The Story of King of the Golden Mountain in English for Kids

This fairy tale revolves around a Faustian bargain where a father loses his son because of greed. The story doesn’t end there, though and extends to the son’s life as he makes his way through a magical land. It is a story about strength, cunning, loyalty and deceit. This is the story of the King of the Golden Mountain.

King of the Golden Mountain Summary

Promise to the Mannikin

There was once a rich merchant who filled two ships with his wealth to transport them across the sea. The merchant had a son and a daughter, who were both toddlers. But the ships sank, and he was left with only a field.  While walking in that field, he encountered a black mannikin (dwarf) who promised to make him rich if he gave the mannikin, after twelve years, the first object that touched the merchant's leg when he went home.

The merchant consented, believing that his dog would just irritate his leg. However, when he returned home, his son brushed against his leg. He was momentarily upset but believed the mannikin was making a fool of him. However, he climbed to the attic and discovered money.

After the twelve years were over, the merchant grew sorrowful. His kid heard the story and informed him that the mannikin did not influence him. After being blessed by a priest, the son went to fight with the mannikin. After arguing with the mannikin for a while, the mannikin consented to put the boy in a boat and push him into the water.

The Golden Mountain

Over time, the boat floated to another magical shore. He found a golden castle on the shore.  He was welcomed by a snake who was actually a princess. She assured him that she would be liberated if he let twelve black men beat him for three nights without uttering a word. He accepted and accomplished it, and she married him, crowning him King of the Golden Mountain and eventually bearing him a son.

After a while, the king wished to visit his parents.  His wife feared it would bring evil, but she gave him a ring that would transport him to his parents and back again, warning him he must not ask her to accompany him. She said that if he caused her to leave the mountain, terrible misfortune would befall them. He agreed and left, but to enter the town, he had to exchange his rich and splendid attire for that of a shepherd.

Meeting His Parents

Once inside, he had to convince his parents that he was their son, and then he couldn't convince them that he was a king. Frustrated, he wished his wife and children were with him. However, his wife was upset that he broke his promise to her. When he fell asleep, his wife seized the ring and wished herself and their kid back to the Golden Mountain.

Tales of Deceit

Unable to return to his castle, the king travelled until he came across three giants arguing over their inheritance: a sword that, if commanded, would strike off all heads save the owner's; an invisibility cloak; and boots that could transport the wearer anywhere. They wanted him to settle their disagreement. He said that he had to test the items first and escaped with them to the Golden Mountain, deceiving the giants.

At the castle,  his wife was preparing to marry another man. However, she was unable to enjoy any of the food or wine during the meal because he would whisk them away and devour them invisibly using the cloak. As the queen retreated to her bedroom, the king appeared and rebuked her betrayal.

Picture of the Father and Son arguing with the Mannikin

King of the Golden Mountain Moral

This story teaches us that deceit will always lead to terrible outcomes. The boy, at first, tried to deceive the mannikin, but he had to lose his home and was pushed onto a boat. Then, he broke his promise to his wife, and was left stranded. Then he deceived the giants, and found his wife marrying another man, and was ultimately left alone.

The second moral of the story is that greed in unchecked quantities will not be fulfilling. The protagonist deeply desired to be king, but eliminated everyone on his quest. Therefore, his title was meaningless.

Note to Parents 

This story has many fantastical elements, but may be a little disjointed for children. Hence, this story should be explained to them in portions. While it does not have any clean take-aways, or a clear good-evil arc, children will enjoy reading the story. Parents should emphasise the morality of each action instead of asking children to find a unified moral.

Conclusion

He then went to address the visitors in the ballroom. There, he proclaimed himself as their rightful king of the golden hall, and asked the guests to depart as the wedding would no longer take place. The guests revolted and did not want him to ascend the throne. But, the king commanded his magical sword and decapitated everyone. He had reclaimed his throne as King of the Golden Mountain, alone, with nobody to rule.