The Master Maid
Long ago, in a far-off kingdom, there lived a king who had three sons. The two elder sons were proud, confident, and certain that fortune would always favor them. The youngest son, however, was quiet and thoughtful. He listened more than he spoke and often dreamed of seeing the world beyond his father’s palace.
When the princes grew old enough, the king told them, “Go out into the world and seek your own fortune. Learn wisdom, courage, and the ways of life. When you return, we shall see who among you is worthy of honor.”
The elder brothers set out first, well dressed and well supplied. Soon after, the youngest prince followed, carrying little more than his courage and hope.
The Journey into the Unknown
The young prince traveled for many days through forests and valleys. He crossed rivers and climbed mountains, working when he could and sleeping wherever night found him. Though the journey was hard, his spirit remained strong.
One evening, as the sun was setting, he saw a great house standing alone in a wild and lonely place. Smoke rose from its chimney, and the sound of horses echoed nearby. Tired and hungry, the prince knocked at the door.
The door opened, and before him stood a giant, tall and fierce, with eyes like burning coals. His voice thundered as he spoke.
“Who are you, and what do you want?”
The prince bowed respectfully. “I am a traveler seeking work. If you need a servant, I will serve you faithfully.”
The giant studied him for a long moment, then laughed. “Very well. You may stay—but you must obey me in all things.”
The Forbidden Rooms
The next morning, the giant set the prince to work cleaning the stables. The task seemed simple, but the giant warned him sternly.
“You may clean the stables, but you must never enter any other room in my house.”
While working, curiosity overcame the prince. He wondered why the other rooms were forbidden. When the giant left, the prince quietly opened a door he had been told to avoid.
Inside, he saw three great cauldrons bubbling over fires. One turned hair into copper, the second into silver, and the third into gold. Beyond them sat a young woman, beautiful and calm, working as though nothing were strange at all.
She looked up and smiled gently.
“I am the Master Maid,” she said. “You are not safe here. The giant will give you impossible tasks and hope to destroy you.”
The prince told her his story. She listened carefully and said, “If you trust me and do exactly as I say, you will survive.”
From that moment, a bond of trust formed between them.
The Giant’s Impossible Tasks
The next day, the giant ordered the prince to clean the stable perfectly using only a broken broom and an old shovel. The task was impossible—but the Master Maid whispered instructions to him.
She told him where to find enchanted tools hidden in the stable. With their help, the work was done before sunrise.
Angered, the giant gave another task the following day: the prince was to tame a fire-breathing horse that no one had ever ridden.
Again, the Master Maid guided him. She told him how to use a magical bridle and how to speak calmly to the beast. The horse bowed its fiery head and allowed the prince to mount it.
The giant grew more furious each day.
Love and a Dangerous Promise
As the days passed, the prince and the Master Maid spent stolen moments together. She was wise beyond measure and kind despite her captivity. The prince fell deeply in love with her, and she returned his feelings.
They promised to marry one another if they ever escaped.
But the giant soon discovered their plan. One night he ordered the Master Maid to kill the prince and cook him for supper.
Though her heart trembled, she remained calm. She pretended to obey. Instead, she pricked the prince’s finger and let drops of blood fall onto a stool, which made a sound as though something were boiling. The giant, hearing it, believed the deed was done and fell asleep.
The Great Escape
At once, the Master Maid woke the prince.
“Now we must flee,” she said.
They gathered magical items—gold, a flask of water, salt, and a golden apple—and fled into the night.
When the giant awoke and discovered the truth, he roared with rage and sent magical creatures after them.
The Magic Flight
First, the giant commanded a monster to drink up the sea and block their escape. The Master Maid told the prince to throw the salt behind them. At once, a great mountain rose, stopping the monster.
The giant then sent another creature to dig through the mountain. This time, the Master Maid ordered the prince to pour the water behind them. The sea returned in full force, drowning their pursuers.
Finally, the giant chased them himself, but by then the couple had crossed into the prince’s homeland, where the giant’s power ended.
The Forgotten Promise
Before entering the kingdom, the Master Maid warned the prince.
“You must go to your father’s palace alone. Do not eat, drink, or speak to anyone until you return for me.”
The prince promised.
But fate is cruel.
At a royal feast, someone rolled him a golden apple. Without thinking, he bit into it—and instantly forgot everything about the Master Maid.
Days passed, and the prince prepared to marry another woman.
The Master Maid’s Trial
Meanwhile, the Master Maid waited patiently. She built herself a small house and lived quietly. Many men tried to marry her, but she used her wit to expose their greed and foolishness.
When the prince’s wedding day arrived, strange things happened. His carriage would not move. At last, someone suggested borrowing a calf from the Master Maid.
When she arrived at the palace, she brought with her the golden apple and golden chickens.
As the chickens began to quarrel over the apple, the prince suddenly remembered everything—the giant, the escape, the promises of love.
Recognition and Reward
The prince stood up and declared the truth. He recognized the Master Maid as his true savior and love. The false bride was dismissed, and the prince married the Master Maid with great celebration.
They ruled wisely and kindly, never forgetting the value of cleverness, loyalty, and patience.
Themes and Meaning
- Wisdom over strength
- Loyalty and true love
- Cleverness as survival
- Memory, promise, and destiny
Moral of the Story
True power lies not in force or magic, but in wisdom, loyalty, and courage.
Conclusion
“The Master Maid” remains a timeless fairy tale because it celebrates intelligence and devotion. It reminds us that those who think wisely and love faithfully will always find their way home.
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