The Magic Wand
There was a time when people believed in fairies and angels, and when beings from other realms visited our world to do their work.
The story begins at the foot of a mountain in Norway, on a cold winter's evening, in a castle that was in great need of repairs.
Hulda's Birthday
It was Hulda's birthday, the castle's little lady. All her friends had gathered there, and with so much joy and so many games, even the old castle seemed to laugh and have a good time with the little ones.
Then the cake was announced.
— Children, it's time! — The cake! The cake!
The Magic of the Cake
Back then, cake wasn't just any ordinary thing, for on someone's birthday, the cake held a little magic within it. The custom was for the child's mother, who made the cake, to put a ring in the batter.
When the cake was cut, whoever received the slice with the ring could make a wish which, if it was thoughtful, would be granted by a fairy. Full of delight, the children sat at the table, gazing at the cake.
— Whose wish will come true tonight? — If I get a wish, I'll ask for a white, fluffy cat with blue eyes. — I'll ask for an airplane that can grow big and with which I can fly whenever I want! — I'll ask for a doll that talks to me! Hulda, what do you want? — Uh... huh? I have no idea. — What? — Come on! Come on! — It's your birthday! How can you not have a wish? — Oh... Maybe I'll wish for all your wishes to come true!
The Ring and the Fairy's Appearance
— So, shall we cut it?
So, the cake was cut. Each slice was cut and passed around. Then, they all took a bite. No one had the ring.
— Wait! What was that sound? Oh, the ring! — Oh, oh, it fell out of my slice! — Ooooh!
And, as they all watched in amazement, a small but powerful glimmer of light formed in front of Hulda. Then wings appeared. Then a shining and magnificent fairy appeared, as small as a fist.
Holding an elegant wand, encrusted with rubies and diamonds and with a golden tip, which shone like the sun, ready to grant Hulda's wish.
Hulda's Wish
— Aha! Happy Birthday, Hulda! What wish do you want to come true?
Hulda looked at the fairy and, at that moment, suddenly wished she had the fairy's wonderful wand.
— Oh... Please! Can you give me your shining wand? I wish for it with all my heart!
The Consequences of the Wish
At that moment, the fairy lost her glow and became transparent. She was crying. Hulda asked her:
— Did I ask for something wrong, dear and good fairy? — Ah... You didn't just ask for my wand, but my life! What is a fairy to do without her wand, with which to do good in the world? And now the goblins from the depths will want to imprison me, for if they manage to catch a fairy, their evil powers grow! — Oh, I didn't know! I am so, so, so sorry! I thought you had more wands! What have I done? I don't want your wand anymore! Please keep it! — I must grant your wish, Hulda. So, you must take my wand. But take great care of it and please don't give it to any goblin! Perhaps one day we will see each other again. Here! The wand is yours now.
The Stolen Wand
Hulda was horrified by the harm she had caused the fairy. She put the wand in a wooden box, which she locked, and which she took with her everywhere, so she could always keep an eye on the wand.
Many months passed. The incredible news that a fairy had given up her wand was unbelievable in other worlds. A goblin heard, and wished for nothing more than to imprison the fairy.
So he disguised himself as a merchant and went to Hulda's castle to steal the wand. He was going to choose a day and a time when Hulda would be home alone.
He wore high-soled shoes to appear taller, and covered his green face, and carried a satchel that was enchanted. Thus, anyone who saw it wished to know what was inside. Then, he shouted as loud as he could, so Hulda would hear him.
— Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings! The most beautiful jewels in the world! Earrings of gold and silver, earrings of rubies and diamonds! Trees and animals carved in sapphires, amber, pearls, and emeralds!
Hulda, who was playing in the garden, heard the goblin shouting, and as soon as she saw the satchel, she was enchanted and ran into the garden to see what was inside.
— Wait! Will you show me your wares? Please! — Here you go! — I can't let you into the house, because I'm alone. — What has this world come to? Now even children don't trust a sick old man and won't invite him into the house to give him a glass of water in this scorching sun! — Oh, I'm so sorry! Please come in!
When the goblin entered the house, his eyes turned red, for he felt the presence of the precious wand. He started coughing very loudly. When Hulda ran to get him a glass of water, he took the box and ran off with it.
A bracelet fell out of his satchel. When Hulda heard and saw the little box missing, she ran after the goblin.
— The wand! Come back with the wand! You're a goblin! Turn back!
The goblin
