Summary
Highlights
A man and woman, awaiting their first child, lived next to a garden owned by a witch. Driven by his pregnant wife's cravings, the man entered the witch's garden to steal vegetables. The witch caught him and demanded their newborn child in exchange for his life, to which he desperately agreed.
The witch took the newborn girl, named Rapunzel, who grew to have long golden hair. At age 13, the witch imprisoned Rapunzel in a doorless, stairless tower. The witch would visit by calling, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair," and climbing up it.
A prince, exploring the forest, heard Rapunzel's beautiful singing. He found the tower and observed the witch's method of entry. After the witch left, the prince imitated her call, and Rapunzel let down her hair, allowing him to climb the tower. Rapunzel was initially scared but soon fell in love with the kind prince, who promised to rescue her.
The prince brought silk for Rapunzel to weave a rope for their escape. One day, the witch discovered Rapunzel's plan, flew into a rage, cut off Rapunzel's hair, and banished her to a deep forest. The witch then tricked the prince by using Rapunzel's hair, causing him to fall and be blinded by thorns.
Heartbroken and blind, the prince wandered the forest for months, calling for Rapunzel. One day, he heard her singing again. They were reunited, and Rapunzel's tears of joy cured his blindness. The prince led them back to his castle, where they lived happily ever after.