CASTLE FORTUNE
by Ada M. Skinner · from Merry Tales
Adapted Version
Two friends walked. One was Dan. He worked hard. One was Leo. He was lazy. They walked in the field. They saw a big castle far away. It was bright. It was high on a hill.
A fairy came. She was Fairy Fortune. She had a gold wand. She said, "Come to my castle!" "Come by midnight!" This was her castle. She went fast. She rolled away. They must hurry.
Dan ran. He ran fast to the castle. Leo did not run. He said, "Too far!" "I cannot walk." He felt tired. He lay on the grass. He wanted to rest.
Leo wished for help. He wished for an easy way. A White Horse came. It was big and white. Leo got on the horse. He rode past Dan. Dan still walked. Dan walked fast.
Leo was hungry. He stopped to eat. He ate his food. He felt sleepy. He slept for a long time. He woke up. The White Horse was gone. A Slow Donkey was there. It was old.
Leo got on the donkey. The donkey moved slow, slow, slow. It went into a wood. It stopped. Leo was mad. He hit the donkey. Leo fell off. He was on the ground. He was hurt.
Leo looked for help. He found a Giant Snail. It was big. Leo got on it. The snail moved slow, slow. It moved very slow. The castle clock struck. "Eleven!" it said.
The clock struck "One!" The snail went into its shell. It rolled away. Leo was on the ground. A Big Crab came. Leo got on the crab. The clock struck "Two!"
The Big Crab moved. It moved backward. It went away from the castle. The clock struck "Three!" "Four!" "Five!" Leo saw Dan. Dan was at the castle door. Dan waved. Dan was inside.
The clock struck "Twelve!" The castle door shut. It shut with a bang. Leo was outside. He was sad. Dan was happy inside. Hard work is good. Being lazy is not good.
Original Story
CASTLE FORTUNE
One fine morning at sunrise, two strong young men were sauntering along through the fields. As they journeyed toward the east the gray morning mist cleared away in the distance, and there on a very high hill stood a beautiful castle with sparkling windows and glistening towers all bathed in the morning light.
“Come,” said one of the youths eagerly, “let us go over to it!”
“What!” exclaimed the other, who was a lazy fellow, “do you not know that it is miles away? I am sure I cannot walk so far.”
“Try,” said a sweet strange voice.
On turning about they saw a lovely fairy 214dressed in gauzy white, holding a golden wand in her hand. She was standing on a magic crystal ball which rolled along with her toward the distant castle. As she passed the travelers, she pointed with her wand toward the east smilingly, and said, “Follow me!”
“That would be easy to do,” mumbled the lazy youth, “if one could roll along as you do with no effort.” He then threw himself down on the grass to rest.
His companion, however, started off after the fairy as fast as he could run, and catching hold of her floating robe he cried, “Who are you?”
“I am Fortune,” she answered. “Yonder is my castle. Follow me there. Waste no time, and if you reach the castle before midnight I’ll receive you as a friend. But remember! If you come one moment after the last stroke of midnight, the door will be closed against you.”
With these words the fairy drew her robe about her and rolled swiftly on in the morning 215breeze. And the crystal ball sparkled, sparkled in the sunlight.
The youth now hurried back to his companion and said breathlessly, “Yonder is the Castle of Fortune. Come! Let us go!”
“What nonsense!” said the lazy youth. “With a good horse one might get there easily, but for my part I don’t intend to try to walk all that way.”
“Farewell, then,” said his friend, and away he started briskly with his eyes fixed steadily on the distant towers. The lazy youth sighed wearily and threw himself down on the soft grass. “If only good luck would show me an easy way to get there,” he murmured. “How beautiful the castle looks!” He then stretched himself out and fell fast asleep. In a little while he was awakened by something like a warm breeze blowing in his ear. He slowly rubbed his eyes and yawned aloud. Then he heard the neighing of a horse, and turning, he saw standing near a beautiful milk white steed all saddled and bridled!
“Good luck,” he cried. “Come here, my 216fine friend. You and I will soon reach the castle.” Then he jumped into the saddle and started off at a fine gait.
He soon passed his comrade and called out, “What do you think of my steed?”
The other did not speak, but nodded cheerily and kept on at a steady pace.
About midday the horse and rider reached the summit of a hill. In the distance the castle towers shone brightly against the clear blue sky. Presently the horse turned into a shady grove on the hillside and stopped.
“A very good idea!” exclaimed the lazy man. “‘Make haste slowly’ is good wisdom. This shady slope is a fine place to rest awhile, and my appetite is keen enough to enjoy the luncheon I have in my pocket.” So, jumping off, he found a cool shady nook and stretched himself out on the grass.
After he had eaten his savory sandwich he felt so drowsy that he soon fell into a sound sleep. What a pleasant sleep he had! He dreamed he was in Castle Fortune resting on downy cushions. Every wish he had was 217granted! Soft strains of music soothed him, while brilliant fireworks all crimson and gold were set off in his honor. This continued for some time, when suddenly the explosion of a beautiful Roman candle awoke him. He sat up rubbing his eyes. In the west the sun was sinking, and he could hear the song of a traveler in the valley below! “I must have been asleep a long while!” he murmured. “It is high time to be off. Ready, my steed! Where are you?”
He whistled and shouted again and again, but no steed came. An old bony gray donkey browsing on the hilltop was the only creature in sight. “Better a donkey than nothing,” the lazy man thought. So he walked slowly over to the place where the beast was grazing, and mounted him.
After some urging, the donkey set off at a slow jog. The lazy man soon found that this kind of traveling was very uncomfortable. The donkey trudged slowly on. Soon it began to grow dark. In the distance he could see that the castle was being lighted up. How 218beautiful it looked. He was becoming anxious. If only the donkey would move a little faster. But instead he seemed to be going slower and slower, slower and slower, until in the midst of a thick wood the beast stood still and refused to move. The rider coaxed and threatened and urged and kicked. It was of no use. The donkey refused to move. At last the lazy man was thoroughly aroused. He struck the beast a hard blow with his fist, screaming, “Get on, I say.” Up went the donkey’s heels and over his head into the briers and stones went the rider. What a plight to be in! He was bruised and sore and bewildered. He sat up and tried to collect his thoughts. Ah! There in the distance the lights were shining in Castle Fortune. Oh, for a soft comfortable couch on which to rest his aching bones. The stubborn old donkey! Where could he be?
He crept about in every direction, hoping to find his donkey, but after tearing his clothes and bruising himself he gave up the search. Suddenly his hand struck something that 219felt a little like a saddle. It was mounted on something soft and slimy.
He hesitated. Castle Fortune’s clock was striking. He counted the strokes. “Eleven o’clock!” he exclaimed in amazement. He threw himself into the queer saddle. “This is rather comfortable,” he exclaimed as he leaned against a high back. How slowly the creature moved. At last they reached a clearing, where a long straight road led directly to Castle Fortune with its beautiful towers and its windows ablaze with lights.
The sight of the castle filled him with longing. He turned his attention for a minute to the strange creature he was riding. Horror! He was mounted on a huge snail, quite as large as a calf. No wonder they had crept along at a snail’s pace.
One! The great clock struck the first stroke of the midnight hour. He pushed both heels into his steed’s soft sides. In an instant the snail drew his head into the shell and rolled over on the ground.
Two! struck the great clock. Had the 220lazy man taken to his heels he might even now have reached the castle before the last stroke of the great clock. But no! There he stood filled with regret and fear. “A beast! A beast!” he cried, “Oh, for any kind of a beast to carry me to the castle!”
Three! What was moving near him? Was it the long lost steed? Without further thought he jumped into something like a low saddle. His heart leaped as he looked up! There in the open door of Castle Fortune stood his friend waving his cap and beckoning to him.
Four! chimed the great clock. The queer steed began to rouse himself.
Five! The creature moved slowly forward.
Six! What an awkward steed it was.
Seven! Which way were they going?
Eight! What! Were they moving backward? Impossible! He would jump off and run.
Nine! To our rider’s great surprise he found he was held fast by the creature’s claws 221which extended on all sides. Horror! He was riding on a giant crab!
Ten! Backward they moved!
Eleven! Farther and farther they were going away from the castle.
TWELVE! The castle doors shut with a clang. Castle Fortune’s doors were closed forever to the lazy man.
Story DNA
Moral
Diligence and effort are rewarded, while laziness and procrastination lead to missed opportunities and regret.
Plot Summary
Two young men encounter the fairy Fortune, who challenges them to reach her castle by midnight for a reward. The diligent youth immediately sets off on foot, while the lazy youth waits for an easier path, finding a magical horse, then a donkey, a snail, and finally a crab, each progressively hindering his progress. Despite multiple magical aids, the lazy youth's procrastination and desire for comfort lead him to fall asleep and be abandoned by his steeds. As the clock strikes midnight, he is carried backward by a giant crab, watching the castle doors clang shut forever, while his diligent friend is welcomed inside.
Themes
Emotional Arc
hope to despair
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story reflects common moralistic themes found in 19th and early 20th-century children's literature, emphasizing virtues like industry and perseverance.
Plot Beats (10)
- Two young men, one diligent and one lazy, are walking through fields at sunrise and spot a beautiful castle in the distance.
- A fairy named Fortune appears, invites them to her castle by midnight, and then swiftly departs.
- The diligent youth immediately starts running towards the castle, while the lazy youth complains about the distance and lies down to rest.
- The lazy youth wishes for an easy way and finds a magical white steed, which he rides past his friend.
- The lazy youth stops to rest and eat, falls asleep, and wakes to find his horse gone, replaced by a slow donkey.
- The donkey trudges slowly, then stops completely in a thick wood, throwing the lazy youth off when he tries to force it.
- Bruised and lost, the lazy youth finds a giant snail and mounts it, realizing its slow pace as the clock strikes eleven.
- As the clock begins to strike midnight, the snail retracts, and the lazy youth finds himself on a giant crab.
- The crab carries him backward, away from the castle, as his diligent friend is seen waving from the open door.
- With the twelfth stroke of midnight, the castle doors clang shut, forever closing Castle Fortune to the lazy man.
Characters
The Industrious Youth ★ protagonist
Lean and athletic build, indicative of someone accustomed to physical exertion. He moves with purpose and energy.
Attire: Simple, sturdy peasant attire suitable for walking long distances through fields. Likely a tunic of coarse linen or wool in earthy tones like brown or forest green, possibly with a leather belt, and practical trousers. Sturdy leather boots for walking.
Wants: To reach Castle Fortune and achieve success through effort and perseverance.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but perhaps a slight naivety in initially trying to convince his lazy companion.
He successfully reaches Castle Fortune, demonstrating that consistent effort leads to reward. He serves as a foil to the lazy youth.
Eager, determined, persistent, focused, self-reliant.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man with a lean, athletic build, standing upright and facing forward. He has alert, bright brown eyes, a clean-shaven face, and short, practical dark brown hair. He wears a simple forest-green linen tunic, sturdy brown trousers, and practical leather boots. His posture is determined, and his gaze is fixed forward. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Lazy Youth ⚔ antagonist
A slightly softer, less athletic build than his companion, prone to slouching or resting. He moves reluctantly when forced.
Attire: Similar peasant attire to his companion, but perhaps less well-maintained or slightly rumpled. A cream linen tunic, loose-fitting trousers, and worn leather shoes that are more for comfort than durability.
Wants: To achieve fortune and success with the least possible effort, preferably through luck or easy means.
Flaw: Extreme laziness and a reliance on external luck rather than personal effort.
He fails to reach Castle Fortune due to his laziness and reliance on others/luck, ending up bruised, bewildered, and locked out, learning a harsh lesson about the consequences of inaction.
Lazy, complacent, wishful, easily distracted, regretful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man with a slightly soft, relaxed build, standing with a slight slouch, facing forward. He has sleepy, unfocused light blue eyes, a soft, rounder face, and disheveled sandy blonde hair that falls casually. He wears a rumpled cream linen tunic, loose-fitting grey trousers, and worn, comfortable leather shoes. His expression is often one of weariness or mild complaint. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Fortune ◆ supporting
Ethereal and graceful, she appears to float rather than walk. Her form is delicate and luminous.
Attire: A gauzy, flowing white gown that appears almost translucent, shimmering in the light. The fabric seems to move independently, as if caught in a perpetual gentle breeze.
Wants: To guide those who are willing to strive towards their potential and to test their resolve.
Flaw: None explicitly stated; she embodies an impartial force.
She remains consistent, serving as a catalyst and a judge of the youths' actions.
Sweet, encouraging, mysterious, swift, decisive.
Image Prompt & Upload
An ethereal woman with an ageless, serene face and a gentle, encouraging smile, standing gracefully. She has long, flowing, luminous white hair that shimmers. She wears a gauzy, flowing white gown that appears translucent and moves as if in a breeze. She is balanced on a large, sparkling crystal ball and holds a slender golden wand in one hand, pointing forward. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Milk White Steed ○ minor
A beautiful, strong, and well-groomed horse with a coat as white as milk. It appears suddenly, fully saddled and bridled.
Attire: A finely crafted saddle and bridle, likely of polished leather with some decorative metalwork, suggesting it is prepared for a journey.
Wants: To carry its rider, but also to follow its own instincts for rest and grazing.
Flaw: Its independent nature and tendency to wander off when its rider is not attentive.
Serves as a temporary aid for the lazy youth, then disappears, symbolizing the fleeting nature of unearned luck.
Initially helpful and swift, but also independent, stopping to rest when it deems fit, and eventually disappearing.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful, strong milk-white horse standing proudly, facing forward. It has intelligent dark eyes and a flowing white mane and tail. It is fully equipped with a finely crafted brown leather saddle and bridle with polished metal accents. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Old Bony Gray Donkey ○ minor
A thin, bony gray donkey, showing signs of age and weariness. It moves very slowly.
Attire: No specific wardrobe, but likely has a simple, worn saddle if the lazy man mounts it.
Wants: To graze and move at its own slow pace.
Flaw: Its extreme slowness and stubbornness.
Serves as a frustrating obstacle for the lazy youth, symbolizing the difficulties encountered when one relies on inadequate means.
Stubborn, slow, resistant to being rushed.
Image Prompt & Upload
An old, bony gray donkey standing, facing forward. It has long, expressive ears, tired eyes, and a shaggy gray coat. Its posture is hunched, conveying weariness. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Huge Snail ○ minor
A monstrous snail, as large as a calf, with a soft, slimy body and a high-backed shell that feels like a saddle.
Attire: None, but its shell is described as having a 'high back' like a saddle.
Wants: To move at its natural, unhurried pace.
Flaw: Its extreme slowness and defensive retraction.
Serves as a further, comically slow obstacle for the lazy youth, highlighting his poor choices and dwindling time.
Slow, passive, but reacts defensively when provoked.
Image Prompt & Upload
A huge snail, the size of a calf, with a soft, slimy body and prominent eyestalks. Its shell is large and has a high, saddle-like back. It is positioned as if creeping slowly forward. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Giant Crab ○ minor
A monstrous crab with claws that extend on all sides, capable of holding a rider fast.
Attire: None.
Wants: To move according to its own nature, which is away from the castle.
Flaw: Its awkward movement and tendency to move backward.
Serves as the ultimate symbol of the lazy youth's bad luck and poor choices, actively carrying him away from his goal.
Uncooperative, moves in the wrong direction, traps its rider.
Image Prompt & Upload
A giant crab with a hard, reddish-brown chitinous shell and prominent eyes on stalks. Its large, powerful claws extend on all sides. It is positioned as if moving backward. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Open Fields at Sunrise
Vast open fields stretching towards the east, initially covered in a gray morning mist that gradually clears. The ground is soft grass, suitable for resting.
Mood: Hopeful, fresh, expansive, with a touch of magic as the fairy appears.
The two youths first spot Castle Fortune and encounter the fairy, Fortune, who sets their challenge.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide-angle landscape painting of rolling green fields at dawn, with a soft gray mist lifting to reveal a distant, majestic castle on a high hill. The morning sun, low on the horizon, casts a warm, golden glow on the castle's sparkling windows and glistening towers, contrasting with the cool, dewy foreground. The grass is lush and undisturbed, with a few wildflowers dotting the expanse. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Shady Grove on a Hillside
A secluded, shady grove located on the side of a hill, offering a cool, dark nook. It's a place of respite from the midday sun, surrounded by trees.
Mood: Relaxing, peaceful, but ultimately a place of temptation and delay.
The lazy youth stops here for a long rest, eats his lunch, and falls into a deep sleep, missing valuable time and losing his steed.
Image Prompt & Upload
A serene, shaded grove on a gentle hillside, bathed in the dappled light of midday. Tall, leafy deciduous trees form a dense canopy, filtering the sunlight into shifting patterns on the cool, green grass below. Exposed roots and smooth, moss-covered stones create natural resting spots. In the distance, through a break in the trees, the bright blue sky and the faint outline of castle towers are visible. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Thick Wood at Dusk
A dense, dark wood where the path becomes difficult. It grows increasingly dark as evening falls, making navigation challenging.
Mood: Frustrating, ominous, bewildering, as the lazy youth's journey becomes more difficult.
The lazy youth's donkey refuses to move, leading to him being thrown off and further delaying his journey, forcing him to continue on foot.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dark, foreboding thick wood at dusk, with gnarled, ancient trees forming a dense, almost impenetrable canopy. The ground is uneven, covered in tangled briers, sharp stones, and fallen leaves, barely visible in the fading light. Distant, faint lights from Castle Fortune pierce through the gloom between the trees, offering a tantalizing but distant promise. The air is still and heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Clearing leading to Castle Fortune
A clearing at the edge of a thick wood, opening onto a long, straight road that leads directly to Castle Fortune. The castle's windows are ablaze with lights, and its towers are prominent.
Mood: Urgent, desperate, with a mix of hope and growing dread as time runs out.
The lazy youth, after riding a snail and then a giant crab, finally reaches the castle's immediate vicinity as the clock strikes midnight, only to be denied entry.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, moonlit clearing at the edge of a dense, dark forest, revealing a long, straight, well-maintained road stretching directly towards a magnificent, illuminated castle. Castle Fortune stands majestically in the distance, its numerous windows ablaze with warm, golden light, and its tall, ornate towers glistening under the night sky. The road is made of smooth, light-colored stone, contrasting with the dark, textured forest edge. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
