A giant returns to his castle after a long absence and discovers children playing in his beautiful garden. Angered by their presence, he builds a high wall to keep them out, declaring the garden his own. The children, now excluded, are left to play in a dusty road, reminiscing about the joy of the garden. As a result of the Giant's selfishness, the garden falls into perpetual winter, with no signs of spring or life, while the Snow, Frost, and North Wind take over. One day, the Giant hears a sweet song and discovers that the children have found a way back into the garden through a small hole in the wall. The trees bloom with flowers, and the birds return, but one small boy stands alone in a corner, unable to reach the branches. The Giant's heart softens as he realizes his selfishness and decides to help the boy. However, when he approaches, the children flee in fear, causing the garden to revert to winter. The Giant gently lifts the boy into a tree, and the garden transforms into a vibrant paradise once more. The children return, and the Giant knocks down the wall, inviting them to play freely. Despite his kindness, the boy he helped does not return, leaving the Giant longing for his first friend. As years pass, the Giant grows old and watches the children play, reflecting on their beauty. One winter morning, he sees a tree in the garden adorned with white blossoms and golden fruit, beneath which stands the boy he loved. Overjoyed, he rushes to the child, but is filled with anger upon seeing the wounds on the boy's hands and feet. The boy reveals that these are the wounds of love, and invites the Giant to his garden, which is Paradise. When the children arrive later, they find the Giant dead under the tree, surrounded by white blossoms, symbolizing his transformation from selfishness to selflessness and love.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1888 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Allegory