Cinderella

Long ago, a wealthy man lost his wife and was left with a single daughter. Eventually he remarried a woman who was harsh and cruel, and she had two daughters just like her. Meanwhile, his own daughter was kind, gentle, and naturally lovable, earning everyone’s admiration more than her selfish stepsisters. Jealous of her goodness, the stepmother forced the girl to do all the hard labor in the house, from carrying water and cooking to cleaning every room. She slept in a dusty attic while the stepsisters enjoyed elegant bedrooms with soft white beds and polished mirrors. Despite her suffering, she never complained because her father was too afraid to stand up to his new wife. Every evening, covered in ashes from the fireplace, she earned the nickname Cinderella.

One day, the prince announced a grand royal ball at the palace. The stepsisters were invited because of their family status, leaving Cinderella behind. As she watched them leave in a carriage, she broke down in tears. At that moment, her Fairy Godmother appeared, asking why she was crying and offering to help her attend the ball. With a wave of her wand, she transformed a pumpkin into a golden carriage, six mice into elegant white horses, and a rat into a strong, handsome coachman. Finally, her tattered clothes became a breathtaking gown sparkling with jewels, and delicate glass slippers appeared on her feet, making her look like a princess. Before sending her off, the Fairy Godmother warned her to return before midnight.

Cinderella arrived at the palace, and the entire ballroom fell silent at the sight of her beauty. The prince was immediately captivated, offered her a place of honor, and danced with her all evening. She was graceful and elegant, becoming the center of everyone’s admiration. Lost in the excitement, she forgot the time. When the clock struck midnight, she panicked, ran away, and left behind one glass slipper. The carriage turned back into a pumpkin, the horses into mice, and her gown became ragged once again. Only the glass slipper remained.

Determined to find her, the prince sent messengers across the kingdom with the slipper. Whoever fit the slipper perfectly would become his wife. Women from every background tried, but no one succeeded. When they arrived at Cinderella’s home, her father suggested she try. The slipper fit perfectly, and she revealed the matching second slipper, proving she was the mysterious girl from the ball. Her Fairy Godmother appeared again and transformed her clothes into a magnificent gown. The stepsisters realized that their humble sister was the princess they had admired and felt deep regret for their past cruelty.

The prince brought Cinderella to the palace and asked the king for permission to marry her. Cinderella, known for her kindness and generosity, forgave her stepsisters and helped them marry two capable young courtiers. From that day on, they became kind and gracious, just like Cinderella. And the girl once called “Cinderella” was no longer seen as a poor, ash-covered girl, but as a true princess.