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‘The Princess and the Goblin’ by George MacDonald is a classic piece of Christian kid’s literature. Drawing on themes of God’s providence and pushing back the darkness, George MacDonald introduces children to spiritual truths, of following God’s wisdom and what to do when we lose our way.
Christian Themes
As mentioned above, The Princess and the Goblin is full of Christian themes.
One of the main themes we are focusing on in our family movie night is the theme of the Golden Thread. Princess Irene’s Grandmother plays a representation of God in the plot. The Grandmother gifts Irene a golden thread to guide Irene as, very similar to the gift of the Holy Spirit in the believers life. Irene must trust the guiding of the thread and pay attention to where it is leading. This plays an important role as Irene navigates the darkness of the Goblin Kingdom. This theme can help lead our families into discussions of discernment as we approach Allhallowtide, as well as year round. Talking about paying attention to how the Holy Spirit is guiding us in the world, and following the Spirit’s subtle lead.
Another theme that the 1991 movie adaption leans into is the theme of pushing back the darkness. In the book, the Goblins hate the sound of music, and song his how Curdie scares them away. The movie adaptation changes Curdie’s lyrics a bit, but in a way that really drives home the point.
There’s a spark inside us
That we can all ignite
And all that’s dark inside us
Will flicker into light..
There’s a power in every breath
There’s a power in every note
A power that starts within the heart
A power that rises through the throat
And when it sails up through the air
More beautiful than any prayer
This power can right all wrong
And it will always thrill the ear
Of those who have the power to hear
The magic of a song
There’s a strong inside us
That tells us wrong from right
Becomes a song inside us
To chase away the night
The song talks alot about the ‘light inside of us’ chasing back the darkness. For the believer, we of course, know that this light is Jesus!
‘Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world.’
-John 8:12
And this light is a gift that he has given to every believer.
Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world.’
-Matthew 5:14
Through the Holy Spirit, we also shine the light and love of Christ in this world, pushing back the darkness. And the Princess and the Goblin illustrates this, plus can start conversations about how we can follow the Holy Spirit and push back the darkness in our everyday.
How to Watch
Though this is a cartoon, this movie may be best suitable for ages 6+. It can get a little intense at some points. But, as always, you know your child best, so view at your discretion, and use discernment.
The Princess and the Goblin (1991) is available on DVD through Amazon.
It is also available through YouTube:
The Princess and the Goblin on YouTube
Finally, it is available through the Internet Archive Digital Library:
The Princess and the Goblin on the Internet Archive
We were able to snag a copy and watch it on our projector for a full movie theater effect.
Golden Thread Popcorn
Leaning into the theme of the Golden Thread, we made a popcorn snack based on the treat. White Chocolate popcorn with gold edible glitter laced throughout.
What you need:
- 8 cups plain or salted popcorn
- 1 package of white chocolate candy melts.
- Edible gold glitter dust
What you do:
- Pour popcorn into large mixing bowl.
- Melt candy melts in microwave or in sauce pan on stove until liquid.
- Drizzle candy over popcorn and mix well until all popcorn is thinly coated.
- Cover a baking sheet with wax paper and spread popcorn out in an even layer.
- Spray popcorn with edible glitter.
- Let popcorn harden.
- Enjoy while watching the movie.
Baby Devotions 