What this story tells its listeners is that to be compassionate and sensitive to others, we must be compassionate and sensitive to ourselves. The true princess was not afraid to sense and express the discomfort of her surroundings. This is the catalyst for the positive change we must make within to become the person we want to be for others.

This story is so commonplace across so many countries. Originating in ancient Egypt and whose most popular version is the French translation presented here, its analogy is ingrained in popular culture. Everyone has a "cinderella" story where a long-hidden beauty or talent is finally recognized and given the attention it duly deserves. Is this a story about fate or patience? You decide.

The age-old adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" is the lesson to heed from this story. It also reveals how very sheltered the richest people are from the virtues of true and unconditional friendship.

This old English Folk Tale is a cautionary story, one whose ending warns its readers against panicking too soon, following along with the crowd, and ignoring the character of those who would want to be your leader; an allegory of the politics of humanity throughout our brief history on this planet.

Hans Christian Andersen is credited with this tale set in the far east. First published in 1843, the story explores what happens when we begin to value the virtual world more than real life. Artificial things are more easily understood, but pale in comparison to rich variety that real life has to offer.

The smallest things in life often become the things we treasure most, even when we sometimes lose their worth along the way.

It is still amazing how easily an event or a half-joking remark can turn into a rumour that has exaggerated the truth into extinction. Perhaps we need to be mindful our own words and what we choose to "pass on".

This tale teaches that we should always be kind and helpful, even to those who do not appreciate it. Kindness is like a positive karma that will bring with the act the rewards that we deserve.

There may be some truth to this tale. A plaque on the stone entrance of the so-called Pied Piper house in Hamelin, Germany dating to 1602 – similar to an earlier one etched on the building’s window – describes the mystery. The inscription reads:

“A.D. 1284 – on the 26th of June – the day of St John and St Paul – 130 children – born in Hamelin – were led out of the town by a piper wearing multicoloured clothes. After passing the Calvary near the Koppenberg they disappeared forever.”

(from https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20200902-the-grim-truth-behind-the-pied-piper)