Once upon a time there was a king and queen who for a very long time had no children, and when at length a little daughter was born to them they were so pleased that they gave a christening feast to which they invited a number of fairies. But, unfortunately, they accidentally left out one especially vengeful old fairy, and she was so angry that she laid a curse on the princess, that she would die when she reached the age of sixteen, by pricking her hand with a spindle.

All the other fairies present, except one, had already given the princess their beautiful gifts, and this last one said she could not prevent part of the wicked wish coming true; but her gift should be that the princess should not really die, but only fall into a deep sleep, which should last for a hundred years, and at the end of that time she would be awakened by a prince.

For a time the royal family lived in happiness, and the daughter grew into an intelligent and charming young woman, whose kindness was known and admired throughout the kingdom.