In the Brothers Grimm tale “The Golden Goose,” what does Dummling find beneath the tree?

In the Brothers Grimm tale “The Golden Goose,” Dummling finds a golden goose beneath a tree.

Dummling is the youngest son, often dismissed by his family as foolish or unimportant. After receiving food from a little old man, he follows instructions and discovers the extraordinary goose. Anyone who touches one of its feathers becomes stuck to it.

A growing procession forms behind Dummling as people try to pull one another away. The sight makes a princess laugh, which fulfills a condition set by her father: she will marry the man who can make her laugh. Dummling’s unexpected success changes his social position.

The tale’s title identifies the magical object, while its German title is often translated as “The Golden Goose.” The story also explains why the youngest, apparently least promising brother becomes the successful hero.