Rumpelstiltskin is a classic German fairy tale, collected by the Brothers Grimm, about a mischievous imp who helps a miller's daughter spin straw into gold in exchange for her firstborn child, only to be defeated when she discovers his secret, unusual name. The story highlights themes of bargains, consequences, and the power of names, with the creature demanding her baby, but offering a chance to save it if she guesses his name within three days, leading to a frantic search and his eventual downfall when his name is revealed.

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Key Elements of the Story:
The Lie:

A poor miller boasts that his daughter can spin straw into gold, leading the greedy King to imprison her and demand she perform the impossible task.
The Deal:

A strange, imp-like creature appears and spins the straw into gold for the girl, first taking her necklace, then her ring, and finally demanding her firstborn child.
The Challenge:

When the girl becomes queen and has a baby, the creature returns to claim it. He gives her three days to guess his name, or he takes the child.
The Discovery:

On the third day, a messenger overhears the little man singing and dancing around a fire, revealing his name: Rumpelstiltskin.
The Climax:

The queen correctly guesses his name, and in a fit of rage, the creature stamps his foot so hard into the ground that he tears himself in two.