# XXIII: Curdie and His Mother explained — The Princess and the Goblin

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

## What happens

Curdie returns home to his parents, still upset with Princess Irene for what he perceives as deception. His mother encourages him to reconsider his harsh judgment, suggesting that Irene may have been truthful in ways he cannot yet understand. She recounts a personal encounter with goblins and a mysterious protective light, hinting at deeper mysteries. Curdie reveals his theory that the goblins are mining toward the king's house and plans to investigate further.

## Themes in this chapter

### Trust and Belief

Curdie struggles to trust Irene's account, while his mother argues for belief based on character and unexplained events.

### Family and Loyalty

The Peterson family supports one another; Curdie's mother shares a personal story to guide him, reinforcing familial bonds.

### Wisdom and Guidance

Curdie's mother provides wisdom, urging him to reconsider his judgment and sharing her own mysterious experience as a lesson.

## Character check-ins

### Curdie

Returns home gloomy and conflicted, recounts his adventure, and plans to investigate the goblins' mining direction.

### Princess Irene

Discussed by Curdie and his mother; Curdie doubts her story, but his mother defends her honesty and character.

### Peter Peterson

Curdie's father, listens to the tale and supports his son's investigative plans.

### Mrs. Peterson

Curdie's mother, who urges him to believe Irene and shares her own mysterious encounter with a protective light and bird.

### The Old Lady

Referenced as Irene's grandmother; Curdie dismisses her existence based on the empty garret he saw.

### Lootie

Mentioned as Irene's nurse who is unaware of Irene's actions.

## Key lines

> There are other people in the world quite as well worth believing as your own mother.

Curdie's mother reminds him that trust should be based on character, not just familiarity.

_She defends Irene's credibility against Curdie's skepticism._

> Perhaps some people can see things other people can't see, Curdie.

Curdie's mother suggests that perception may vary between individuals.

_She hints at Irene's possible truthfulness and the existence of unseen realities._

> I think I have nearly discovered in what direction the cobs are mining.

Curdie believes he has figured out the goblins' mining route.

_He plans to confirm whether they are tunneling toward the king's house._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_princess_and_the_goblin_se/chapters/xxiii-curdie-and-his-mother
- 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