Rumplestiltskin wasn't always the fearsome creature he became. At one time, long ago, he was a loving father of a teenaged boy named Baelfire. When Baelfire was due to be conscripted to fight in an endless war, Rumplestiltskin decided their best option was to run. But they were caught by the local lord's soldiers and sent back home. After meeting a mysterious stranger, Rumple formed a plan to steal a magic dagger from the local lord. This dagger commanded The Dark One, a being of seemingly limitless power, that was forced to do as the dagger's owner commanded. Rumplestiltskin stole the dagger and summoned The Dark One. The Dark One taunted Rumple into killing him with the dagger. As he was dying, The Dark One revealed himself as the stranger who had given Rumplestiltskin the plan in the first place. The Dark One told Rumple that his powers, and his curse, would now pass on to him. Suddenly, Rumplestiltskin's name became inscribed on the magic blade and he took on the monstrous countenance he's now known for.