Fairy Tale

The Princess With The Golden Locks

The Sun was shining brightly, birds were chirping and flowers bloomed in the royal garden. King Marx sat on a swing with his beautiful daughter, Sophia. Happiness prevailed in Winsel Town. Princess Sophia had long and curly locks. She was also blessed with a sweet voice. Early in the morning Sophia pinned a sunflower on her hair and let them loose. Her lustrous golden hair provided radiance to Winsel Town. In the evening when she tied her hair, it became dark. King Marx made all possible efforts to keep her happy. Sophia’s smiling face was the key to Winsel Town’s brightness. Princess Sophia used to sing a melodious song before going to bed

When I am happy

I clap my hands one two three

When I am happy

I tap my feet one two three

When I am happy

I want the world to know it

And I shake my body to show it

I am happy and I know it

La La La

Winselkins (people of Winsel Town) used to love the song. They tried to finish the day’s work to enjoy her lovely voice. It was a lullaby for small children. Once dwarf was passing by Winsel Town. He was mesmerised by Sophia’s melody. From that day he used to visit Winsel Town every night to hear Sophia’s song.

One day the Sun did not rise. It was dark all around. King Marx went into Sophia’s room. She was sad. Her hair tied up. He asked, “What happened to my beautiful daughter? What brings a frown on your face?” Sophia was weeping. She answered, “ Oh! Father, there are no sunflowers left in our kingdom. I won’t open my hair unless I get a sunflower.”

King Marx sent all his men in search of sunflowers. At night when the dwarf visited Winsel Town there was darkness and silence all around. He saw Sophia sitting in a corner of her room and crying. At that very moment he saw a shadow. An evil witch was hovering over the palace. She was talking to herself, “Ha Ha Ha! Now I’ll rule this kingdom. They will become my slaves. I have destroyed all the sunflowers. No sunflowers so no light for Winsel Town. Darkness and my evil rule shall prevail all around.”

The dwarf understood what had happened. He thought,” I must arrange sunflowers. The witch’s magic spell should be broken.” He went away and came back the next day with a yellow ribbon. The dwarf stood outside Sophia’s room for a while and went to the other room. There, he started singing and dancing. On hearing a sweet voice, Sophia got startled. She followed the voice. It was coming from the common room. She was amazed to see a short – stout figure dancing around the table. A yellow ribbon was kept on the table. Sophia knew the tune. It was the tune of her song. Even the lyrics were same.

When I am happy

I clap my hands one two three

When I am happy

I tap my feet one two three

When I am happy

I want the world to know it

And I shake my body to show it

I am happy and I know it

La La La

She was about to enter the room when she heard him singing

When I want to make a sunflower

I fold it one two three

When I want to make a sunflower

I make more folds one two three

I keep on making folds

And tie them strongly to hold

La La La

Sophia understood the technique of making a sunflower with a yellow ribbon. She wanted to talk to the strange man but he vanished.

The next morning Princess Sophia pinned a sunflower made with yellow ribbon and let her hair loose. Soon there was brightness in Winsel Town. The Sun was shining, birds were chirping and flowers bloomed once again in the royal garden.

King Marx was happy. Everyone was elated. Only the evil witch was petrified. Now she had lost all her magical powers and had changed into ash.

Sophia remembered the dwarf. That night she sang in the most melodious voice Winselkins had ever heard. The dwarf also came. This time Sophia hid behind a curtain to catch the glimpse of him. When the dwarf could not see Sophia, he grew restless. Sophia appeared in front of him and kissed him. “Thankyou. You are a saviour. You have saved Winsel Town. We are grateful to you and appreciate your help.” It was a surprise, the dwarf changed into a handsome Prince. King Marx came there and the Prince told them,” The evil witch had cursed me. Only a girl with the golden locks could set me free. I am thankful to Sophia.”

King Marx offered his daughter’s hand to the Prince. The Prince and the Princess with the golden locks took the wedding oath and stayed happily.