The Princess and the Goblin (version 2)
George MacDonald
Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017)
The Princess and the Goblin is a captivating tale by George MacDonald that weaves together adventure and fantasy in a world where magic and mischief collide. At the heart of the story is a young princess who finds herself at odds with a cunning race of goblins determined to disrupt her peaceful life.
Set in a whimsical kingdom, the narrative follows the princess as she discovers her own inner strength and the importance of friendship. With the help of a mysterious and wise grandmother, she learns to navigate the challenges posed by the goblins, who lurk in the shadows, plotting against her.
This enchanting story not only entertains but also explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and the power of belief. MacDonald's imaginative storytelling has influenced generations of writers, making this fairy tale a significant work in the realm of children's literature.
Chapters
Select a chapter to play
| Why the Princess Has a Story About Her | 5:44 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Princess Loses Herself | 5:26 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Princess and--We Shall See Who | 12:29 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| What the Nurse Thought of It | 7:25 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Princess Lets Well Alone | 5:11 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Little Miner | 18:58 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Mines | 7:35 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Goblins | 14:31 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Hall of the Goblin Palace | 15:46 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| Princess's King-Papa | 9:04 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Old Lady's Bedroom | 16:15 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| A Short Chapter About Curdie | 4:39 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Cobs' Creatures | 7:52 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| That Night Week | 8:12 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| Woven and then Spun | 18:01 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Ring | 4:17 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| Springtime | 5:31 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| Curdie's Clue | 15:58 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| Goblin Counsels | 9:49 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| Irene's Clue | 9:36 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Escape | 19:48 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Old Lady and Curdie | 11:56 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| Curdie and His Mother | 15:50 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| Irene Behaves Like a Princess | 4:55 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| Curdie Comes to Grief | 9:13 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Goblin-Miners | 5:07 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Goblins in the King's House | 12:00 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| Curdie's Guide | 7:08 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| Masonwork | 4:55 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The King and the Kiss | 5:53 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Subterranean Waters | 9:28 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) | |
| The Last Chapter | 2:39 | Read by Andy Minter (1934-2017) |
Reviews
Charming story wonderfully read
ListeninginChicago
Andy Minter does a wonderful job of reading this charming children's story. He brings the characters to life with realistic voices and emotions and the story just carries one along! I would highly recommend this book and Andy's reading of it. (BTW, I heard Andy talk about this recording on a Librivox podcast - he mentioned that he had initially read it as a gift for one of his grandchildren, and only later put it in form for release via Librivox. So glad that he chose to share his gift with a wider audience.)
A Fantasy Forerunner
It's so much fun to listen to this story and hear the echoes of Narnia and Middle Earth. The reader is excellent and the writing is fluid and maintains it's soothing, bedtime story cadence from start to finish. A must for students of fantasy literature but recommend for anyone. Also check out Chesterton's Ethics of Elfland (a chapter in Orthodoxy) to learn more about the importance of this and other fairy tales.
Great story, great performer
Paul Schleifer
I have heard of and even read about George MacDonald, but this is the first story of his that I have "read." It was delightful, the kind of children's story that an adult can enjoy. Andy Minter's reading was perfect for the story. I listen to a lot of books on Audible, where the performers are paid. Andy Minter is as good as any of them. Fabulous job.
Super!
Hudd
Andy does a fantastic job of portraying each of the characters while presenting the story in a delightful sing-song voice which is particularly suited to this tale. The story itself is a classic for all adults and children, clearly inspiring the more commonly known writings of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. Prepare to experience a tale that will stay with you for the rest of your life!
Loved it!!!
Blue Eyed Fox
I'm an adult who enjoys fairy tales. This is a great one! There is one complaint I have which is that when he says, "Because she is a TRUE princess she is doing this good thing." It creates an implied lesson that only people who perfect are worthy of love. If you're a kid who has weakness, it can create a concern in your mind that can go, "I'm not perfect like this little girl, I must not be of worth." What the author is trying to do is encourage good behavior but it in fact withholds love until perfection is reached which is harmful. Other than that I super loved it!
A LibriVox Listener
My name is Addie and I am 7 and a half, about to turn 8. I think this book is amazing. Andy Minter was good at reading it and is great at voices. Thank you for making this book.
Classic!
Levi Gray
What a wonderful tale, and what a beautiful look at the birthing of modern fantasy. I dare say that all fantasy novelists should be well versed in MacDonald!
Look forward to sharing with my children
A LibriVox Listener
Andy Minter is one of the best readers on Libravox. Perfect for this children's story about faith.