Once upon a time, there lived a kindly man and his gentle wife who longed for a child. Behind their cottage lay a splendid garden filled with herbs and flowers. It belonged to a woman named Mother Gothel, known for her knowledge of plants and magical spells. One day, the wife gazed out the window and spotted fresh green rampion. She wished to taste just a little. Her husband approached the garden gate and spoke kindly to Mother Gothel. He said, "My wife yearns for rampion. May I trade something to help her feel better?" Mother Gothel nodded. She said, "Take what you need. If a baby arrives, let me be her helper and teacher. I will keep her safe and teach her good ways." The husband agreed. Time passed, and a baby girl was born. Mother Gothel came and smiled at the child. She named her Rapunzel, after the rampion. Rapunzel grew bright and sweet. She loved songs, stories, and brushing her long golden hair.
Mother Gothel cared for her and taught her gentle habits. When Rapunzel turned twelve, Mother Gothel chose a special, quiet place to keep her safe. It was a tall tower in the woods with a small window. Inside, there were books, paintings, and a lute. There was bread, milk, fruit, and warm blankets. When Mother Gothel came to visit, she called, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair." Rapunzel would drop a soft braid so Mother Gothel could climb up and bring news and supplies. Rapunzel sang as she painted and read. Her songs were light and clear, like birds at dawn. One day, a young prince rode through the forest. He heard Rapunzel singing and stopped to listen. He wished to thank the singer, but saw no door. He returned the next day. He watched from behind a tree. He saw Mother Gothel call, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair."
He watched her climb up to the window. When night fell and the forest grew quiet, the prince tried the same call. Rapunzel let down her braid, and the prince climbed up. Rapunzel had never seen a visitor her own age. At first, she was shy, but the prince spoke gently and thanked her for the lovely songs. They talked about books, trees, clouds, and hopeful dreams. Day after day, when Mother Gothel was away, the prince visited at dusk. They played the lute and sang. They planned a kind and careful life. Rapunzel said, "I wish to see the world." The prince said, "We will be gentle and wise. We will plan a safe path." Rapunzel began to weave a soft ladder from silk ribbon. Each visit, the prince brought more silk. The ladder grew longer and stronger. One morning, Rapunzel spoke without thinking. She said, "Dear Mother Gothel, you climb so slowly, but sometimes my friend climbs so quickly."
Mother Gothel paused. She looked out the window and took a long breath. "Daughter," she said, "I wanted to keep you safe until you were ready. Now I see you are ready to choose." Mother Gothel did not scold. She packed a basket with food, a warm shawl, and a brush for Rapunzel. She led Rapunzel to a sunny cottage in a wide, green meadow. There were trees, a small garden, and a clear stream. Mother Gothel said, "Here you can learn to live simply and well. If your friend is kind and patient, he will find you." Rapunzel thanked her and waved from the door. That night, the prince came to the tower and called, "Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair." Mother Gothel answered from the window. She said, "Dear prince, the song you love is not here today. Follow the gentle path through the woods. Listen for a voice by the stream. Be gentle and true."
The prince bowed and set off. He walked for many days. He listened to the birds and the wind whispering through the leaves. At last, he heard a sweet song. He followed the sound and discovered a sunny cottage. Rapunzel ran to the door with tears of joy. The prince smiled and bowed. They sat by the stream and made simple plans. They asked Mother Gothel to visit and share her wise advice. She came with seeds for the garden and reminded them to care for each other every day. A little celebration followed. The trees swayed, the birds sang, and the sky was bright. Rapunzel wore a lovely ribbon in her hair. The prince played the lute. They promised to be kind, to listen, and to help others. They moved to a cozy home near the forest and visited the cottage often. Rapunzel grew a large garden full of herbs and flowers. She sang while watering the plants. The prince learned to bake bread and mend fences.
Mother Gothel came with stories and tea. In time, the king and queen welcomed Rapunzel with joy. The people smiled to hear her songs in the town square. Everyone learned that patience and care help wishes grow. Rapunzel kept her long hair brushed and shining. She shared songs with the children and taught them to plant seeds and wait. The prince shared kind words and fair decisions. Mother Gothel taught simple remedies and gentle ways. All lived in peace. And so, the story has a happy ending. Rapunzel learned safely. The prince sought with kindness. Mother Gothel guided with wisdom. Together they showed that love, patience, and trust make a strong home.
