| Curdie | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real name |
Curdie |
|
First appearance |
The Princess and the Goblin (1872) |
|
Original publisher |
Strahan & Co. |
|
Created by |
George MacDonald |
Origin[]
Curdie is a twelve-year-old miner's boy who lives with his parents in a modest cottage at the foot of a mountain. He is brave, practical, resourceful, honest, and morally strong — qualities that in many ways mark him as a hero, despite his humble, working-class background.
Curdie repeatedly faces danger to protect others, investigating suspicious goblin activity in the mines and overhearing their schemes, even when others dismiss him. He seeks answers rather than passively waiting for things to happen. Through eavesdropping, he learns that the goblins' feet are quite vulnerable and sensitive, making them an easy target.
He rescues Princess Irene from goblins at one point and quickly forms a friendship with her. He later tries to warn her father the goblin's plot to flood the castle, but his alert is dismissed by the castle staff. His attempt to sabotage the scheme is foiled, however, when the goblins successfully capture and imprison him, but he is soon rescued by Irene with help of her magical ring.
Being a pragmatist, Curdie often needs proof, and often struggles with accepting things he cannot see or understand. like Princess Irene’s ethereal great-great-grandmother and her magic thread. Over time, under the influence of guidance (especially from his mother and from Irene’s grandmother), he becomes more open to trusting in what is unseen or mystical.
With their combined faith and courage, the two overcome the goblin threat and save the kingdom.
Public Domain Appearances[]
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- The Princess and the Goblin (1872)
- The Princess and Curdie (1883)
Public Domain Stageplay Appearances[]
- The Princess and the Goblin (1926)