SUNEV
by Abbie Phillips Walker · from Sandman's rainy day stories
Adapted Version
Once, Sunev was a beautiful girl. Her hair was golden. It shone like the sun. Her eyes were blue. Her lips were red.
Witch Zitna lived nearby. She saw Sunev. Witch Zitna was not happy. She wanted Other Girl to marry Prince. She did not want Sunev there.
Sunev went to the forest. Witch Zitna touched her. Sunev turned into a tiger. This happened in the forest.
Sunev was scared. She cried. Forest animals came to her. They told Sunev, 'Do not cry. We will help.'
Witch Zitna took Other Girl to Prince. The Prince thought she was pretty. But he waited for a special lady. He sent helpers to look again.
Good Goddess Venus lived far away. She heard about a special tiger. The tiger was very graceful. Good Goddess Venus wanted to see it.
Good Goddess Venus saw the tiger. She knew it was a girl. This girl was her godchild. Good Goddess Venus felt sad for her.
Good Goddess Venus found Witch Zitna. She told witch, '
Original Story
SUNEV
There was once a poor peasant and his wife who had a very beautiful daughter named Sunev. So beautiful was she that her hair rivaled the sun in its golden brightness. Her eyes were like the blue sky and her lips were so red that the roses beheld her with envy. Her skin was so white and fair that the winter snow was not whiter. Her teeth were like the pearls. And when an old witch named Zitna, who lived in the forest near by, saw Sunev one day she became enraged because she was more beautiful than her own daughter.
Witch Zitna had thought till then that her own daughter was the most beautiful creature in the world, for the witch child was as dark as Sunev was fair, and Witch Zitna wished the Prince of Esor, who was looking for a wife, to wed her.
She knew that the Prince had sent out his servants far and near to look for the most beautiful lady in the country for his wife, and if Sunev were brought before the Prince of Esor her daughter would never be chosen.
There was only one thing to do, and that was to entice the lovely Sunev into the forest and there change her into the shape of an animal and leave her to her fate.
The wicked Witch Zitna watched her chance, and one day, when Sunev was sent into the forest to gather wood, Witch Zitna slipped out from behind a tree and touched her with her magic stick, changing her into a tiger.
Poor little Sunev was so frightened when she beheld her paws she fell on the ground and began to moan and cry and all the birds and animals of the forest came running to see what had happened.
The witch, in her haste, forgot to deprive Sunev of her power to talk, so when the birds and animals wanted to know what was the matter she told them she did not know, but something dreadful had happened and she was no longer a girl, but a tiger, and was afraid to go home.
The birds and animals can understand any language, and, being now part animal herself, Sunev had no trouble in understanding them.
“Do not cry,” they told her. “It must be the work of Witch Zitna, but we will protect you, and when the hunters come we will warn you so you may hide until they go. Eat the berries and nuts and we will find you a nice place to sleep, so dry your eyes and some way may be found to restore you to your own shape.”
Sunev did as the birds and animals told her, for there was no other way, and soon she became fond of her forest home and all her new friends.
Witch Zitna now proceeded to have her beautiful daughter seen by the messengers of the Prince of Esor, and they carried her off to his palace, sure they had found at last a wife that would suit their royal master.
Of course the parents of little Sunev looked everywhere for her, but she could not be found, and when they saw the tiger coming toward them they fled, for they did not know that the beautiful and graceful tiger-skin held their own child.
The Prince of Esor, when he saw the witch child, thought that she was beautiful, but he had wished for a wife that was as fair, so he decided to wait, and sent out his servants again to look for a lady with golden hair.
Witch Zitna was enraged when she heard this, for she knew that until her daughter was safely married to the Prince she was not safe.
The reason for this was that every night Venus, the goddess of beauty, came to the forest to look for the graceful tiger the fairies had told her about, for, while Sunev looked like a tiger, she had more grace and beauty than a real tiger, though they are graceful, too.
Venus did not wish even a tiger to rival her in being graceful, so she wanted to see this wonderful animal that she might learn from it more charm.
One night Sunev was walking through the forest in the moonlight when Venus, in the form of a tree, beheld her.
Knowing at once that the graceful tiger was a mortal changed, she called her attendants, who were not far away, and, changing herself back to her own beautiful form, she spoke to Sunev.
“What is your name, beautiful creature, and why are you in this form?” she asked.
It was the first time any one but the birds and animals had spoken to her since Witch Zitna had changed her, and poor little Sunev began to cry for joy.
Venus soothed her and soon Sunev told her all she knew of her sad plight. But when she told the goddess her name a flash of anger came to the eyes of Venus.
“Old Witch Zitna has done this,” said the goddess. “She shall pay for it, for, my dear, your name is mine spelled backward and you are my godchild. Zitna knew she had much to fear in the beauty you possess. Come with me!”
It did not take long to reach the cave of Zitna, for Venus had the power of witches and fairies when she wished to use it.
“Come forth!” called Venus, when they reached the cave of Zitna. “Undo your cruel work,” she commanded, when the trembling witch appeared in the doorway of her cave.
In another minute Sunev stood in her own lovely shape before Venus, who, instead of being jealous of the wonderful beauty she beheld, drew Sunev to her and kissed her on her brow.
“You will always be the most beautiful woman in the land,” she said. “Be you old or young, none shall compare with you.
“As for your daughter, Witch Zitna, you will never see her again, for a mother who would treat the daughter of another as you have done this beautiful girl is not the sort to have a daughter. I will claim your daughter as well as Sunev for my godchild.”
Sunev did not know how they reached the door of her parents’ home, but she stood there a short time after, and with trembling hands opened the door.
Oh, how happy her father and mother were to have her again! The joy of seeing her safe made them forget the time, and it was the trumpeting of the Prince of Esor’s messengers that told them the day was far gone.
The messengers knocked at the door, and when Sunev opened it they knew they had found the wife of their Prince.
Sunev’s father and mother were overcome with sorrow when the messengers told their errand. They thought they had found their child, only to lose her again, but the messengers told them they might go along to the palace. So they all set out.
When the Prince of Esor saw the beauty of Sunev he knew she was the one woman in the world for him, and without delay he ordered the wedding feast to be prepared.
A wonderful gown of white and gold was brought from the royal clothes-room, and a crown of pearls and diamonds was placed upon her beautiful golden hair, and upon her dainty feet golden slippers and silk stockings.
Her father and mother were not forgotten by the Prince, either. They were dressed in clothes they had never even dreamed of and given a palace near where Sunev and Prince Esor were to live.
But what had become of the beautiful witch child all this time, for, of course, she was not to blame for the bad deed of Witch Zitna and should not be made to suffer?
She was safe and happy, you may be sure, for she was surrounded by every comfort and luxury in another part of the palace, and she did not wish to become the wife of the Prince.
Instead, she loved one of the friends of the Prince, a noble lord who had fallen in love with her, but did not dare speak his love because he knew the Prince might choose her for his bride.
But when this noble lord heard a wife had been found for his Prince and it was not the beautiful girl he loved, he told the witch child of his love and they were married the very night that the Prince and Sunev were married.
And it turned out that the witch child was not a witch child at all, but had been stolen when a baby from a stork who was carrying her through the forest to the home of a nobleman, for the goddess Venus, true to her promise, took both of the beautiful girls for her godchildren and had the fairies see that they were both made happy.
The witch child was given a pretty name, but her husband best loved to call her the Queen of Night, because of her wonderful dark beauty.
Sunev was the Princess of Esor, of course, but the Prince called her Princess Rose, and if you will spell Esor backward you will learn why.
Story DNA
Moral
Cruelty and envy will be punished, while true beauty and innocence will be rewarded and protected.
Plot Summary
Sunev, a peasant girl of extraordinary beauty, is transformed into a tiger by the jealous Witch Zitna, who wants her own daughter to marry Prince Esor. Befriended by forest animals, Sunev lives in the wild until Venus, the goddess of beauty and Sunev's godmother, discovers her. Venus forces Zitna to reverse the spell, restores Sunev, and ensures both Sunev and Zitna's daughter (who is revealed to be a stolen noble child) find happiness and love. Sunev marries Prince Esor, and Zitna's daughter marries a noble lord, with both girls living under Venus's protection.
Themes
Emotional Arc
innocence to suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story draws on classic European fairy tale tropes, including a wicked witch, a beautiful maiden, a prince, and divine intervention, without specific historical anchors.
Plot Beats (15)
- Sunev, a peasant girl of extraordinary beauty, is introduced.
- Witch Zitna, envious of Sunev's beauty and wanting her own daughter to marry Prince Esor, decides to eliminate Sunev.
- Zitna transforms Sunev into a tiger in the forest.
- Sunev, still able to speak, is comforted and protected by the forest animals.
- Zitna presents her daughter to Prince Esor, but he is not completely satisfied and continues his search for a fairer bride.
- Venus, the goddess of beauty, hears about the unusually graceful tiger and seeks it out.
- Venus discovers Sunev, recognizes her as a transformed mortal and her godchild (Sunev is Venus spelled backward).
- Venus confronts Witch Zitna, forcing her to reverse the spell and restoring Sunev to her human form.
- Venus punishes Zitna by taking her daughter away, claiming both Sunev and Zitna's daughter as her godchildren.
- Sunev returns home to her overjoyed parents.
- Prince Esor's messengers find Sunev and bring her to the palace.
- Prince Esor immediately falls in love with Sunev and they prepare for their wedding.
- Sunev's parents are given a palace and fine clothes.
- Zitna's daughter, revealed to be a stolen noble child, marries a noble lord and is also made happy by Venus.
- Both Sunev and the former witch child live happily ever after, protected by Venus.
Characters
Sunev ★ protagonist
Of average height and slender build, Sunev possesses an ethereal beauty. Her skin is exceptionally fair and white, rivaling winter snow. Her overall appearance is delicate and graceful, even when transformed into a tiger.
Attire: Initially, she wears simple peasant clothes suitable for gathering wood. For her wedding, she is adorned in a magnificent gown of white and gold, silk stockings, and golden slippers.
Wants: To return to her human form and her family, and later, to find happiness and safety.
Flaw: Her innocence and vulnerability make her an easy target for Witch Zitna's malice.
Transforms from a vulnerable peasant girl into a tiger, learns to live in the forest, is restored to her human form by Venus, and ultimately marries Prince Esor, becoming a Princess.
Frightened, innocent, adaptable, kind, grateful. She is initially terrified by her transformation but quickly adapts to her new life in the forest, showing resilience and a gentle nature.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young peasant woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has long, bright golden hair that cascades down her back, round sky-blue eyes, and very fair, snow-white skin with full, rose-red lips. Her face is delicate and beautiful. She wears a simple, light brown linen peasant dress with a cream apron tied at the waist, and sturdy brown leather shoes. She holds a small bundle of firewood in her arms. Her expression is gentle and slightly wary. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Witch Zitna ⚔ antagonist
An old witch, likely hunched or gaunt, with an appearance that reflects her wicked nature. Her features are probably sharp and unpleasant, contrasting sharply with Sunev's beauty.
Attire: Not explicitly described, but would be typical of a forest witch – dark, simple, perhaps tattered robes, possibly adorned with natural elements or charms.
Wants: To ensure her own daughter marries Prince Esor and to eliminate Sunev, whom she perceives as a rival in beauty.
Flaw: Her overconfidence in her magic and her fear of more powerful beings like Venus.
Initiates the conflict by transforming Sunev, attempts to marry her daughter to the Prince, but is ultimately defeated and stripped of her daughter by Venus.
Envious, wicked, cruel, cunning, vengeful. She is driven by jealousy and a desire to elevate her own daughter, resorting to dark magic without hesitation.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly woman with a hunched posture, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a gaunt, wrinkled face with sharp, dark eyes and a hooked nose. Her hair is long, straggly, and grey, partially covered by a dark, pointed hood. She wears a tattered, dark green cloak made of coarse wool over a simple, dark brown dress. Her hands are gnarled, and she clutches a gnarled wooden staff. Her expression is malicious and cunning. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Witch Child (Queen of Night) ◆ supporting
As dark as Sunev is fair, implying dark hair, eyes, and possibly a darker complexion. She is described as beautiful.
Attire: Initially, she would wear clothes chosen by Witch Zitna, likely fine but perhaps not as radiant as Sunev's. Later, as the Queen of Night, she would wear luxurious, possibly dark-hued garments befitting her title and beauty.
Wants: To find love and happiness, not necessarily to marry the Prince.
Flaw: Her passive nature makes her a pawn in her mother's schemes.
Used by her supposed mother to marry the Prince, but ultimately finds true love with a noble lord and marries him, discovering her true noble heritage and becoming the 'Queen of Night'.
Passive, innocent, loving. She is not to blame for her mother's deeds and is capable of genuine love, as shown by her affection for the noble lord.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young noblewoman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has long, flowing dark brown hair, deep brown eyes, and a warm, olive complexion. Her face is exquisitely beautiful with elegant features. She wears a rich, dark blue velvet gown with silver embroidery along the neckline and sleeves, and a delicate silver circlet on her head. Her expression is serene and gentle, with a hint of quiet strength. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Prince of Esor ◆ supporting
A royal prince, likely handsome and well-built, befitting his status and the expectation of a suitable husband for Sunev.
Attire: Royal attire, likely rich fabrics like silk and velvet, in colors befitting royalty, possibly with golden accents or embroidery. He would wear a crown or other royal headwear.
Wants: To find the most beautiful woman in the land to be his wife and queen.
Flaw: His initial reliance on his messengers' judgment, though he ultimately trusts his own eyes.
Searches for a wife, is initially presented with the witch child, but waits for true beauty, finds Sunev, and marries her.
Discerning, patient, decisive, kind. He is particular about his choice of wife, waiting for true beauty, and is generous to Sunev's parents.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man of noble bearing, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has short, neatly styled brown hair, clear blue eyes, and a strong, handsome face. He wears a rich, crimson velvet tunic with gold embroidery on the collar and cuffs, a wide gold belt, and dark breeches with tall, polished leather boots. A golden circlet rests on his head. His posture is confident and regal. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Venus ◆ supporting
Possesses her own beautiful form, described as 'beautiful' and 'graceful'. She can transform into a tree.
Attire: When in her true form, she would wear flowing, ethereal garments, perhaps in white or gold, reflecting her divine status and association with beauty. When disguised as a tree, she would appear as a natural, majestic tree.
Wants: To protect her godchild Sunev, to punish Witch Zitna for her cruelty, and to maintain her status as the ultimate embodiment of grace and beauty.
Flaw: A slight vanity regarding her own grace, which leads her to observe Sunev.
Observes Sunev, discovers her plight, restores her to human form, punishes Witch Zitna, and ensures the happiness of both Sunev and the witch child.
Protective, just, powerful, discerning, slightly vain (initially curious about Sunev's grace). She is angered by injustice and fiercely protective of her godchildren.
Image Prompt & Upload
A divine woman of ethereal beauty, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has long, flowing golden hair, luminous blue eyes, and flawless, radiant skin. Her face is perfectly symmetrical and serene. She wears a flowing, translucent white gown made of silk and chiffon, adorned with delicate gold leaf patterns, revealing her graceful form. Her posture is majestic and serene, with a gentle, knowing smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Noble Lord ○ minor
A friend of Prince Esor, implying a handsome and distinguished appearance befitting his noble status.
Attire: Fine noble attire, likely rich fabrics and well-tailored garments, but perhaps less ostentatious than the Prince's.
Wants: To marry the woman he loves.
Flaw: His initial reluctance to express his love due to his loyalty to the Prince.
Marries the witch child on the same night as Sunev and the Prince, finding his own happiness.
Honorable, patient, loving. He secretly loves the witch child but respects the Prince's potential claim, only confessing his love when the path is clear.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young nobleman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has neatly combed dark brown hair, kind brown eyes, and a pleasant, strong face. He wears a tailored, forest-green velvet doublet with silver buttons, a crisp white linen shirt underneath, and dark breeches with knee-high leather boots. His posture is upright and honorable. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Peasant's Home
A humble dwelling, likely a small, simple cottage typical of a poor peasant family in a European setting, with basic furnishings.
Mood: Initially warm and loving, later filled with sorrow and despair over Sunev's disappearance, then overwhelming joy upon her return.
Sunev lives here with her parents; she returns here after being transformed back into human form; her parents are reunited with her here.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, weathered half-timbered cottage with a thatched roof nestled amongst rolling green hills. Smoke gently curls from a stone chimney. A simple wooden door stands slightly ajar, revealing a glimpse of a warm, dimly lit interior. Wildflowers grow in a small patch near the entrance. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Forest
A dense, ancient forest, home to an old witch and various animals. It's a place of both danger and refuge, with berries, nuts, and hiding spots.
Mood: Initially eerie and dangerous due to the witch's presence, then becomes a place of solace and friendship for Sunev, and later magical with Venus's appearance.
Sunev is transformed into a tiger here; she lives here with the animals; Venus finds and transforms her back; Witch Zitna's cave is located here.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dense, ancient European forest at night, bathed in cool moonlight filtering through a thick canopy of gnarled oak and tall birch trees. The forest floor is covered in fallen leaves and mossy roots, with patches of glowing fungi. A winding, barely visible path disappears into the shadows. The air is still and mysterious. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Witch Zitna's Cave
A dark, trembling cave, the lair of the wicked Witch Zitna, hidden deep within the forest.
Mood: Foreboding, fearful, and magical, especially when Venus confronts the witch.
Venus confronts Witch Zitna here, forcing her to reverse the spell on Sunev.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dark, jagged cave entrance carved into a moss-covered rock face deep within a shadowy forest. Twisted tree roots cling to the damp stone. A faint, eerie glow emanates from within the cave's depths, hinting at unseen magic. The air feels cold and ancient. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Prince of Esor's Palace
A grand and luxurious royal residence, befitting a prince, with royal clothes-rooms and separate quarters for guests.
Mood: Initially expectant and formal, then joyous and celebratory during the double wedding.
The witch child is brought here; Sunev is brought here and chosen as the Prince's wife; the double wedding takes place here; Sunev's parents are given a palace nearby.
Image Prompt & Upload
A magnificent Renaissance-era European palace interior, featuring soaring vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes and gilded trim. Sunlight streams through tall arched windows, illuminating polished marble floors and rich tapestries depicting heroic scenes. A grand staircase with carved balustrades leads to upper levels. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
