The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories

"The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories" by George MacDonald is a collection of fairy tales written in the late 19th century. The first story introduces readers to royal characters, including a king and queen who long for children, leading to the birth of a unique princess cursed with the inability to experience gravity due to the malice of her wicked aunt, Princess Makemnoit. This premise sets the stage for an imaginative exploration of themes like lightness and seriousness, destiny and free will, and the challenges of love. At the start of the collection, the narrative unfolds with the discovery of a princess who floats because her aunt's curse has stripped her of all gravity. Her parents, the king and queen, react with disbelief and concern as their daughter defies the laws of nature, causing various amusing and dangerous situations. As the princess grows, she becomes endearingly careless, bringing laughter and chaos into the palace. The unfolding of her unique predicament illustrates both the charm of childlike wonder and the perils of neglect and misunderstanding from her parents and courtiers.

The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories, by George MacDonald. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #18811.