Dungeon kids take first steps in 'magical' outside world

London, May 17 : Freed dungeon boys Stefan and Felix Fritzl have taken their first ever steps in the "magical" outside world.

The brothers, raised by mum Elisabeth in a dungeon under the home of her cruel dad Josef Fritzl, finally ventured out of the psychiatric clinic where they are recovering from their ordeal.

And they marvelled at their surroundings as they wandered among trees, picked flowers and gazed at the abundance of wildlife.

They were especially fascinated by hundreds of goldfish swimming in a pond in the grounds of Austria's Mauer Landesklinkum clinic.

Stefan, 18, his five-year-old brother and Elisabeth, 42, have now discarded the protective goggles doctors insisted they wear as their eyes adjusted to sunlight.

The boys have been given immunization jabs normally received by newborn babies - but which their mum was unable to provide during years of incarceration at their subterranean home in Amstetten.

Sources said the pair, who first saw daylight as they were plucked from the cellar last month, enjoyed a "magical" first walk outside.

"It was wonderful. The light sensitivity they were suffering two weeks ago has almost disappeared. Doctors were concerned that the boys lacked immunization to everyday illnesses," The Sun quoted a source, as saying.

"But after the jabs, they're happy that they now have enough resistance to mix with others," the source added.

Elisabeth was held captive underground for 24 years by evil Josef, 73, and had seven children by him - one dying as a baby.

She is learning to bond again at the clinic with mum Rosemarie - Josef's 69-year-old wife - and other kids Lisa, 16, Monika, 14, and Alexander, 12, who were all allowed a "normal" existence above ground.

The source added: "Elisabeth and Rosemarie enjoy cooking for the children and giving them new tastes. Stomaching new foods is no problem for Stefan and Felix - they are fascinated by every dish. The youngsters are allowed DVDs and computer games at night."

"The siblings have gelled incredibly well. It's astounding to think how quickly they have all slotted into their new family roles."

ANI