Classical Stuff You Should Know 286: Prince Darling
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Oct 7, 2025 Delve into the enchanting story of Prince Darling, a spoiled prince cursed by a fairy for his bad deeds. Discover how a gold ring punishes his misbehavior and leads him on a journey of redemption. As he discards the ring and courts a shepherdess, political intrigue and false accusations ensue. After a transformative punishment, the prince learns kindness as a dog and ultimately evolves into a white dove. His path to virtue culminates in a heartfelt reunion and a reformed reign, highlighting the importance of moral accountability.
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Origins Of Prince Darling
- Andrew Lang's Blue Fairy Book collects variants like Jean-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont's tales from Cabinet de Fey sources.
- The episode traces Prince Darling's origin and Lang's 1889 compilation context.
Virtue Over Wealth Or Beauty
- The king asks the fairy to befriend his son and to make him virtuous rather than rich or handsome.
- The wish frames the whole tale: virtue is prioritized over wealth, power, or beauty.
The Ring That Judges Bad Acts
- Prince Darling receives a magical ring that pricks when he does wrong and loses the fairy's friendship if he persists.
- He kicks his dog, feels the prick, and later abandons the ring to escape the reminders.
