THE SILVER HORSESHOES
by Abbie Phillips Walker · from Sandman's rainy day stories
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, there was a King. He had a Princess. She lived in a tall tower.
The King made a rule. He put his Princess in a tower. The tower was on a high mountain. The mountain was very hard to climb. He said, "Reach the top. Marry my Princess."
Many young men came. They tried to climb. Their horses slipped back. The mountain was like glass. No one could reach the top.
A Prince lived far away. He was very poor. He had only a castle. He had a Black Horse. He felt sad. He wanted to try. He could not go. He had no fine clothes.
The Prince talked to his horse. The Black Horse spoke back. "Go to the woods," it said. "Find the Witch's cave. Get my shoes at night." Prince was surprised.
The Prince went to the woods. He met a fox. The fox said, "Go home!" Met a wolf. The wolf ran away. An owl flew past. It warned him too.
The Prince found the cave. He looked inside. The Witch was there. She had a Cat. They wore silver shoes. They danced and flew. They walked on the wall. The shoes were magic.
The Witch hid the shoes. She fell asleep. The Cat slept too. The Prince crept in. He wanted the shoes. The Witch woke up. She played a trick. She pushed him down.
The Prince was in the hole. He saw the shoes. He put two on his feet. He held two in his hands. He jumped up high. He was out of the hole.
The Witch chased him. The Cat was with her. They flew on a broom. The shoes shone bright. The Witch stopped. The Cat stopped. They turned to stone. The Prince was safe.
The Prince went to his horse. He put shoes on its feet. The Black Horse was happy. They went to the mountain. The horse climbed easily. They went up, up, up.
They reached the tower. The Princess saw him. She sent a white thread. A golden curl was on it. She wanted him to come. She was waiting for him.
The Prince took the shoes. He put two on his feet. He held two in his hands. He walked up the wall. The wall was very smooth. He climbed very fast.
He reached the window. The Princess smiled. He went inside. He took her in his arms. He walked down the wall. They went down the mountain.
The King was waiting. Many people waited. The King smiled big. He praised the Prince. "You are brave!" he said. They planned a wedding. They lived happily ever after.
The Prince was brave and smart. He showed trying hard works!
Original Story
THE SILVER HORSESHOES
Once upon a time there lived a king who wanted a son-in-law who would be a good soldier as well as a good husband, so he put his daughter, the Princess, who, of course, was very beautiful, in a tower on top of a high mountain. Then he sent out word all over his kingdom and to all the other kingdoms that to the youth who could get to the top of the tower he would give the Princess for a wife.
But when the youths came from far and near they found the mountain was slippery as glass, and their horses slipped back faster than they could climb.
In a kingdom far from where the King lived was a poor prince whose father had lost all his lands and money in wars, so that when he died he left the Prince nothing but the castle and a black horse.
One day the Prince was feeding his horse and thinking of the Princess on top of the high mountain in the tower, and he spoke his thought out loud.
“If only I had some clothes fit to be seen,” he said, “I would try to reach the Princess in the tower, and this poverty would be at an end. And you, my beauty, would have oats in plenty then,” patting the horse on the neck.
“Why don’t you try, master?” said the horse.
The Prince was surprised to hear the horse speak, but still he had heard of such things happening, and he answered, saying: “I have no clothes; besides, many others have tried, and no horse is able to climb the mountain.”
“Master, go to the witch that lives in a cave in the middle of the woods at midnight and get my shoes,” said the horse. And then he fell to eating his scanty dinner and said no more.
The Prince thought there was nothing to lose by doing as the horse told him, so that night he went to the woods to find the witch. The woods he found easily, but to find the cave was a different matter. First he met a fox, and he asked the way to the cave of the witch.
“Oh, master,” said the fox, “take my advice and go home; no good will come to you if you find it.”
But the Prince would not give up the quest, so he asked a wolf that he met next where the cave was located in the woods.
The wolf ran away, saying: “You better go home. That cave will bring only harm to any one who finds it.”
The Prince was not to be frightened and on he went, and an owl was the next one he saw. “Where is the cave the old witch lives in?” he asked.
“Hoot! hoot!” said the owl, flapping his wings. “Be off, man, while there is time. Don’t go near that cave if you value your life,” and off flew the owl, leaving the Prince no wiser than before.
After going deep into the woods—in fact, he was at the very center and did not know it—the Prince stood still and listened.
A sound reached his ear which seemed like the clatter of horses’ hoofs, and the Prince went in the direction from which the sound came.
All at once he found himself in front of the cave for which he had searched so long, and, looking in, he saw the old witch prancing about in the craziest manner.
She would climb the side of her cave with as much ease as she could walk across the floor, and then, giving a spring, she would walk on the top of the cave, her head hanging down toward the floor.
While the Prince was looking and wondering at this strange performance he noticed something shining on her feet, and when he looked closer, to his surprise he saw that the witch had on her feet silver horseshoes. Then he knew what his black horse had said was worth listening to—he was to get the shoes the old witch was wearing.
But then he thought: “She has on only two; I must have four. I wonder where are the other two.”
Just then a black cat came dancing into the cave, and on her hind feet the Prince saw the other two shoes he wanted. Such dancing and climbing the Prince had never seen as was done by the old witch and her black cat. The silver shoes seemed to take them anywhere and they could do anything while they wore them.
After a while the witch and the black cat grew weary and took off the shoes, and the Prince saw them lift up a stone in the middle of the cave and drop the four silver horseshoes into a hole and then drop the stone again.
After the witch and the black cat were fast asleep in one corner of the cave the Prince crept in softly and lifted the stone. At the bottom of a deep hole he saw the horseshoes, and he was wondering how he could get them when he felt a push from behind and down he went into the hole, landing at the bottom where the shoes were.
The old witch had awakened and had pushed him in, and the Prince could hear her and the cat jumping about and laughing with glee that they had trapped him.
When the Prince found himself in the hole under the cave where the old witch lived he thought his end had come. It was as dark as a dungeon. The only thing he could see was the glitter of the silver horseshoes.
While he stood looking at them and thinking how the old witch and her cat jumped about, and wondering what she would do with him, he suddenly was struck with an idea.
He would put on the shoes, one on each foot, and take the other two in his hands.
No sooner did he think it than he did it, and, giving a spring, up he went, the stone flying off the top of the hole as he touched it with his hands holding the silver horseshoes.
Into the cave he jumped, and the old witch and her black cat sprang at him, but he had only to run, and, without touching the ground, away he flew through the forest, the old witch and her cat after him.
Sometimes they would almost catch him, for the witch had jumped on her broomstick and the cat sat on behind her, and they flew over trees and bushes as well as the Prince.
The Prince knew he was lost if they caught him, and finally decided to turn around and run toward them, thinking he might be able to knock the witch off her broomstick and so stop their flight.
No sooner did he turn than the shining silver shoes cast a ray of light on the old witch and her cat and like magic they tumbled off the broomstick, and away went the stick higher and higher in the air until it disappeared; and on the ground where the cat and the old witch fell the Prince saw two stones, one big and the other smaller and almost black, so he knew he was rid of his enemies and could get out of the forest safely with the silver horseshoes.
The black horse danced with delight when he saw the shoes, and stood still until they were fastened on his feet; then he pranced about and shook his head in a very knowing manner, though he did not speak again, and the Prince mounted him and rode away, forgetting all about his shabby coat.
The black horse trotted along like any other horse until they came to the mountain on top of which the Princess lived in the tower; then the Prince felt himself gliding up the mountain, past all the other youths who were vainly trying to climb to the top.
Up and up they went until the Prince found himself by the tower. When he looked at the height he knew his troubles were not at an end. He looked around for some way to scale the wall, but it was as smooth as glass. While he stood looking at the top he saw something white slowly coming down the wall from a little window.
Down it came until the Prince could see that it was a piece of white thread, and on the end of it was a little golden curl.
The Prince untied it and kissed it, then, looking up at the window, he kissed his hand, for he knew that somewhere in the tower the Princess had been looking for the Prince who was to come for her, and had seen him.
He was more anxious than ever to reach the Princess, but how could he climb those slippery walls?
How? And then he thought of the silver shoes that the witch had walked on the top of the cave with, and he took them off his horse and tied one on each foot and took one in each hand.
Placing his hands on the wall of the tower, he walked up as easily as if he were walking on the ground, and in a few minutes was at the little window above.
The Princess smiled when she saw him, and then he saw that the window which looked so small to him from the ground was really a door.
He stepped in and knelt at the feet of the blushing Princess, who said, “I shall be glad to leave here, but how can I get to the ground?”
“In my arms,” answered the bold Prince, and, picking her up, he stepped out on the smooth wall again, easily reaching the ground with the Princess.
He placed her in front of him on his horse and rode down the mountain, at the bottom of which a crowd was waiting for him, and the King also, for it had been noised abroad that a youth had been seen to climb the mountain and the people wanted to see him.
“Well done, my son,” said the King, riding up to greet them. “You will make a good soldier, for you have shown that you can overcome obstacles to gain that which you desire. Come home; the wedding feast is prepared.” So the Prince gained a princess for a wife, a father-in-law who admired his courage, and was happy ever after.
Story DNA
Moral
With courage and resourcefulness, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.
Plot Summary
A king offers his beautiful daughter, imprisoned in a tower on a treacherous, glass-slippery mountain, to any suitor who can reach her. A poor prince, guided by his talking black horse, ventures into a dangerous forest to find a witch and steal her magical silver horseshoes. After a perilous encounter where he is trapped but escapes using the shoes, he defeats the witch and her cat, turning them to stone. With the silver horseshoes on his horse and then on himself, he effortlessly ascends the impossible mountain and scales the smooth tower wall, rescuing the Princess. The King, impressed by his courage and ingenuity, celebrates their marriage, and they live happily ever after.
Themes
Emotional Arc
poverty to prosperity
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story, though published in the early 20th century, draws heavily on traditional European fairy tale tropes, making its 'historical' context more about the genre than a specific era.
Plot Beats (14)
- A king announces that whoever can reach his daughter, imprisoned in a tower on a glass-slippery mountain, will win her hand.
- Many youths fail to climb the mountain, which is too slippery for their horses.
- A poor prince, left with only a castle and a black horse, laments his poverty and inability to try for the Princess.
- His black horse surprises him by speaking, advising him to get its shoes from a witch in the woods at midnight.
- The Prince ventures into the woods, encountering a fox, wolf, and owl, all of whom warn him away from the witch's cave.
- He finds the witch's cave and observes her and a black cat performing gravity-defying feats with silver horseshoes.
- After the witch and cat hide the shoes and fall asleep, the Prince attempts to retrieve them but is pushed into a hole by the awakened witch.
- Trapped, the Prince puts on two silver horseshoes and holds the other two, using their magic to spring out of the hole.
- He escapes the witch and her cat, who pursue him on a broomstick, but the shoes' light turns them to stone.
- The Prince returns to his horse, fastens the silver horseshoes on its feet, and they easily glide up the glass-like mountain.
- At the tower, the Prince sees the Princess has lowered a golden curl on a thread, confirming she awaits him.
- He takes the silver horseshoes from his horse, puts two on his feet and holds two in his hands, and walks up the smooth tower wall.
- He enters the tower, greets the Princess, and carries her down the tower and mountain in his arms.
- The King and a crowd greet them, and the King praises the Prince's courage, arranging their wedding.
Characters
The Prince ★ protagonist
Lean and agile build, of average height for a young man, with a determined posture. His features are not explicitly described but imply a noble bearing despite his poverty.
Attire: Initially wears shabby, worn clothes, likely simple tunic and trousers made of coarse, undyed wool or linen, reflecting his poverty. Later, he forgets about his shabby coat, implying he still wears it but his focus is elsewhere.
Wants: To end his poverty, gain the Princess's hand in marriage, and secure a better future for himself and his horse.
Flaw: Initially lacks resources and confidence due to his poverty; can be easily trapped (as by the witch).
Transforms from a poor, somewhat disheartened prince into a courageous, resourceful hero who overcomes seemingly impossible obstacles to win his bride and restore his fortune.
Determined, courageous, resourceful, thoughtful, persistent.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man of average height and lean build, with fair skin and a determined expression. He has short, dark brown hair, neatly combed. He wears a simple, worn grey linen tunic over dark brown trousers, and sturdy leather boots. He holds two silver horseshoes in his hands, with two more tied to his feet. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Princess ◆ supporting
Described as 'very beautiful,' with delicate features and a graceful presence. Her build is likely slender and elegant, befitting a princess.
Attire: Implied to wear fine, elegant attire suitable for a princess, even while confined. Likely a gown of silk or brocade in soft, regal colors, possibly with subtle embroidery, reflecting her royal status and European fairy tale setting.
Wants: To be rescued from the tower and find a worthy husband.
Flaw: Physically confined and dependent on a rescuer.
Remains largely static, serving as the prize and motivation for the Prince, but she actively participates in her rescue by signaling to him.
Hopeful, observant, gentle, resourceful (sending down the curl), blushing (modest).
Image Prompt & Upload
A very beautiful young woman of slender build, with fair skin and a gentle, hopeful expression. She has long, wavy golden-blonde hair, with one distinct curl tied with a white thread. She wears an elegant, flowing gown of pale blue silk with delicate silver embroidery along the neckline and sleeves. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King ◆ supporting
A regal figure, likely of a sturdy build, reflecting his authority and position. His appearance would command respect.
Attire: Wears rich, formal royal attire, such as a velvet or brocade tunic in deep colors (e.g., crimson or royal blue) with gold embroidery, possibly a fur-lined cloak, and a golden crown or circlet, reflecting his status as a European king.
Wants: To find a son-in-law who is both a good soldier and a good husband for his daughter.
Flaw: His method of finding a son-in-law is extremely challenging and potentially dangerous.
Remains static, serving as the benevolent authority figure who sets the challenge and rewards the hero.
Wise (in his test), demanding, admiring, generous, fair.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man of sturdy build, with a dignified face and a neatly trimmed grey beard. He wears a rich, deep crimson velvet tunic with elaborate gold embroidery, a heavy gold chain around his neck, and a golden crown adorned with jewels. He has a commanding, approving expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Black Horse ◆ supporting
A magnificent black horse, strong and well-muscled, with a sleek coat. Its eyes are intelligent and knowing.
Attire: Initially wears a simple, worn bridle and saddle, reflecting the Prince's poverty. Later, it wears four shining silver horseshoes.
Wants: To help its master, the Prince, achieve his goals and end their poverty, ensuring it will have plenty of oats.
Flaw: Cannot climb the slippery mountain without the silver horseshoes.
Remains largely static in personality but gains the magical ability to climb impossible surfaces, enabling the Prince's success.
Loyal, intelligent, wise, magical, supportive.
Image Prompt & Upload
A majestic, muscular black horse standing, facing forward, with a sleek, shining coat and a long, flowing black mane and tail. Its eyes are dark and intelligent. It wears four gleaming silver horseshoes on its hooves. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Old Witch ⚔ antagonist
An old woman, likely hunched or gaunt, with an unsettling agility despite her age. Her movements are described as 'craziest manner,' suggesting a wiry, almost spidery physique.
Attire: Likely wears dark, tattered, and practical clothing suitable for living in a cave and performing magic, such as a dark, shapeless gown or cloak made of coarse fabric. Her most distinctive attire is the silver horseshoes on her feet.
Wants: To guard her magical silver horseshoes and perhaps to trap intruders for her own amusement.
Flaw: Vulnerable to the magical light of the silver horseshoes when they are turned against her.
Remains static as an antagonist, ultimately defeated by her own magic.
Cunning, gleeful, malicious, magical, agile.
Image Prompt & Upload
A very old woman with a gaunt, wrinkled face and sharp, gleeful eyes. Her long, wild grey hair is unkempt. She wears a dark, tattered, shapeless gown of coarse black fabric. She has an unnaturally agile posture, as if about to spring. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Black Cat ○ minor
A sleek, entirely black cat, with an agile and mischievous demeanor. Its eyes are likely bright and cunning.
Attire: Wears two silver horseshoes on its hind feet when dancing.
Wants: To assist the witch and share in her malicious fun.
Flaw: Vulnerable to the magical light of the silver horseshoes, like the witch.
Remains static, serving as the witch's sidekick, and is defeated alongside her.
Mischievous, agile, loyal to the witch, gleeful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sleek, entirely black cat standing on its hind legs, facing forward, with bright, cunning green eyes. It has two shining silver horseshoes on its hind paws. Its posture is agile and mischievous. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Mountain with Princess's Tower
A high mountain, described as slippery as glass, with a tower on its summit. The tower walls are smooth as glass, with a small window from which a white thread and golden curl descend.
Mood: Challenging, formidable, yet ultimately rewarding.
The ultimate challenge for the Prince to reach the Princess; where he uses the silver horseshoes to scale the tower.
Image Prompt & Upload
A towering, impossibly smooth mountain peak, its surface gleaming like polished obsidian under a bright, clear sky. A slender, ancient stone tower, almost seamlessly integrated with the mountain's summit, rises majestically. A tiny, arched window is visible near the top, from which a delicate white thread dangles, catching the light. The lower slopes are a blur of frustrated figures and horses slipping on the treacherous, glass-like terrain. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Witch's Cave in the Woods
A dark, deep cave located in the very center of a dense, old-growth forest. Inside, the witch and her cat perform strange acrobatics. There's a stone in the middle of the cave floor covering a deep hole.
Mood: Eerie, mysterious, dangerous, magical.
The Prince seeks and obtains the silver horseshoes from the witch, leading to a magical chase.
Image Prompt & Upload
A gnarled, ancient forest at midnight, with thick, twisted tree trunks and dense undergrowth creating an impenetrable canopy. Hidden deep within, a dark, jagged cave mouth yawns, barely visible amidst moss-covered rocks and tangled roots. Inside, the rough-hewn stone walls of the cave are dimly lit, revealing a large, flat stone embedded in the center of the earthen floor. A deep, shadowy hole is beneath it. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Prince's Castle and Stable
A humble, likely dilapidated castle, the only remaining possession of the poor Prince. The stable is where he feeds his black horse.
Mood: Impoverished, hopeful, quiet.
The Prince and his horse discuss the Princess and the quest, initiating the adventure.
Image Prompt & Upload
A weathered, stone castle, its once grand walls now showing signs of neglect, with ivy creeping up crumbling battlements under a muted sky. Inside a rustic stable, rough-hewn timber beams support a low ceiling, and worn straw covers the packed earth floor. A single, sturdy black horse stands in a simple wooden stall, its breath visible in the cool air. A small, wooden trough holds a meager portion of oats. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
