This fairy tale is part of a series of Norwegian tales from the 17th Century. The author is unknown mostly because stories were spread orally at the time. Here is a bit of the original tale and my crude translation below.
"Freya plasserte gåsen på en pidestall midt i torget, og mens landsbybeboerne så med forventning, spredte gåsen ut vingene sine og utstøtte en melodiøs klang. Øyeblikkelig strålte en magisk varme ut fra fjærene dens og spredte seg gjennom hele landsbyen. Den frosne landskapet begynte å tine, og isen smeltet bort, og avslørte grønne flekker med gress og blomstrende blomster."
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled amidst the snow-covered forests of Scandinavia, there lived a kind-hearted young girl named Freya. The village had been suffering from an unusually harsh winter, and the bitter cold had turned the once vibrant community into a desolate and frozen place. People huddled in their homes, desperate for warmth and hope.
One icy morning, as Freya ventured into the woods to gather firewood, she stumbled upon a peculiar sight. There, hidden beneath a frost-covered tree, was a beautiful golden goose with shimmering feathers that glowed with a warm, inviting light. Sensing the goose possessed something magical, Freya cautiously approached.
To her amazement, the goose spoke in a gentle, melodious voice. "Freya, I am a magical goose entrusted with the power to bring warmth and life. The village is in dire need of my help. Carry me to the heart of the village, and together, we shall thaw the frozen hearts and save our home."
Overwhelmed by the goose's words, Freya agreed without hesitation. She gently lifted the enchanted bird in her arms and hurried back to the village. Word spread quickly of the girl and the miraculous golden goose, and soon, a crowd had gathered in the village square.
Freya placed the goose on a pedestal in the center of the square, and as the villagers watched with anticipation, the goose spread its wings and let out a melodious cry. Instantly, a magical warmth emanated from its feathers, spreading throughout the village. The frozen landscape began to thaw, and the ice melted away, revealing green patches of grass and blooming flowers.
But the goose's magic didn't stop there. As its warm glow encompassed the village, the hearts of the villagers began to thaw as well. Friendships were rekindled, and love and laughter filled the once somber streets. The people danced and celebrated, grateful for the magic that had saved them from the grips of the freezing winter.
From that day forward, the village held an annual festival to honor the magical goose and its brave companion, Freya. The festival served as a reminder of the power of kindness, compassion, and the belief in magic that resides within each person's heart.
As for Freya, she was forever cherished by the villagers for her selflessness and bravery. The golden goose, grateful for her aid, stayed with her as a loyal companion, spreading warmth and happiness wherever they went.
And so, the village and its people thrived, forever grateful to the magic goose and the courageous young girl who had brought them back from the brink of freezing despair. Their tale became a legend, passed down through generations, reminding all who heard it of the enduring power of love, hope, and the magic that resides within even the most unexpected of creatures.
