# Springtime explained — The Princess and the Goblin

> Chapter companion for The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald.

## What happens

Spring arrives and the king visits Irene, explaining that her ring once belonged to her mother who has passed away. The king, disturbed by reports of goblin creatures, leaves extra guards. Irene spends her days on the mountain enjoying the flowers and goats, while the goblins hunt wild goats and keep their own strange sheep.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Loyalty

The king's love for Irene and his care for his people, along with Irene's affectionate bond with her father.

### Good vs. Evil

The goblins' predatory activities against the goats and the king's defensive measures against the goblin creatures.

## Character check-ins

### Princess Irene

Enjoys springtime outdoors, asks about her ring, and shows tenderness toward flowers and animals.

### The King

Visits Irene, explains the ring's origin, is disturbed by goblin reports, and leaves extra guards.

### Lootie

Mentioned as Irene's companion on the mountain.

### Curdie

His mother owns some of the goats mentioned.

### Mrs. Peterson

Owns a few of the goats on the mountain.

## Key lines

> The spring so dear to all creatures, young and old, came at last, and before the first few days of it had gone, the king rode through its budding valleys to see his little daughter.

Spring arrived, and soon after, the king traveled through the blossoming valleys to visit his daughter.

_Opening of the chapter, setting the season and the king's visit._

> It was your queen-mamma’s once,” he said. “And why isn’t it hers now?” asked Irene. “She does not want it now,” said the king, looking grave. “Why doesn’t she want it now?” “Because she’s gone where all those rings are made.”

The king told Irene the ring belonged to her mother, who no longer needs it because she has died.

_Revelation about Irene's mother and the ring's origin._

> As often as she saw a new one opening an eye of light in the blind earth, she would clap her hands with gladness, and unlike some children I know, instead of pulling it, would touch it as tenderly as if it had been a new baby

Irene rejoiced at each new primrose and gently touched them rather than picking them.

_Irene's gentle and appreciative nature toward flowers._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_the_goblin_se/chapters/xvii-springtime
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_the_goblin_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_the_goblin_se/chapters