Beauty and the Beast

eauty and the Beast

Once upon a time, in a distant land, there lived a wealthy merchant with three daughters. His youngest, named Beauty, was admired not only for her loveliness but for her kindness, humility, and gentle heart. While her elder sisters were proud and vain, Beauty found joy in simple things—reading, tending to flowers, and caring for others.

One day, misfortune struck. The merchant’s ships were lost at sea, and with them went his wealth. Forced to leave their grand home, the family moved to the countryside. Beauty worked tirelessly to help her father, cooking and cleaning, while her sisters complained endlessly about their lost luxuries.

Months later, word came that one of the merchant’s ships had arrived safely in port. Hopeful, he set out to reclaim his fortune. Before leaving, he asked each daughter what gift she would like. The eldest wished for fine gowns, the second for jewels, but Beauty requested only a single rose.

When the merchant reached the city, he discovered that his goods had already been taken to settle debts. Saddened, he set out for home. On his way back, a storm forced him to take shelter in a strange, enchanted castle. Inside, he found a warm fire, food, and drink prepared as if awaiting him. No host appeared, yet he was treated with unseen kindness.

As he left the next morning, he passed through a garden blooming with roses. Remembering Beauty’s request, he plucked one. At once, a terrifying Beast emerged, roaring with fury. “You dare steal from me after enjoying my hospitality?” the Beast thundered. Trembling, the merchant begged forgiveness and explained the rose was for his daughter.

The Beast relented, but only on one condition: the merchant must send Beauty to live in the castle. If she refused, the merchant must return himself and face the Beast’s punishment. With a heavy heart, the merchant agreed and went home.

When Beauty learned the truth, she did not hesitate. “Father, you showed kindness by bringing me this rose. Let me repay you by going to the Beast.” No amount of pleading could change her mind.

At the castle, Beauty was surprised. Though the Beast looked frightening—with claws, tusks, and a voice like thunder—he treated her gently. He gave her splendid rooms, fine dresses, and magical gardens to wander. Each evening, they dined together, and the Beast would ask softly, “Beauty, will you be my wife?” Gently, she refused, though always with kindness.

Days turned into weeks, and Beauty came to see the Beast not as a monster but as a friend. He listened to her stories, admired her wisdom, and cared for her happiness. Still, his appearance frightened her, and she could not accept his proposal.

One day, Beauty asked to visit her family. The Beast, though sad, agreed, giving her a magic mirror that would show her anything she wished to see. He warned her to return within a week, or he would die of sorrow.

At home, Beauty’s sisters grew jealous of her fine clothes and spoke cruelly behind her back. They persuaded her to stay longer, hoping the Beast’s anger would fall upon her. But one night, gazing into the magic mirror, Beauty saw the Beast lying pale and lifeless in the garden. Stricken with grief, she realized she loved him after all.

Without delay, she returned to the castle. Rushing to the garden, she found the Beast barely breathing. Falling beside him, she cried out, “Oh, my dear Beast, do not die! I love you! I wish to be your wife.”

At her words, a radiant light surrounded them. The Beast vanished, and in his place stood a handsome prince. He explained that a wicked enchantress had cursed him to live as a beast until a maiden loved him despite his appearance. Beauty’s love had broken the spell.

The castle transformed into its true splendor, servants reappeared, and joy filled the halls. Beauty and the prince were soon married, living together in kindness and love for the rest of their days.

And so, the story reminds us that true beauty lies not in appearances but in the heart.