NICKO and the OGRE
by Abbie Phillips Walker · from Sandman's rainy day stories
Adapted Version
A big Ogre lived by a river. He ate all the fish. He made loud noises. The town was sad. People could not sleep.
One day, Nicko spoke. He was a brave young man. He would go to the forest. He would ask The Witch for help.
Nicko went to The Witch. "A Mermaid knows the secret," she said. "She sings to The Ogre every night."
Nicko made a special suit. It was green and silver. It looked like a big fish. He would swim to The Mermaid.
One night, The Mermaid sang. Nicko wore his fish suit. He swam after The Mermaid. She went under the water.
The Mermaid saw Nicko. "Your coat shines," she said. "I want a dress like that." Nicko said, "I will get it. Tell secret."
The Mermaid looked sad. "I am a Princess," she said. "The Ogre put a spell on me. A man must marry me. He must live in the river. Then the spell will break."
Nicko loved The Mermaid. "I will marry you," he said. He took off his fish suit. He was a man. "Show me your home."
The Sea King came. He was big and strong. He saw Nicko and The Mermaid. "You will marry," he said. He made them husband and wife. The spell broke for The Princess.
The Princess was happy. She said, "Ogre put spell on me." "Now he must change. Make him a big rock."
The Sea King smiled. "A rock is good," he said. The Witch came to help them. She took Nicko and The Princess. They went to the river bank.
The Witch saw The Ogre. She tapped him with her cane. "Be a rock," she said. The Ogre became a big rock. It was in the river.
The Witch flew Nicko and The Princess. They went to her parents' home. The King and Queen were happy. They saw their daughter.
Nicko and The Princess married. They lived a happy life. They became King and Queen. Being brave and loving made them happy.
Original Story
NICKO AND THE OGRE
Once upon a time there lived on the banks of a deep, wide river an ogre who ate all the fish in the river, never letting the people who lived in the town come near the river to fish.
And this was not all the ogre did. He would make such a noise when he slept that all the children were frightened so they could not sleep at night, and the people decided at last that something must be done.
One day a youth named Nicko said he would go to an old witch who lived in the forest and ask her what could be done.
So to this witch the youth went. “There is only one way to get rid of the ogre,” she told Nicko, “and that secret is known only to a mermaid, who comes up from the river every night and sings to the ogre.”
Of course the ogre would see Nicko if he went to the mermaid when she was singing, so he decided to have a suit made of green and silver that would make him look like a huge fish and dive into the river, hoping in that way to find the home of the mermaid and learn the secret she knew.
One night after the mermaid had finished her song to the ogre, Nicko slipped from behind a rock where he was hidden, dressed in his green-and-silver suit, and swam to the place he had seen the mermaid go under the water.
Down, down he went, and just before he reached the bottom of the river the mermaid turned around and saw him.
She had never seen such a beautiful big fish before and the silver glistened and shone so in the moonlight that the mermaid was filled with envy.
“Oh, beautiful fish, tell me where you got your shining coat! I must have a dress like it at once,” she said, swimming along beside Nicko.
“I will tell you, beautiful mermaid, willingly, and I will bring you a dress of wonderful brightness,” said Nicko, “if you will tell me how the people who live in the river town can get rid of the ogre you sing to every night.”
The mermaid no longer smiled when she heard this; her face looked sad and unhappy.
“That can never be done; for the way to be rid of the ogre is beyond my power, although I know the secret,” answered the mermaid; “but you cannot help me.”
“Well, if I cannot help you, at least tell me how it could be brought about that the river folk could be rid of their trouble.”
“A mortal must come to this river and live here,” said the mermaid. “And he must marry me. Now you see how impossible it is for any one to learn the rest of the secret, for who would marry a mermaid and live at the bottom of the river?”
Nicko had fallen in love with the pretty mermaid at first sight, and when he heard this he said: “Show me your home, pretty maid. Perhaps I can help you, even if I am only a fish.”
To the very bottom of the river the mermaid took Nicko, and when they stood on the white sand before her home of crystal Nicko said:
“Mermaid, I love you! Behold your mortal lover. Will you be my wife?”
As he spoke he threw off the green-and-silver costume he wore, and there stood the mortal who had come to woo her.
The pretty little mermaid blushed and hung her head. “I did not know; I could never have guessed you were a mortal,” she stammered.
“Of course you couldn’t,” said Nicko, almost forgetting why he was there, he was so very much in love with the pretty creature. “Now where shall I find your father?” he asked.
The little mermaid clapped her tiny hands, and from under the rock came many little silver-colored fish, swimming all around her.
“Run quickly and tell the dolphin to find Father Neptune,” said the mermaid.
Soon the water began to roll and tumble about, and Nicko saw swimming toward them two sea-horses drawing a chariot in which stood a man carrying in one hand a curious and big three-pronged fork.
“He is Father Neptune,” said the mermaid. “Ask him for me if you wish.”
“Well, young mortal, what do you wish here at the bottom of my river?” asked Father Neptune.
At first Nicko did not know what to say, for Father Neptune was very big and stern-looking; but when he saw the little mermaid swim up to him and lean her head against his shoulder he took courage and spoke.
“I wish to marry your daughter,” he said, “and live at the bottom of the river.”
Father Neptune began to smile. “The spell is broken for you, my dear,” he said to the little mermaid, “and I am glad. I would have helped you before this if I could, but it was not in my power.
“She is yours, mortal youth,” said Neptune. “I pronounce you man and wife. And now we will see what can be done to get rid of that awful ogre on the bank of the river. He has bothered me so much, I shall be glad to have him gone.”
“Now we are married,” said the mermaid to Nicko, “I can tell you I am not a mermaid at all, but a king’s daughter who was changed into a mermaid to sing for the ogre because my father did not invite the dreadful ogre to a feast at his palace one night.
“The ogre cast a spell over me which could be broken only when a mortal should come to the bottom of the river and ask me to marry him, which the ogre thought never could happen.
“Now it is my turn to have the ogre changed into another form, and if Father Neptune will consent I will ask the old forest witch to change him into a big rock in the middle of the river.”
“Very well, my dear,” said Father Neptune, “a big rock will be an addition to my river, and when I run in here to rest my sea-horses will have a place to play and my dolphins a place to sit.”
“Good-by, Father Neptune,” said the mermaid. “I shall no longer wear this form after to-night, for when I touch the land I shall be a mortal again.”
“I will take you to the shore,” said Father Neptune; “jump in, both of you.” It took only a minute for the sea-horses to dash to the top of the river, and another for them to bring the chariot to the bank of the river near the forest.
Nicko jumped out and lifted the little mermaid to the ground, which she no sooner touched than before him stood a beautiful young girl on two dainty feet.
When he looked around Father Neptune was gone and the Princess (for we must call her so now) said: “We must hurry to the witch and tell her before sunrise, or the ogre will have another day in which to bother the river-town people.”
When the old witch saw the Princess she began to laugh. “Ha-ha!” she said. “Now the ogre will be in my power. Leave him to me, my dear. I will change him into any shape you wish.”
The Princess told her she wished him changed into a huge rock to be placed in the middle of the river.
“Come along, my pretties; you shall see it done,” said the old witch, clapping her hands as she spoke.
Up from behind the cave jumped a big broomstick, and on it hopped the witch and the Princess and Nicko, and off they flew to the place where the ogre sat fishing by the river.
When they were near enough for the old witch to touch him with her crooked cane she leaned over and tapped him on the head and said:
“In the middle of the river,
To dwell there forever,
A rock you shall be
So all folks may see.”
A peal of thunder that shook the woods around was heard, and then a loud splash.
When the mist of the splashing water cleared Nicko and the Princess saw a huge black rock in the middle of the river, and the next thing they knew they were flying through the air with the old witch again.
“Here is your home, Princess,” said the witch at last. “They will be waiting for you and your husband, for I sent word you had been rescued, and a feast is being made in honor of your marriage.”
Before Nicko or his bride could thank the witch she was far above their heads and flying away.
The King and the Queen were overjoyed to have their daughter again and gave Nicko such a welcome that he quite forgot his home by the river and never returned.
But this did not matter, as he was an orphan, but no one thought of him as being the cause of the ogre’s disappearance. The people in the river town knew the ogre had gone, and they cared not who brought it about.
Nicko and the Princess lived happily ever after, and one day became the King and Queen in the country where they lived.
Story DNA
Moral
True love and courage can break even the most powerful curses and bring justice.
Plot Summary
An ogre terrorizes a river town, prompting a brave youth named Nicko to seek help from a witch. The witch reveals that only a cursed mermaid, who sings to the ogre, knows the secret to defeat him. Nicko, disguised as a fish, meets the mermaid and learns her curse can only be broken if a mortal marries her. Falling in love, Nicko proposes, breaking the spell and revealing the mermaid to be a princess. With the help of Father Neptune and the witch, the ogre is transformed into a rock, and Nicko and the Princess are reunited with her royal family, living happily ever after.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects common fairy tale tropes popular in Western children's literature, often featuring a hero's quest, magical assistance, and a romantic resolution.
Plot Beats (14)
- An ogre terrorizes a river town by eating all the fish and making loud noises, prompting the townspeople to seek a solution.
- Nicko, a young man, volunteers to consult an old witch in the forest for advice.
- The witch reveals that only a mermaid, who sings to the ogre nightly, knows the secret to defeat him.
- Nicko creates a green-and-silver fish suit to approach the mermaid underwater without being seen by the ogre.
- Nicko follows the mermaid underwater and, disguised as a beautiful fish, engages her in conversation.
- The mermaid, envious of his shining 'coat,' agrees to tell Nicko the ogre's secret if he brings her a similar dress.
- The mermaid reveals the secret: she is a cursed princess, and the spell can only be broken if a mortal marries her and lives at the bottom of the river.
- Nicko, having fallen in love, proposes to the mermaid, revealing his true mortal form.
- Father Neptune, the sea king, appears and, pleased with Nicko's courage and love, marries them, breaking the princess's curse.
- The now-human Princess reveals her true identity and the origin of her curse, then requests the ogre be transformed into a rock.
- Father Neptune agrees, and the Princess and Nicko return to the surface with the witch's help.
- The witch uses her magic to transform the ogre into a huge rock in the middle of the river.
- The witch transports Nicko and the Princess to her parents' palace, where they are joyfully reunited.
- Nicko and the Princess marry and live happily ever after, eventually becoming King and Queen.
Characters
Nicko ★ protagonist
A youth of average height and build, with a determined yet kind demeanor. His features are pleasant and unassuming, reflecting his humble origins.
Attire: Initially, simple, practical peasant clothing made of sturdy linen or wool in muted earth tones. When disguised, he wears a custom-made suit of green and silver fabric, designed to resemble a huge fish, shimmering and glistening.
Wants: To rid his town of the ogre's menace and to find love and a home.
Flaw: Can be somewhat naive or easily distracted by beauty, as seen when he almost forgets his mission due to his love for the mermaid.
Transforms from a brave but ordinary youth seeking a solution for his town into a loving husband and eventually a king, finding his true home and purpose through his quest.
Brave, resourceful, compassionate, quick-witted, and deeply romantic. He is willing to take risks for the good of his community and for love.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has light brown hair, a kind, determined face with warm brown eyes, and fair skin. He wears a shimmering, form-fitting suit of green and silver fabric, designed to resemble fish scales, with subtle fins at the elbows and knees. His hands are at his sides. Confident and slightly curious expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Ogre ⚔ antagonist
A large, formidable, and imposing creature, likely with a brutish build and a menacing presence. His skin might be rough or greenish, indicative of his monstrous nature.
Attire: No specific clothing is mentioned, implying a wild or primal appearance, perhaps just a loincloth or tattered garments. His form is more about his monstrous physicality.
Wants: To indulge his appetites (eating fish) and exert his power over others, possibly driven by a desire for attention or revenge (for not being invited to the feast).
Flaw: His arrogance and overconfidence, which lead him to believe his spell on the princess is unbreakable. He underestimates the power of love and human ingenuity.
Remains static in his villainy until he is magically transformed into a rock, losing all agency and power.
Selfish, cruel, loud, and disruptive. He cares only for his own desires, terrorizing the local populace and disrupting the natural order.
Image Prompt & Upload
A very large, brutish male creature standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has greenish, rough skin, a wide, unpleasant mouth, small beady eyes, and matted dark hair. His body is heavily muscled and imposing. He wears tattered brown breeches. His posture is hunched and menacing. A scowling, angry expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Old Witch ◆ supporting
An ancient woman, likely thin and stooped with age, but possessing an underlying magical energy. Her features would be sharp and wise, perhaps with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Attire: Dark, practical, and somewhat tattered robes or a dress made of coarse wool or linen, perhaps in shades of deep green or brown, adorned with various pouches or charms. She might wear a pointed hat.
Wants: To maintain balance, assist those in need (especially against powerful evils like the ogre), and perhaps to enjoy the spectacle of her magic.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated, but perhaps a tendency to enjoy her own power a little too much, or a slight detachment from human emotions.
Serves as a magical guide and enforcer, facilitating the resolution of the conflict without undergoing personal change.
Wise, powerful, cunning, and somewhat mischievous. She enjoys exercising her power and seeing justice served, often with a touch of theatricality.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a thin, wrinkled face with a prominent nose, sharp green eyes, and long, wild, tangled grey hair. She wears a dark, tattered, deep green wool robe with several small leather pouches attached. She leans on a gnarled, crooked wooden cane. A knowing, slightly mischievous smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Mermaid / The Princess ◆ supporting
As a mermaid: Beautiful and graceful with a shimmering tail. As a princess: A beautiful young girl with dainty feet, elegant and regal.
Attire: As a mermaid: Her 'dress' is her shimmering, silver-colored fish tail, which she envies Nicko's 'shining coat'. As a princess: Upon transformation, she would wear a beautiful, perhaps simple, gown befitting a princess who has been under a spell, likely in soft, flowing fabrics and colors, perhaps blue or green to reflect her time in the water.
Wants: To break the spell that binds her as a mermaid and return to her human form and family. To find true love.
Flaw: Her initial helplessness and resignation under the ogre's spell. Her envy of Nicko's 'shining coat' is a momentary flaw that Nicko exploits.
Transforms from a cursed, sad mermaid into a liberated, joyful princess who marries Nicko and eventually becomes a queen, regaining her true identity and power.
Initially sad, envious, and resigned due to her curse. Once the curse is broken, she becomes joyful, loving, and decisive, showing her true royal nature.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a delicate, pretty face with large, expressive blue eyes and long, flowing, pale golden hair. She wears a shimmering, form-fitting silver fish tail from the waist down, with a simple, elegant top of iridescent scales. Her upper body is graceful and poised. A gentle, slightly wistful expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Father Neptune ◆ supporting
A very big and stern-looking man, with a powerful, regal build befitting a sea god. His skin might be weathered from the sea, or have a slightly blue/green tint.
Attire: Regal attire made of flowing, dark blue or green fabrics, possibly adorned with shells or pearls. He might wear a crown of coral or sea-worn gold.
Wants: To maintain order in his domain, protect his 'daughter', and rid his river of nuisances like the ogre.
Flaw: Bound by certain magical laws or powers that prevent him from directly breaking the ogre's spell on his 'daughter' until specific conditions are met.
Acts as a catalyst for the resolution, giving his blessing to Nicko and the Princess, and expressing his satisfaction at the ogre's removal.
Stern but ultimately benevolent and just. He is powerful and authoritative, but also caring towards his 'daughter' (the mermaid) and appreciative of those who help resolve problems.
Image Prompt & Upload
A very large, stern-looking man standing upright in a chariot, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a majestic face with a long, flowing white beard and hair, deep blue commanding eyes, and weathered skin. He wears flowing, dark blue and green robes adorned with subtle shell patterns. He holds a large, ornate three-pronged golden fork in his right hand. His posture is regal and authoritative. A powerful, serious expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Banks of the Deep, Wide River
The edge of a significant river, wide and deep, where an ogre resides. The river is a source of fish for the local townspeople. There are rocks suitable for hiding.
Mood: Initially menacing due to the ogre's presence, later becomes a place of transformation and resolution.
The ogre's domain, where he prevents fishing and where Nicko observes the mermaid and later brings her to shore.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, deep river flows calmly under a full moon, reflecting the silver light on its surface. The banks are gently sloped, with large, smooth river stones and patches of damp earth. Sparse, dark reeds line the water's edge, and a few ancient, gnarled trees with exposed roots cling to the higher ground. The air is still and cool, with a faint mist rising from the water. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Old Witch's Forest Home
The dwelling of an old witch, located deep within a forest. It's a place of ancient magic and knowledge.
Mood: Mysterious, wise, slightly eerie but ultimately helpful.
Nicko seeks advice from the witch, and later the Princess and Nicko return to her to enact the final spell on the ogre.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, gnarled hut, half-hidden by ancient, moss-covered oak trees, sits deep within a dense, shadowy forest. The hut's walls are made of rough-hewn timber and packed earth, with a low, thatched roof covered in vibrant green moss. A wisp of smoke curls from a stone chimney. Sunlight filters dimly through the thick canopy, dappling the forest floor which is covered in fallen leaves and twisted roots. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Bottom of the River - Mermaid's Crystal Home
A magical dwelling at the very bottom of the deep river, made of crystal, situated on white sand. It is the home of the mermaid and later visited by Father Neptune.
Mood: Enchanting, serene, magical, initially melancholic for the mermaid, then joyful.
Nicko discovers the mermaid's true identity, proposes marriage, and meets Father Neptune, breaking the spell.
Image Prompt & Upload
A luminous crystal dwelling rests on a bed of pristine white sand at the bottom of a deep, freshwater river. The crystal walls shimmer with an ethereal glow, reflecting the soft, diffused moonlight filtering down from the surface. Small, silver-scaled fish dart through swaying aquatic plants that anchor to smooth river stones. The water is incredibly clear, revealing the gentle undulations of the sandy floor and the distant, dark shapes of larger rocks. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Royal Palace
The grand residence of the King and Queen, where the Princess was born and to which she returns after her enchantment is broken. It is a place of celebration and feasting.
Mood: Joyful, welcoming, regal, celebratory.
The Princess and Nicko return to her home kingdom, where they are welcomed with a feast and eventually become King and Queen.
Image Prompt & Upload
A magnificent European Renaissance-style palace stands proudly under a clear, bright sky. Its facade is constructed of pale, finely carved stone, adorned with ornate balconies and tall arched windows. Lush, formal gardens with manicured hedges and vibrant flowerbeds stretch out before the palace. Sunlight bathes the scene, highlighting the intricate details of the architecture and casting soft shadows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
