The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Part One · Trip, Trap!

Once there were three billy goats called Gruff. They lived on a hill with short, dry grass.

Across the river was another hill. The grass over there was long, green and sweet. The goats wanted to go and eat it.

But to get there, they had to cross a bridge. And under the bridge lived a mean old troll.

His eyes were as big as dinner plates. His nose was as long as a broom handle. He did not want anybody on his bridge.

First came the littlest Billy Goat Gruff. Trip, trap, trip, trap, went the wooden bridge.

"Who's that tripping over my bridge?" roared the troll. "It's only me," said the littlest goat quietly.

"I'm coming to gobble you up!" said the troll. "Oh, please don't," said the little goat. "I'm much too small."

"Wait for my brother, because he is much bigger." "Well, be off with you," said the troll.

So the littlest goat trotted over the bridge. Soon he was eating the sweet green grass.

Next came the middle Billy Goat Gruff. Trip, trap, trip, trap, went the wooden bridge.

"Who's that tripping over my bridge?" roared the troll. "It's me, the middle Billy Goat Gruff."

"I'm coming to gobble you up!" said the troll. "Please wait for my big brother," said the middle goat.

"Then be off with you!" said the troll. So the middle goat trotted over the bridge too.

Then came the big Billy Goat Gruff. TRIP, TRAP, TRIP, TRAP! The old bridge creaked and groaned under him.

"Who's that tramping over my bridge?" roared the troll. "It's me," said the goat in a deep voice. "The BIG Billy Goat Gruff!"

"I'm coming to gobble you up!" roared the troll. "Well, come along," said the goat. "I have two big, sharp horns!"

Up climbed the troll, huffing and puffing. The big goat put his head down and charged.

With one big bump, he butted the troll right off. Down into the river went the troll with a splash!

The troll swam away down the river, coughing. He never came back to that bridge again.

The three goats ate and ate the sweet grass. They got so fat, they could hardly walk home.

If they are not thin now, they're still fat today. Snip, snap, snout. This tale's told out!