Cinderella: A Classic Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a kind and gentle girl named Cinderella. She lived with her stepmother and two stepsisters, who were cruel and selfish. After Cinderella’s father died, her stepmother made her do all the housework. Cinderella cleaned the floors, washed the dishes, cooked the meals, and never got a moment of rest.

While her stepsisters wore fine dresses and went to parties, Cinderella wore old clothes and slept in a dusty attic. Even though she was treated badly, she never complained. She stayed kind and hopeful, dreaming of a better life.

The Royal Invitation

One day, an exciting message arrived from the palace. The king and queen were holding a grand ball for their son, the prince. Every young woman in the kingdom was invited. The prince would choose someone to be his bride.

Cinderella’s stepsisters were thrilled. They spent days preparing, choosing dresses, and practicing how to speak politely. Cinderella also hoped to go. She asked, “Stepmother, may I go to the ball?”

Her stepmother laughed cruelly. “You? Go to the ball? You have no nice clothes and no shoes fit for a palace!”

Still, Cinderella helped her stepsisters get ready. She ironed their gowns and curled their hair. When they left for the ball, Cinderella sat by the fire and cried.

The Fairy Godmother

Suddenly, a gentle voice called out, “Why are you crying, my dear?”

Cinderella looked up and saw a woman dressed in shining clothes. She held a wand and smiled warmly.

“I am your fairy godmother,” she said. “You shall go to the ball!”

Cinderella was surprised. “But I have nothing to wear.”

The fairy godmother waved her wand. Instantly, Cinderella’s old clothes turned into a beautiful gown of silver and blue. On her feet appeared sparkling glass slippers.

“Now you need a way to get to the palace,” said the fairy godmother.

She turned a pumpkin into a golden carriage, mice into horses, a rat into a coachman, and lizards into footmen.

“But remember,” the fairy godmother warned, “you must return before midnight. When the clock strikes twelve, the magic will end.”

Cinderella thanked her and rode off to the palace in the shining carriage.

The Royal Ball

When Cinderella arrived at the palace, everyone was amazed by her beauty. Her gown shimmered under the lights, and her smile lit up the room. No one recognized her, not even her stepsisters.

The prince saw her and was enchanted. He walked straight to her and asked her to dance. They danced all evening. The prince could not take his eyes off her. Cinderella felt like she was in a dream.

But time passed quickly. Suddenly, she heard the first bell of midnight. She remembered the fairy godmother’s warning.

“I must go!” she cried, running out of the ballroom.

The prince followed her, calling, “Wait! Please, tell me your name!”

But Cinderella didn’t stop. As she ran down the palace steps, one of her glass slippers slipped off. She didn’t have time to stop for it. She jumped into the carriage, which quickly turned back into a pumpkin. Her gown changed back into rags, and she was once again the simple girl from the cottage.

The prince picked up the glass slipper and said, “I will find the girl who wore this. She is the one I shall marry.”

The Search for the Mystery Girl

The next day, the prince sent his messengers throughout the land. They carried the glass slipper and visited every house. The prince had ordered that every young woman must try it on. The girl whose foot fit perfectly would become his bride.

The messengers arrived at Cinderella’s house. Her stepsisters tried to squeeze their feet into the tiny shoe, but it was no use. It was far too small.

“Is there no other young woman in the house?” the messenger asked.

“Well,” said the stepmother, “there is only our servant girl. But she didn’t go to the ball.”

“Let her try the slipper,” the messenger said firmly.

Cinderella came into the room. Her stepsisters laughed, but the moment she placed her foot in the glass slipper, it fit perfectly. Then she took the other slipper from her pocket and put it on. In a flash, her appearance changed. The messenger recognized her as the girl from the ball.

The stepsisters were shocked. They fell to their knees and begged for forgiveness. But Cinderella, kind as ever, forgave them.

Happily Ever After

Cinderella was brought to the palace. When the prince saw her, his face lit up with joy. He knelt and asked her to marry him. Cinderella agreed, and they were married in a grand celebration.

Cinderella invited her stepmother and stepsisters to the wedding, but this time, she was the honored guest. Everyone in the kingdom admired her kindness, beauty, and grace.

From that day on, Cinderella lived in the palace with the prince. She never had to do chores again. Instead, she helped others who were in need, just as her fairy godmother had helped her.

And so, Cinderella and the prince lived happily ever after.