The Princess and the Goblin

The Princess and the Goblin

Year: 1991

Runtime: 82 mins

Language: English

Director: József Gémes

AdventureFantasyFamilyAnimation

When Princess Irene discovers a hidden world of mischievous goblins, she teams up with Curty, a brave young warrior, to protect their realm. Using her innate magical abilities, Irene battles the creatures and strives to save the kingdom, delivering a charming adventure for the whole family.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Princess and the Goblin (1991)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Princess and the Goblin (1991). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Medieval fantasy era

A timeless, fairy-tale setting evokes a medieval court with a widowed king, a princess, miners, and a goblin hierarchy. Magic, secret doors, and songs shape the risks and alliances in a world that blends folklore with royal politics. The period feels ancient yet accessible, like a classic fairy tale kingdom.

Location

Mountainous kingdom, Goblin realm (mines), Castle, Forest

The film unfolds across a rugged, mountainous kingdom centered on a royal castle and thriving mining towns. Hidden corridors lead to the goblin realm beneath the mines, accessed through secret doors and magical threads. The story moves from the princess's forest outing to the mines and back to the castle, with dramatic shifts between surface life and subterranean danger.

⛰️ Mountainous region 🏰 Royal castle 🕳️ Underground mines 🌲 Forest

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:36

Main Characters – The Princess and the Goblin (1991)

Meet the key characters of The Princess and the Goblin (1991), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Princess Irene (Sally Ann Marsh)

A curious, compassionate royal child who faces danger with courage. She forms a bond with Curdie and relies on her grandmother’s guidance, showing resourcefulness beyond her years. Irene embodies hope and resilience as she navigates goblin threats and magical secrets.

👑 Royalty 🧭 Explorer 💫 Magic

Curdie (Peter Murray)

A brave, quick-witted boy from a miner family who stumbles into the goblin world. He warns his father, investigates the goblin plans, and plays a key role in inspiring others to stand up to the goblins. His actions blend curiosity with a sense of responsibility.

🛠️ Miner 🗡️ Brave 🗺️ Explorer

Goblin King (Robin Lyons)

The cunning ruler of the goblin realm who seeks revenge against humans. He orchestrates the plot to flood the mines and take control, forcing the humans to submit. His leadership is marked by scheming and a predilection for domination.

👑 Villain 🗡️ Schemer 🐉 Fantasy creature

Goblin Queen (Peggy Mount)

A malevolent, calculating force behind the goblin operations. She supports the flood plan and exerts influence over goblin minions. Her presence intensifies the peril facing Irene and Curdie.

👸 Villain 🌀 Malice 🗺️ Underground

Prince Froglip (Rik Mayall)

The spoiled, infantile goblin heir who schemes to abduct the Princess and claim the throne by force. His arrogance highlights the goblin court's disconnect from human society. His plan catalyzes the castle confrontation.

🎭 Aristocrat 🐸 Trickster 🧩 Plotter

King Papa (Joss Ackland)

The widowed king who leaves the kingdom to attend state affairs, unaware of the goblin threat. His trust in legends and the miners’ tale drives the tension between myth and reality. His absence creates the vacuum the young protagonists must fill.

👑 Leader 🧭 Decision-maker 🕰️ Absent ruler

Looti, the Princess's Nanny (Mollie Sugden)

A caring caretaker who supports the princess and keeps watch over her safety. She represents domestic loyalty within the royal household. Looti’s presence grounds Irene as danger looms.

🧸 Caregiver 🏰 Royal household 👵 Elder

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:36

Major Themes – The Princess and the Goblin (1991)

Explore the central themes of The Princess and the Goblin (1991), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎵 Music

Singing is a literal weapon and source of hope in the story. Irene and Curdie discover that songs can repel goblins and coordinate efforts to protect the kingdom. The power of melody unites villagers, miners, and royalty against overwhelming danger.

🛡️ Courage

Courage drives both young Irene and Curdie as they venture into the goblin realm and warn others. The miners rally to reinforce tunnels and resist the goblin attack. Their bravery shows that communal action and quick thinking can avert catastrophe.

👪 Family

A multigenerational bond anchors the plot: the Great-Great-Grandmother Irene's warning, the princess's trust in companions, and the miners' loyalty to the crown. Family history informs choices and fuels resilience. Even leadership is tempered by care for the younger generation.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:36

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The Princess and the Goblin Summary

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The Princess and the Goblin Summary

The Princess and the Goblin Timeline

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The Princess and the Goblin Timeline

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The Princess and the Goblin (1991) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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The Princess and the Goblin (1991) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow