Listen Full Story:
Read Full Story:
Once upon a time, a rich merchant lived with his six sons and six daughters. His youngest daughter was so beautiful and kind that everyone called her Beauty. Unlike her sisters, who were proud and selfish, Beauty was gentle, humble, and loved reading books more than fancy dresses or jewels. One day, their father’s ships, filled with goods, were lost in a storm at sea, and the family lost everything. They had to leave their big house and move to a small cottage in the countryside, where they worked hard to live a simple life.
Beauty helped her father with household chores while her sisters complained endlessly. She rose early, cooked, cleaned, and fetched water, never once complaining. Her sisters mocked her for her cheerfulness, but Beauty always replied softly that she was happier living simply than being proud and miserable. One day, after several months, the merchant received news that one of his ships had returned safely to port. Hope filled his heart, and he decided to travel to the city to recover his goods. Before leaving, he asked his children what gifts they wanted.
The eldest daughters asked for jewels, fine dresses, and perfumes, while the sons asked for weapons and horses. Beauty, being humble, only asked for a single rose because she had not seen one since they left their home. The merchant kissed his children goodbye and set off on his journey. But when he reached the city, he found that his ship had been taken by creditors to pay debts. Saddened and empty-handed, he began his journey home through a dark forest, thinking how he would face his family without any gifts.
As he rode through the woods, a terrible storm began. Cold and hungry, he lost his way and suddenly saw a distant light. Following it, he reached a magnificent palace. To his surprise, no one was at the gates, yet everything seemed alive and glowing. He entered and found a table filled with delicious food. Trembling but starving, he ate gratefully and then wandered through the palace. He found a soft bed waiting for him, and he slept peacefully, thanking the unseen owner for such kindness.
When morning came, the merchant explored the palace gardens. He saw beautiful flowers everywhere, and remembering Beauty’s wish, he picked a single rose. Suddenly, a terrible roar echoed through the garden. A huge Beast appeared before him, his eyes burning like fire. The Beast’s voice thundered with anger, “Ungrateful man! I gave you food and shelter, and you repay me by stealing my roses! For this, you shall die!” The merchant fell to his knees, begging for forgiveness, saying he only wanted a flower for his daughter who had asked for nothing else.
Hearing his story, the Beast calmed slightly but still spoke sternly. “I will spare your life on one condition,” he said. “Send one of your daughters to live here in your place. If she refuses, you must return yourself within three months to die.” The merchant agreed in sorrow, and the Beast let him go, giving him a chest full of treasures for his family. Trembling, the merchant took the gifts and returned home. His children rejoiced when they saw the riches, but their joy turned to fear when he told them about the Beast’s demand.
His sons swore they would fight the Beast, but their father told them the creature was far too powerful. The daughters cried in fear, blaming Beauty for asking for a rose. But Beauty comforted her father, saying softly, “You shall not die because of me. I will go to the Beast’s palace.” Her father tried to stop her, but Beauty insisted, reminding him that he was too old to face such terror. So, a few days later, she and her father set out for the palace. The journey was long and silent, and when they arrived, the Beast’s servants led them to a splendid room prepared for Beauty.
That night, the Beast appeared at dinner. His voice was deep but not cruel when he asked, “Did you come here willingly?” Beauty answered bravely that she did. The Beast nodded and said, “You are kind. Your father may return home tomorrow, but you must stay here. I will make sure he reaches home safely.” Beauty promised she would. When morning came, her father left in tears, believing he would never see her again. Beauty watched him go, her heart heavy with sadness but also courage.
In the days that followed, Beauty explored the palace. Though she never saw servants, everything she desired appeared magically. When she was hungry, delicious meals appeared. When she was tired, her bed was warm and soft. Every evening, the Beast came to dine with her. At first, she was frightened by his appearance, but she soon realized he was gentle and polite. Each night, before leaving, the Beast asked the same question, “Beauty, will you marry me?” And each night, she softly replied, “No, dear Beast.” He always sighed but never grew angry.
Over time, Beauty began to feel at peace. She spent her days reading books that appeared on command, walking in the gardens, and talking to the Beast at dinner. He told her stories of his past and listened to her kindly. Though his face was monstrous, she could sense a warm and tender heart beneath. One night, he gave her a magic mirror that showed her anything she wished to see. When she looked into it, she saw her father growing old and sad. She missed him dearly and begged the Beast to let her visit him.
The Beast agreed, though his voice trembled with sorrow. “I will let you go for one week,” he said, “but if you do not return, I will surely die of grief.” Beauty promised she would come back. He gave her a magic ring and said, “Place this ring on your table when you wish to return.” The next morning, Beauty awoke in her father’s cottage. Her family was overjoyed to see her alive and dressed like a queen. Her sisters were jealous of her fine clothes and tried to make her stay longer.
Beauty spent her days caring for her father, who had fallen ill, and telling him about the Beast’s kindness. But her sisters pretended to love her and convinced her to stay a few more days, hoping that the Beast would grow angry and harm her. Beauty’s heart grew uneasy as the days passed. One night, she dreamed that the Beast was lying in the garden, dying alone. She woke up crying and realized she had broken her promise. Without delay, she took the ring, placed it on her table, and wished to return.
In an instant, she was back in the palace. Everything was silent and dark. She ran through the halls calling for the Beast but heard nothing. At last, she reached the garden and found him lying by a fountain, his eyes closed. He was barely breathing. Beauty knelt beside him, tears falling onto his fur. “Oh, my dear Beast,” she cried, “please don’t die! I love you! I cannot live without you!” As her tears touched him, a bright light surrounded them. The Beast’s body began to change, and when the light faded, a handsome prince stood before her.
Beauty stepped back in surprise. The prince smiled gently and said, “A wicked fairy turned me into a beast because I had no love in my heart. Only when someone loved me despite my appearance could the spell be broken. You, dear Beauty, have freed me.” Overjoyed, Beauty wept with happiness. The prince took her hand, and suddenly the palace glowed with life. Servants appeared, human once again, rejoicing at the return of their master. The gardens bloomed brighter than ever, and music filled the air.
The prince invited Beauty to stay forever as his queen. Her father was brought to the palace, and he blessed their union with joy. Even her sisters were forgiven, though they wept with shame for their jealousy. Beauty and the prince were married in a grand celebration attended by everyone in the land. The fairy who had cursed the prince appeared, smiling, and told Beauty that her kindness and pure heart had been rewarded. The prince promised never to forget the lessons he had learned in his years of loneliness.
Beauty lived happily in the palace, surrounded by love and peace. She never forgot her days in the cottage or the gentle heart she found behind a beast’s face. Each morning, she tended the rose garden where their story had begun, and every evening, she and the prince would walk hand in hand, remembering how compassion and love had transformed their lives. And so, Beauty and her Beast—no longer a monster but a man full of grace—lived together happily ever after in a world where kindness was the truest form of beauty.