THE REAL PRINCESS

So the Prince took her for his wife, for now he knew that he had indeed found a real Princess. The three peas were put into the museum, where they may still be seen if no one has taken them. Thus, the story of the real Princess emphasizes the importance of genuine identity and sensitivity, illustrating the lengths to which one must go to uncover true nobility.

In this chapter from “Andersen’s Fairy Tales,” the tale unfolds with a Prince in search of a real Princess to marry. Despite encountering numerous Princesses in his travels, none meet his standards of authenticity. This quest leads him back home, disheartened. The narrative reaches a crucial point one stormy night when a drenched Princess seeks shelter at the Prince’s palace. Claiming her royalty, the old Queen devises a test to verify her claim: a bed built upon three peas, concealed under twenty mattresses and twenty feather beds.

The Princess’s inability to sleep, plagued by discomfort caused by the tiny peas, confirms her sensitivity so acute that it could only belong to a true Princess. Her complaint about her sleepless night, marked by the discomfort she endured, leads to the revelation of her real identity. This test, deemed unconventional yet effective, illustrates the notion that true nobility can be discerned through sensitivities not evident to the eye.

The Prince, now convinced of the Princess’s authenticity, marries her, celebrating the discovery of genuine royalty. The peas themselves are preserved as artifacts, symbolizing the unique measure of realness and sensitivity. This story, rich in themes of authenticity, sensitivity, and the pursuit of true identity, captures the essence of what it means to be a real Princess through its unique narrative arc and resolution.