The King of the Golden Mountain

A poor man, having failed at farming and trade, despairs of his fortune. He encounters a dwarf on the road who offers him wealth in exchange for whatever stands behind his home. The man, believing it to be an old apple tree, agrees. Returning home, he discovers the dwarf has taken his son. In grief and guilt, he journeys to find the boy. He travels to the sea, where a giant fisherman offers him passage on a boat. The man becomes the fisherman's servant, and they journey to a golden mountain rising from the sea. On the mountain dwells a king of great magnificence but little joy. The man becomes his trusted servant. Years pass. The king, revealing he was once a man cursed to this isolated realm, confesses that only a son of free will, coming to serve him willingly, can break his curse. He believes the man's son—now grown to manhood—is that savior. The king asks the man to retrieve his son, promising him great wealth and freedom. The man, magnanimous despite the pain of abandoning his son again, accepts the task. He travels back to the mortal world and finds his son. Rather than claiming him forcefully, he tells the truth of his journey and asks his son's forgiveness and willing assistance. The son, moved by his father's humility and sacrifice, agrees. Together they return to the golden mountain. The son's willing sacrifice of his own will breaks the king's curse. The king becomes human again and rules justly. The man and his son are rewarded beyond measure. Magnanimity—the greatness of soul to endure suffering, acknowledge fault, and trust in goodness despite setback—transforms a curse into blessing.