The King of the Golden River
“The King of the Golden River” is a fairy tale written by John Ruskin. It tells the story of three brothers, Schwartz, Hans, and Gluck. Tasked with finding the source of the Golden River to save their land, only the kind-hearted Gluck succeeds, illustrating the theme of virtue being rewarded.
About This Ebook
Written by John Ruskin in the 19th century, “The King of the Golden River” was originally created as a gift for a young friend. The narrative follows the contrasting fates of three brothers whose mission is to locate the Golden River’s origin. Schwartz and Hans, driven by greed and malice, fail miserably. In contrast, Gluck, with his innocence and determination, fulfills the quest successfully, transforming the river into a life-giving stream that rejuvenates the parched earth. Beyond its moral lessons about kindness and courage, the tale also mirrors Ruskin’s concerns for social equity and environmental stewardship.