CILLA and the DWARF
by Abbie Phillips Walker · from Sandman's rainy day stories
Adapted Version
Once there was a beautiful princess. She was going to marry a prince. A small, angry man wanted to marry her. The Princess said no. The small man was very angry. He did not like her answer. He said, "I will take her!"
The wedding day came. The Princess was gone. Her wedding dress was gone too. Someone took her away. Everyone was very sad. The King was sad. The Prince was sad.
The King wanted her back. He offered much gold. The Prince wanted her back. He offered much gold too.
Cilla was a kitchen-maid. She was very kind. The Princess was kind to her. Cilla loved the Princess. Cilla would find her. She would find her for sure.
Cilla went to the woods. She found a witch there. Cilla asked for help. The Witch gave Cilla a bean. The Witch said, "This bean is magic. It might help you. I do not know. I cannot do more."
Cilla walked for many days. She looked in the forest. She saw a big rock. The small man came. He opened the rock. It was a door. He went inside.
Cilla went into the cave. She saw the wedding dress. It was the Princess's dress. A white rabbit was there. The rabbit was very hungry. The small man was unkind to it. He wanted it to eat.
Cilla was very brave. She grabbed his long nose. She turned it hard. The small man cried out. He changed into a toad. The toad hopped away fast.
Cilla looked at the rabbit. She gave it the magic bean. The rabbit ate the bean. Poof! The Princess stood there. She was safe and well.
The Princess said, "The small man was a toad. He wanted to be a man. He wanted to make me marry him. I said no."
Cilla and the Princess left the cave. They walked out of the forest. They went back to the palace.
The King wanted to give Cilla gold. Cilla did not want gold. She wanted a small house. It was near the palace. She wanted to see the Princess.
Cilla lived a happy life. She was very happy. She was brave and kind. She showed that anyone can be a hero.
Original Story
CILLA AND THE DWARF
Once upon a time there lived a king who had a very beautiful daughter, and her suitors came from far and near.
Among them was a dwarf with a huge head and a very long nose. Of course, no one expected the Princess to marry the ugly creature, but the dwarf did, and when the Princess refused he flew into a rage and said he would have her in spite of all she said.
At last the Princess gave her hand to a prince, but the night the wedding was to take place the Princess was nowhere to be found. They hunted high and low all over the palace, but no trace could they find of her; even her wedding-dress disappeared, too. The Prince was in despair and wrung his hands and cried out he would give to any one who would find the Princess half of his fortune.
The King also said he would give half of his kingdom to the one who would bring back the lost Princess.
Now, there was among the servants a little kitchen-maid named Cilla, who loved the Princess because she always spoke kindly to her, and when she knew her mistress was lost she resolved to find her at any cost.
So one night when all the people in the palace were sound asleep Cilla stole out and went to a witch who lived in the woods and asked her to help her to find the Princess.
“I can only help you a little,” said the witch, “as she is in the power of one who is more powerful than I am, but this much I can do: Here is a bean that will do magic work if used in the right way; whether it will help you to find your Princess I cannot tell. The dwarf has carried her off, and where he is I do not know.”
Cilla said she would take the bean. She thanked the witch and started off through the woods to look for the dwarf, for she was sure he must live in a cave.
For days she wandered until she was in the deep forest, and at last she came to a high rock over which she could not climb.
Cilla sat down and leaned against the rock to rest, when, to her surprise, she heard the sound of weeping. She looked all around, but could see no opening except a big crack in one side, and this was too small for her to get through.
She was just about to call out and ask who was inside weeping when she heard some one coming through the bushes.
Cilla ran behind the rock and watched, and in a minute the dwarf came bounding out of the bush and briers.
He carried in his hand an iron bar, and with this he opened the crack in the rock, which was a door, and entered the rock, leaving the door open behind him.
Cilla was a very brave girl or she would have stayed where she was, but no sooner had the dwarf disappeared than she ran in after him.
He was standing beside a poor, half-starved-looking little white rabbit, and Cilla heard him say, “Do you consent or will you starve?”
The little white rabbit only blinked and turned away, and then Cilla saw something that made her start, for hanging on a ragged bit of rock was the wedding-dress the Princess was to have worn the night she disappeared.
Cilla did not wait to see more. She dashed toward the dwarf and grabbed him by his long nose, and, giving it a hard twist, she cried out: “Where is my mistress, you wretch? Where is she, I say?”
A very strange thing happened when Cilla gave the long nose a twist; the dwarf howled like the sound of thunder, and instead of the dwarf there stood before Cilla a huge toad that hopped away so fast she could not see where it disappeared.
“You poor half-starved little rabbit,” said Cilla. “I wish I had something to give you to eat, but I must hunt for my mistress first, for I know she must be here.”
Then Cilla thought of the bean. “I’ll give you this,” she said to the rabbit. “I am sure I shall have no use for it.”
When the rabbit swallowed the bean Cilla’s eyes popped wide open, for there stood her mistress, safe and sound.
“Oh, Cilla, you have saved me! How ever did you think of twisting his nose?” asked the Princess.
“Because it looked as if it were made to be twisted,” said Cilla, “but how did you know the bean would change you back to your own form?”
“I didn’t, but I was hungry; that dreadful dwarf was trying to make me say I would marry him by starving me. Some powerful witch had given him the form of a dwarf, and if he could get a princess to marry him she would change him into a man,” said the Princess.
“Was he a toad at first?” asked Cilla.
“Yes, it seems he was a toad in the cave of a powerful witch, and for something he did for her she made him a dwarf; then he wanted to become a man, and the witch told him if he would marry a princess and take her into the palace to live she would grant his wish.
“He told me this before he had me changed into a rabbit, for he first carried me off to the cave of this witch, who lives somewhere in this forest, and I think we better hurry away before the toad gets to her and tells her I have escaped.”
It took a long time to get out of the forest, but Cilla and the Princess found the way and the Prince and the King told Cilla she should have the promised reward.
“Now, what would I do with all that gold and half of a kingdom?” asked Cilla. “All I ask is to have a nice little cottage and a cow near by the palace where I can see my mistress every day.”
Of course Cilla’s wish was granted, and there she lived and was happy, for she married the King’s gardener and became the mother of many boys and girls who never tired of hearing how their mother rescued the Princess from the bad dwarf.
Story DNA
Moral
Loyalty and courage can overcome even the most powerful evil, and true heroes often come from unexpected places.
Plot Summary
A beautiful princess vanishes on her wedding night, abducted by a rejected dwarf suitor. A loyal kitchen-maid named Cilla sets out to find her, armed with a magic bean from a witch. Cilla discovers the dwarf's hidden cave, where the princess has been transformed into a starving white rabbit. Cilla bravely confronts the dwarf, twisting his long nose, which transforms him into a toad. She then uses the magic bean to restore the princess to her human form. They escape, and Cilla, refusing riches, asks only for a simple life near the palace, living happily ever after.
Themes
Emotional Arc
despair to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects common fairy tale tropes of royalty, magical transformations, and the triumph of good over evil, often featuring a humble hero.
Plot Beats (13)
- A beautiful princess is to be married, but an ugly dwarf suitor is enraged by her refusal.
- On her wedding night, the princess and her wedding dress vanish, causing despair in the kingdom.
- The King and Prince offer large rewards for her return.
- Cilla, a kind kitchen-maid, resolves to find the princess due to her loyalty and affection.
- Cilla consults a witch who gives her a magic bean, stating it might help but cannot guarantee success.
- Cilla searches the forest for days until she finds a hidden cave entrance, opened by the dwarf.
- Inside the cave, Cilla finds the princess's wedding dress and a starving white rabbit, whom the dwarf is tormenting.
- Cilla bravely grabs the dwarf's long nose and twists it, transforming him into a toad.
- Cilla offers the magic bean to the hungry rabbit, which transforms it back into the Princess.
- The Princess explains that the dwarf, originally a toad, was trying to force her into marriage to become a man.
- Cilla and the Princess escape the forest and return to the palace.
- Cilla is offered her reward, but instead of riches, she asks for a simple cottage near the palace.
- Cilla lives happily ever after, marrying the King's gardener and telling her children the story of her bravery.
Characters
Cilla ★ protagonist
A small, perhaps slightly built young woman, likely of average height for a peasant girl of her era. Her movements are quick and determined, suggesting a nimble and agile physique.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant attire. A sturdy, perhaps patched, linen or wool smock dress in muted earth tones (greys, browns, undyed linen), possibly with a plain apron over it. Sturdy, worn leather shoes or wooden clogs. Her clothing would be clean but show signs of use and mending.
Wants: Her deep love and loyalty to the Princess, who always treated her kindly, drives her to rescue her mistress at any cost.
Flaw: Her humility might prevent her from fully recognizing her own worth or asking for more, though in this story it leads to a contented life.
Transforms from a humble kitchen-maid into a celebrated hero, ultimately finding personal happiness and a family, demonstrating that true heroism comes from within, regardless of social standing.
Brave, loyal, resourceful, kind, humble.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young peasant woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has practical, dark brown hair tied back in a simple bun, kind brown eyes, and a fair complexion with a few smudges of dirt. She wears a sturdy, patched, undyed linen smock dress with a plain, dark blue apron over it, and worn leather shoes. Her hands are clasped loosely in front of her, and she has a determined yet gentle expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Princess ◆ supporting
Described as 'very beautiful,' suggesting a graceful and elegant physique, likely slender and of noble bearing. Her beauty is a key aspect of her character, attracting many suitors.
Attire: Initially, a magnificent wedding dress, which disappears with her. After her rescue, she would likely return to elegant, flowing gowns of fine silk or velvet, perhaps in soft pastels or rich jewel tones, adorned with subtle embroidery or delicate lace, befitting her royal status.
Wants: To escape the dwarf and return to her true form and her wedding.
Flaw: Her vulnerability to the dwarf's magic and power, initially unable to save herself.
Goes from a helpless victim transformed into a rabbit to being rescued and restored, learning the value of loyalty and courage from her humble servant.
Kind, grateful, vulnerable (initially), resilient (enduring starvation).
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful young noblewoman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has long, wavy golden-blonde hair, large blue eyes, and fair, clear skin. She wears a flowing gown of pale blue silk with delicate silver embroidery along the neckline and cuffs, and a simple silver circlet on her head. Her expression is gentle and grateful. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Dwarf ⚔ antagonist
Short in stature, with disproportionate features: a 'huge head' and a 'very long nose.' His overall appearance is described as 'ugly,' suggesting a somewhat grotesque or unsettling presence. He possesses surprising strength, able to wield an iron bar to open a rock door.
Attire: Likely simple, dark, and utilitarian clothing, perhaps roughspun tunic and trousers in dark, earthy tones, suitable for living in a cave and reflecting his malevolent nature. Nothing grand or decorative.
Wants: To become a man by marrying a princess, as promised by a powerful witch.
Flaw: His long nose, which is the key to breaking his enchantment; his reliance on magic rather than genuine affection.
Remains static in his villainy until his enchantment is broken, reverting to his original form as a toad, signifying his defeat and the failure of his manipulative scheme.
Rageful, persistent, cruel, manipulative, arrogant.
Image Prompt & Upload
A short, stout male figure with a disproportionately large head and an extremely long, bulbous nose. He has small, beady eyes and a scowling expression. He wears a rough, dark brown tunic and trousers, with simple leather boots. He holds a heavy iron bar in his right hand. His posture is hunched and aggressive. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Witch ◆ supporting
Likely gaunt or wizened, with features that suggest a life lived in the wild woods. Her appearance would be typical of a fairy tale witch, perhaps with a hooked nose and sharp eyes.
Attire: Practical, dark, and rustic clothing, perhaps a hooded cloak and a simple, dark dress made of coarse wool or linen, suitable for living in the woods. Adorned with natural elements like dried herbs or bones, if any.
Wants: To maintain the balance of magic, and perhaps to test those who seek her aid.
Flaw: Her power has limits; she cannot directly interfere with magic more powerful than her own.
A static character who provides a crucial tool and information, serving as a catalyst for Cilla's journey.
Mysterious, powerful (but with limits), cryptic, helpful (within her bounds).
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly woman with a gaunt face, sharp, dark eyes, and long, tangled grey hair. She wears a dark, hooded cloak made of rough wool over a simple, dark dress. Her hands are gnarled, and she holds a single, smooth, dark bean. Her expression is knowing and slightly stern. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The White Rabbit ◆ supporting
A small, 'poor, half-starved-looking' white rabbit. Its fur would be matted and dirty from neglect, and its body thin. Its eyes would appear sad or frightened.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To survive and escape its predicament.
Flaw: Its physical vulnerability and inability to act for itself.
Transforms from a helpless, starving animal back into the Princess, signifying her rescue and the breaking of the enchantment.
Frightened, passive, suffering.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, emaciated white rabbit with dull, matted fur. Its eyes are wide and fearful, and its body is visibly thin. It is hunched over, looking weak and distressed. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Royal Palace
A grand, sprawling palace where the king, princess, and prince reside, filled with many rooms and halls. It is a place of activity and celebration, but also despair when the princess goes missing.
Mood: Initially festive and hopeful for the wedding, then shifts to frantic and desperate during the search, finally peaceful and content for Cilla's later life.
The princess's disappearance and the subsequent search; Cilla's decision to find her mistress; Cilla's eventual reward and new home.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, opulent European Baroque palace interior at night, with high vaulted ceilings and gilded stucco. Moonlight streams through tall arched windows, illuminating polished marble floors and rich tapestries on the walls. Ornate chandeliers hang from above, casting long shadows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Witch's Dwelling in the Woods
The home of a witch, located deep within the woods, where Cilla seeks help. It is a place of limited magic and cryptic advice.
Mood: Mysterious, slightly eerie, but ultimately helpful.
Cilla receives the magic bean and crucial, albeit vague, information about the dwarf.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, rustic European cottage nestled deep within a dense, ancient forest at night. The cottage is built of rough-hewn timber and has a moss-covered thatched roof. A single window glows with a faint, warm light, casting a soft yellow rectangle onto the dark forest floor. Twisted, gnarled tree branches loom overhead, silhouetted against a moonless sky. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Deep Forest
A dense, expansive forest where Cilla wanders for days, characterized by thick undergrowth and towering trees, leading to a high, impassable rock.
Mood: Wild, untamed, isolating, and full of hidden paths.
Cilla's journey to find the dwarf, her discovery of the weeping sound, and her first encounter with the dwarf's hidden lair.
Image Prompt & Upload
A winding, overgrown path disappearing into a dense, ancient European forest. Towering oak and beech trees with thick, gnarled trunks form a dark canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns on the leaf-strewn ground. Thick undergrowth of ferns and thorny bushes line the path, creating a sense of wildness and mystery. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Dwarf's Rock Lair
A high, imposing rock with a cleverly concealed door, leading into a hidden cave. The exterior is rugged and natural, while the interior is a crude, dark space.
Mood: Secretive, ominous, and later, a place of confrontation and transformation.
Cilla discovers the dwarf's hiding place, confronts him, and rescues the princess.
Image Prompt & Upload
A massive, weathered granite rock face rising steeply from the forest floor, covered in patches of dark green moss and lichen. A narrow, almost invisible vertical crack runs down its surface, hinting at a hidden entrance. Sparse, gnarled pine trees cling to the rock's base, their roots snaking over the rough stone. The air is still and cool, with diffused daylight filtering through the dense forest canopy. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
