very next morning one was missing. This was told to the King, and he ordered that a watch should be kept every night beneath the tree.
The King had three sons, the eldest of whom he sent, as soon as night came, into the garden. But when it was midnight, he could not keep himself from sleeping, and next morning again an apple was gone.
What this Textopian page supports
The Golden Bird is listed on Textopian as a fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, dated 1815 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Fable
- Author: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
- Date: 1815 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore, Moral
- Length: 3,510 words
- Structure: 1 section, 65 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Golden Bird by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Golden Bird?
- How does this fable by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The King Of The Golden Mountain by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Hedge King by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- Simeli Mountain by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- The Kings Son Who Feared Nothing by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
- Vasilisa The Fair by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
- The Boots Of Buffalo Leather by Jacob And Wilhelm Grimm
Genres
- Fairy Tale — The story features classic fairy tale elements such as a quest, magical creatures, and a moral lesson.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical elements like a golden bird, a talking fox, and enchanted objects.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a journey filled with challenges and quests to obtain magical items.
- Folklore — The story is rooted in traditional folklore, with themes and motifs common in cultural tales.
Tags
Fairy Tale · German Folklore · Magic Bird · Quest Narrative · Good vs Evil · Bravery · Perseverance · Self-Discovery · Coming of Age · Adventure Story · Fantasy World · Symbolism