In the thickest part of the wood was the hobgoblin's hut. When the prince woke he found the forest dweller had mended his wounds. The creature sat outside next to a fire. When the prince stepped out, the hobgoblin ran hastily away and caught a piece of its fur on a branch. The prince thought he caught sight of a woman's leg beneath it.

"Are you a witch?" asked the prince.

The creature turned and walked toward the prince. When it was quite close to him the furs cast off, and a beautiful woman dressed in royal robes stood beside him. "I am a queen who wore the enchanted crown. Through a scheme the robber king stole it. Since that time there has been a great scarcity in my land. I have lived in this forest waiting for an opportunity to take back the crown."

Once the prince was well enough the queen took him to the edge of the forest where the trackers long since departed. At length the prince reached his own country. In spite of the pitiable condition in which he returned the prince was recognized as he approached the palace and he was received joyfully. When the emperor learned his son was alive there was celebration throughout the kingdom. The prince's ragged armor was replaced with fine clothes for a banquet.