Long ago, in a wide valley filled with wildflowers and gentle streams, there lived three brothers known as the Billy Goats Gruff. Every morning, the goats looked across the valley to a hill covered with the freshest, greenest grass they had ever seen. The only way to reach it, however, was to cross a narrow wooden bridge—and that bridge was guarded by a terrible troll.
The youngest Billy Goat Gruff was the first to gather his courage. His little hooves clip-clopped nervously as he stepped onto the bridge. Suddenly, the troll jumped out, his eyes glowing and his voice booming:
“Who dares to trip-trap over my bridge?”
“It’s only me, the smallest Billy Goat Gruff,” said the little goat, his voice shaking.
The troll licked his lips. “Then I shall eat you up!”
But the smallest goat cried, “Oh no, please don’t! I’m too small and skinny. Wait for my brother—he’s much bigger and tastier.”
The troll, greedy as ever, thought about the meal to come. “Very well. Be off with you,” he growled, letting the little goat pass.
Not long after, the middle Billy Goat Gruff set hoof on the bridge. His steps were louder, firmer, echoing through the valley. Once more, the troll leapt up, snarling:
“Who dares to trip-trap over my bridge?”
“It’s me, the middle Billy Goat Gruff,” the second brother answered steadily.
The troll roared, “Then I shall eat you up!”
But the middle goat replied quickly, “Wait for my brother. He’s the biggest of us all, and he will make a feast worth waiting for.”
Tempted by the thought of such a prize, the troll stepped aside, allowing him to cross.
Finally, the largest Billy Goat Gruff came forward. His horns were sharp, his hooves strong, and his body mighty. As he stomped onto the bridge, the planks shook beneath him.
Once again, the troll appeared, this time with greater fury:
“Who dares to trip-trap over my bridge?”
“It is I,” boomed the largest Billy Goat Gruff, “and I will not be stopped!”
The troll snarled, “Then I shall eat you up!”
But the big goat lowered his head, his horns glinting in the sunlight. With a thunderous charge, he rammed the troll, sending the creature tumbling into the river below. The waters carried the troll far, far away, and he was never seen again.
At last, the three Billy Goats Gruff crossed safely and reached the lush meadow they had dreamed of. There, with the sun shining warmly overhead, they grazed on sweet green grass, free and happy for the rest of their days.
And so ends The Three Billy Goats Gruff Story—a tale of courage, cleverness, and the strength to face even the scariest of trolls.
If you enjoyed The Three Billy Goats Gruff Story, explore more magical adventures in our collection of Bedtime stories for kids
