This is a true story about family, sacrifice and growing up.It comes from the famous German collection of folk tales – Grimm’s Fairy Tales – and tells the touching experiences between twelve princes and their sisters.This story is not only about magic and miracles, but it also teaches us how to face misunderstandings, keep our faith, and cherish family love.
Next, I will tell you this warm and touching story.
I: The King’s Wish and the Fate of His Sons
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away, there lived a king and his queen.The couple always had a wish – for a daughter.Instead, they had twelve boys in quick succession.Although these children were smart and cute, the king always felt that something was missing in his heart.
Finally, on the thirteenth birth, the queen gave birth to a beautiful little girl.She had golden hair and a shining star in the center of her forehead, just like a little angel in a fairy tale.The king was so happy the moment he saw her that he immediately announced, “She will be the future queen and inherit my throne!”
However, just at this moment, a minister at the court said to the king, “Your Majesty, have you ever thought about it?These twelve princes may threaten the little princess’s position and even take away her throne and wealth.”
Hearing this, the king became worried and went so far as to order the killing of his twelve sons.
II: A Mother’s Wisdom Saves Her Children
Just as the king was about to send men to kill his sons, the queen overheard the terrible plan.She was both sad and angry, knowing that her husband had been misled by others.So she secretly called her twelve sons and told them, “Your father wants to kill you, run away!Hide in the forest, where there is a magical house that will protect you.”
After hearing their mother’s words, the princes immediately left the palace and ran deep into the forest.Sure enough, they found a mysterious hut in the forest and lived there ever since.
They made a living by hunting, and although the days were hard, they finally survived.However, they were very angry at their father’s behavior, and even took out their grievances on the newborn sister.They secretly vowed, “If we see her again, we’ll get justice!”
III: The Princess Grows Up and Decides to Go to Her Brothers
Years passed and the little princess slowly grew up.She was smart, kind and very pretty.Although the queen loved her very much, every time she saw her, she would think of the twelve sons who were forced to leave.
One day, the queen was secretly weeping with some little boys’ clothes, just when her daughter saw her.Curious, the little princess asked, “Mommy, whose clothes are these?Why are you crying?”
Knowing that she couldn’t keep it to herself any longer, the queen told her daughter the truth.It turned out that she was not an only child, but had twelve brothers!
Hearing this news, the little princess was very shocked and excited.She said, “I’ve always dreamed of having a brother with me, and I never thought I’d really have twelve brothers!”She made up her mind to go to the forest to look for them.
Before her mother could dissuade her, she packed her bags and set out on a journey to find her brothers.
IV: Siblings Reunited: From Hostility to Acceptance
The little princess traveled all the way to the depths of the forest.She found the legendary magic house and met her twelve brothers.
However, her brothers did not welcome her at first.They thought she had caused them to wander into the wilderness, so they were hostile to her.They said coldly, “You shouldn’t be here, we don’t want to see you.”
The little princess didn’t back down, she smiled gently at them and offered to help cook and clean the house.The golden star on her forehead also sparkled in the sunlight, reminding the brothers of what their mother had said when they were children, “Your sister brings good luck.”
Slowly, the brothers began to accept her, and even began to care for her and protect her.The family is finally reunited.
V: An Accidental Separation
Near the Magic House was a beautiful garden filled with white lilies.One day, the little princess found twelve especially beautiful white lilies in the garden.She thought to herself, “These flowers are so pretty, I’m going to pick them and give them to my brothers.”
But just as she was picking the last flower, a strange cry suddenly came from the sky.Immediately afterward, twelve crows fell from the sky and flew into the distance.At the same time, the magic house was gone.
The little princess was frightened and stood alone in the empty forest, wondering what had happened.
At that moment, an old grandmother came over and told her softly, “Child, do you know?Those twelve lilies are actually your brothers.As soon as you picked the flowers, they were turned into crows.”
When the little princess heard this, she could not stop her tears from falling.She knelt down and begged the old grandmother, “Please tell me, what can I do to save my brothers?”
The grandmother replied, “There is only one way: you must not say a word or laugh for seven years.If you do, they will change back.But if you fail, they will become crows forever.”
The little princess nodded firmly, “I’m willing to try.”
VI: Seven Years of Silence and Trials
To fulfill her mission, the little princess left the forest and traveled to a strange country.There, she met a young and handsome king.Attracted by her beauty and temperament, the king invited her back to his palace and married her as his queen.
Although the young princess could not speak or laugh, the king was deeply touched by her gentle eyes and graceful demeanor.The two lived happily ever after their marriage.
However, the king’s mother – also known as the Queen Mother – did not like the new queen.She felt that a woman who could not speak or smile was not worthy of being queen, so she privately sought out a sorcerer to get rid of the little princess.
The sorcerer took the opportunity to fan the flames, saying that the little princess would bring disaster to the country.The Queen Mother believed it and began to make things difficult for the Little Princess at every turn.
The most dangerous time was on the day when the seventh year was about to end.The queen mother ordered the little princess to be burned to death while the king was away from the palace.
The people tied her to a stake and the fire was already lit.The flames grew higher and higher and looked to engulf her body.
VII: A Miracle Happens: Siblings Reunited Again
Just when the fire was at its peak, a miracle happened.The seven-year period had just ended when twelve crows appeared in the sky.They flew down quickly, and when they landed, they actually turned into twelve handsome princes!
They rushed into the fire and rescued the little princess.Then the little princess spoke for the first time and told the whole story.
The king was moved to tears after hearing the story.He cherished the marriage even more and understood the pain his wife had endured all these years.
From then on, the king and queen lived happily ever after, and the twelve princes often came to visit their sister.The family was finally reunited and would never be separated again.
VIII: What the story teaches us
This story tells us many truths:
Family love is the most precious treasure.
The little princess endured seven years of silence and loneliness to save her brothers.She proved the selfless love between her family members with practical actions.
Don’t believe rumors so easily.
The king almost killed his own son because he listened to the minister’s slanderous rumors.We should learn to think independently and not be swayed by others’ words.
Persistence and courage can make miracles.
The little princess didn’t give up and she accomplished the almost impossible task with perseverance.This tells us that as long as there is love in our hearts, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome.
Oppearance doesn’t mean everything.
The Queen Mother hated the little princess because she “couldn’t speak”, but ignored her inner kindness and strength.What really matters is a person’s character.
Conclusion: Let’s spread love and hope together!
The Twelve Brothers is not just a fairy tale, it is more like a real life lesson about growth, understanding and forgiveness.Whether you are an adult or a child, you can be inspired by it.
The next time you are in trouble, think about the story of the little princess.Maybe you’ll be like her and guard the ones you love in your own way.
