The Golden Goose

Dummling, a young man mocked for his simplicity, sets out to cut wood in the forest after being dismissed by his father. On his journey, he encounters a little grey-haired old man who asks for food and drink. Unlike his brothers who refuse him with selfish excuses, Dummling kindly shares his meager meal of cinder-cake and sour beer. His generosity transforms their offerings into fine wine and cake, earning him the old man's blessing and good luck. Following this advice, Dummling cuts down an old tree to discover a goose with feathers of pure gold. He takes the magical bird to an inn, where curious daughters try to pluck its feathers. When the eldest sister touches the goose, her hand sticks fast, and she cannot let go. Soon after, the second sister also grabs on, becoming trapped by the first. The third sister joins them for the same reason, creating a tangled chain of people stuck together. Dummling leaves the inn with the goose, and the three women are forced to run behind him wherever he goes. Their procession attracts more followers who try to intervene or help. The parson tries to stop the girls but sticks to the youngest one instantly. The sexton arrives to scold them but also becomes attached to the parson's sleeve. Two laborers come to free the group but end up joining the line themselves. Now a long chain of seven people follows Dummling and the golden goose through the fields. They arrive at a city where the king’s serious daughter has never laughed before. Seeing this absurd spectacle, she bursts into uncontrollable laughter for the first time. The king promises her hand in marriage but sets impossible conditions to delay the wedding. Dummling uses the old man's help to find men who can drink a cellar of wine and eat a mountain of bread. He also acquires a magical ship that sails on both land and water to satisfy the final demand. With all tasks completed, the king allows the marriage to proceed. Dummling and his wife live happily ever after, inheriting the kingdom.