She immediately took off her ring and put it under her pillow. As she did so, she fancied she felt a finger and thumb take it gently from under her palm . . . and then, feeling with the forefinger of her right hand, [she] soon found her grandmother's thread, which she proceeded at once to follow . . .

Irene is still a very young Princess, but she must grow up quickly when she and her mountain home are threatened by the goblins who dwell below it. Fortunately, while the goblins are busy planning their attack, Irene's mysterious grandmother is also busy spinning her a magic thread which will always lead to safety. Even so, the Princess and her loyal friend, Curdie, will need all of their courage and ingenuity to outwit the cunning goblins.