The Princess and the Pea (fairy tale)

"The Princess and the Pea" is a fairy tale about a prince seeking a true princess to marry. A young woman arrives claiming to be a princess, but the queen tests her sensitivity by placing a small pea under many mattresses. The next morning, the woman feels uncomfortable, confirming her delicate nature. This sensitiveness proves her royal status, as only a real princess would be so refined. The story highlights themes of authenticity and the notion that true nobility is revealed through subtle qualities rather than appearances.