Who Princess Irene is
Princess Irene lives far from court because her father sends her to the mountain for her health. Her nurse, Lootie, loves her and looks after her, though she sometimes gives way too easily.
The house has many stairs and empty rooms, giving Irene plenty to explore on a rainy day. Her curiosity leads her to a tower room, where a beautiful old lady sits spinning.
What Princess Irene wants
Irene wants to understand the strange things she discovers in her mountain home. The lady tells Irene that she is her great-great-grandmother and has watched over her for a long time.
She gives Irene a ring attached to a thread so fine that it can hardly be seen. Irene must learn to trust this guidance even when she cannot explain it to anyone else.
Princess Irene and the others in the story
Curdie meets Irene when he drives away goblins and helps her and Lootie return home after dark. She likes him at once, but their friendship also brings a test of trust.
Irene believes in her grandmother because she has met her, while Curdie doubts what he has not seen. Their different experiences connect Irene's quiet courage with the miner's boy's readiness to act.
Questions
Who is Princess Irene?
Princess Irene is a kind, curious princess of eight who lives in a house on a mountainside.
Who looks after Princess Irene?
Lootie is Irene's loving nurse, and her mysterious great-great-grandmother watches over her from the tower.
How does Princess Irene meet Curdie?
Irene meets Curdie when she and Lootie are caught outside after dark. He drives off the goblins with rhymes and walks them home.