The Princess Who Outwitted the Moon
Clever Princess Gemma solves the Moon's three riddles, earning a magical wish. She chooses friendship with the Moon, sharing stories and riddles forever.
- 3 min read
Once upon a time, in a kingdom nestled between rolling hills and sparkling rivers, there lived a clever princess named Gemma. She had hair as golden as the sun and eyes that twinkled like stars. But what made Gemma truly special was her quick wit and endless curiosity.
Every night, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Gemma would sit by her window and watch the moon rise. She often wondered about the secrets it held and the magic it might possess.
One evening, as Gemma gazed at the full moon, she heard a soft whisper carried on the night breeze. “Princess Gemma,” the voice called, “I am the Moon, and I have a challenge for you.”
Gemma’s eyes widened with excitement. “A challenge?” she asked. “What kind of challenge?”
The Moon chuckled, its light shimmering across the kingdom. “If you can answer three riddles before sunrise, I will grant you one wish. But if you fail, you must come and live with me in the night sky forever.”
Without hesitation, Gemma agreed. She loved solving puzzles and couldn’t resist the opportunity for a magical wish.
The Moon’s first riddle echoed through the night: “I am not alive, but I grow; I don’t have lungs, but I need air; I don’t have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I?”
Gemma thought hard, her brow furrowed in concentration. Then, with a smile, she exclaimed, “You’re fire! Fire grows, needs air to burn, and water extinguishes it.”
The Moon glowed brighter, impressed by Gemma’s quick answer. “Very good, little princess. Now for the second riddle: I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I?”
This time, Gemma paced her room, muttering to herself. She glanced at the paintings on her wall and suddenly realized the answer. “You’re a map!” she cried triumphantly. “Maps show cities, mountains, and water, but they’re just pictures!”
The Moon’s light flickered, a sign of its growing nervousness. “Clever girl,” it murmured. “But can you solve my final riddle? I am always hungry; I must always be fed. The finger I touch will soon turn red. What am I?”
Gemma bit her lip, deep in thought. She looked around her room for inspiration, her gaze falling on the fireplace. With a gasp, she shouted, “You’re fire again! Fire is always hungry for fuel, and if you touch it, you’ll burn your finger red!”
The Moon dimmed, defeated by the princess’s wit. “You have bested me, Gemma. What is your wish?”
Gemma thought carefully. She could wish for riches or power, but she had a better idea. “I wish for the ability to visit you whenever I want, so we can be friends and share more riddles!”
Surprised and touched by her kindness, the Moon granted her wish. From that day forward, Gemma could float up to the night sky whenever she pleased, sharing stories and riddles with her new friend.
As for the kingdom, it flourished under Gemma’s wise rule when she grew up. The people loved their clever queen, who brought a little moonlight magic into their lives.
And so, dear children, remember that wit and kindness are the greatest magic of all. Sweet dreams, and may the moon watch over you as you sleep.