The story begins before Hansel and Gretel are born. Their grandfather, the king of Grimm, lies on his deathbed. He calls for his servant Johannes, who has served his family faithfully for generations and earned the nickname “Faithful Johannes.” The king asks Johannes to serve his son, the prince, when he becomes king and to show the prince the entire palace except for the room with the picture of the golden princess, as the king believes the prince will fall in love with her on sight and that it will “cost him his life” (7). Johannes agrees, and the king dies. After the prince is crowned king, Johannes gives him a tour of the castle. The new king forces Johannes to show him the room with the picture, and the king falls in love with the princess’s beauty.

The golden princess lives alone in a castle burdened by a curse that has killed every man she’s wed. The king vows to rescue her. Disguised as a gold merchant, he brings her the finest items made from gold to win her heart. The princess boards the king’s ship to see the gold, and Johannes instructs the crew to sail for home.