# The Old Lady and Curdie explained — The Princess and the Goblin

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

## What happens

Irene brings Curdie to meet her grandmother, but Curdie cannot see the old lady or her magical room, only a bare garret. The old lady comforts Irene, explaining that Curdie is not yet ready to believe. She bathes Irene in a magical silver bath and puts her to bed, assuring her that Curdie has been safely returned home.

## Themes in this chapter

### Trust and Belief

Curdie's inability to see the old lady highlights the theme of belief versus disbelief, and Irene learns to be patient with those who cannot yet believe.

### Wisdom and Guidance

The old lady guides Irene through her disappointment, teaching her the importance of understanding others.

## Character check-ins

### Princess Irene

Brings Curdie to her grandmother; is hurt by Curdie's disbelief but learns patience.

### The Old Lady

Appears in a beautiful room with a fire of roses; explains that Curdie cannot see her yet; bathes Irene in a magical bath.

### Curdie

Cannot see the old lady or her room; feels mocked and leaves angrily, but is safely sent home.

## Key lines

> People must believe what they can, and those who believe more must not be hard upon those who believe less.

Everyone can only believe what they are capable of, and those with greater faith should not judge those with less.

_The old lady teaches Irene tolerance for Curdie's disbelief._

> Seeing is not believing—it is only seeing.

Merely seeing something does not automatically make one believe in it.

_The old lady explains that Curdie's inability to see her is not a failure of belief._

> There is one thing much more necessary. To understand other people.

Understanding others is even more important than being understood ourselves.

_The old lady advises Irene to focus on empathy rather than frustration._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_the_goblin_se/chapters/xxii-the-old-lady-and-curdie
- 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