THE KING’S RABBIT KEEPER
by Ada M. Skinner · from Merry Tales
Adapted Version
The King had many rabbits. They ran everywhere. He needed a rabbit keeper. The King offered a big prize. He promised much money. He offered his daughter's hand.
Jan was a lazy boy. He went to the palace. He walked far. He heard "Help!" He saw a deep hole. A very old woman was there. She looked weak.
"Help me!" the woman said. Jan did not help. "You are a witch," he said. "I will not help you." Jan walked away. He went to the palace.
Jan watched the rabbits. They ran into the woods. Jan could not find them. The King was very angry. He sent Jan away.
Hans was also lazy. He went to the palace. He saw the old woman. He did not help. Hans lost the rabbits. The King sent Hans away.
Olaf was the youngest son. He was very kind. He went to the palace. He heard "Help!" He saw the deep hole. The old woman was there. Olaf helped her out. He gave her his food.
The old woman was thankful. She gave Olaf a horn. It was a magic horn. Blow the small end. Things go far. Blow the big end. Things come near.
Olaf took the rabbits. They went to the meadow. He blew the small end. The rabbits ran far away. Olaf took a nap. He woke up later. He blew the big end. All rabbits came back.
Olaf brought the rabbits back. The King was surprised. The Queen was surprised. The Princess was surprised too. She thought Olaf was not good enough. He was a farmer's son.
The King sent a helper. The helper watched Olaf. Olaf used the magic horn. The helper told the King. The King knew about the horn.
The Princess went to Olaf. He was asleep. She took the horn. Olaf woke up. He wished for his horn. The horn came back to him.
The Queen tried next. She took the horn. It did not stay with her. The horn went back to Olaf. It was magic.
The King tried too. He took the horn. He put it in a bag. But the horn was magic. It went back to Olaf.
The King was very angry. He called Olaf. "Show me the horn's magic!" he said. Olaf did not want to. "Do it!" the King roared.
Olaf blew the small end. Poof! The King flew away. The Queen flew away. The Princess flew away. Olaf blew the big end. They all came back. They were very scared.
The scared King said, "Stop!" He did not want to fly. "You are a good boy," he said. "You can marry my daughter."
Olaf and the Princess married. It was a happy day. They lived in the palace. They were very happy.
Being kind is better than being clever or rich. A kind heart helps you win!
Original Story
THE KING’S RABBIT KEEPER
Once upon a time a king wanted a good rabbit keeper. He made it known throughout the country that he would give not only good pay, but also the hand of the princess, to any youth who could take good care of his wonderful rabbits.
Now it happened that an old farmer had three very lazy sons, Jan, Hans, and Olaf. They disliked the work on the farm and spent most of their time amusing themselves, or doing as they pleased. When Jan heard that the king wanted a rabbit keeper, he told his father he would go to the palace and try to get the place.
“What!” cried the old man. “The king 63does not want an idler. The rabbits are brisk and lively and need care every moment. A lazybones like you could never be His Majesty’s rabbit keeper.”
“Well, I am determined to go. I should like the work better than the farm drudgery,” replied Jan. He filled a bag with things to eat, and a few clothes, and started to the palace of the king. After he had traveled a few miles he heard a voice calling him: “Help! Help!” Jan hurried toward the sound and came to a deep pit. He looked down into it, and there was a shriveled old woman. She spoke very sharply to him. “Pull me up! Pull me up!” she cried. “I have been here for one year, and have had no food in all that time. Pull me up!”
“Not I,” replied Jan. “Only a witch could live a year in such a place without food. I’ll have nothing to do with you,” and on he went.
At length he came to the palace of the king and asked to serve as rabbit keeper. The delighted king said, “He who guards 64the rabbits well and lets none escape shall have fine food, good pay, and perhaps the hand of a beautiful princess.”
The next day Jan took the rabbits into a large field to browse. During the daytime they nibbled the tender grass and stayed together, but when the sun began to set, they darted toward a wood which bordered a meadow and they soon became lost in the shadows of the trees. Jan called to them and ran after them until he was out of breath, but he could not bring them together. He rested awhile and tried again. It was of no use; they had scattered in every direction. Surely they were playing hide and seek, and Jan was not in the game. When he reached the palace, he told his story to the king, who burst into a rage and banished Jan from the country.
In a short time the king got another warren of rabbits and again made it known that he wanted a keeper. Jan’s brother, Hans, now determined that he would try to serve the king and perhaps gain the rich reward. Off he walked. He passed the pit and heard the old 65woman calling for help, but he hurried on without even stopping to see what was the matter with her.
The king made him keeper of the rabbits, but the first time he took them out to browse he failed in his work. All was well during the day, but when the sun sank, the rabbits scurried away to the woods, and no matter what he did, Hans could not gather them together again. When he returned to the palace without a single rabbit, the furious king banished him, too, from the country.
A third time the king got beautiful rabbits and made it known that he wanted a keeper. “Father,” said Olaf, the youngest of the three brothers, “it is my turn to try. I am sure I could guard the king’s rabbits.”
“It will be the same old story,” said the farmer. “If you take no better care of the rabbits than you do of the calves, you will share your brothers’ fate.”
“At any rate I mean to try,” replied Olaf. Throwing his bag over his shoulder, he set out for the palace of the king.
66“Help! Help!” called a voice from the field near the road. Olaf ran in the direction of the sound and saw the old woman in the pit.
“What can I do for you, my good woman?” he asked.
“Please reach me your hand and help me out. I’ve had nothing to eat for a year and I can’t get out without help.”
Olaf willingly reached down and pulled the old woman up. Then he gave her food from his bag and brought her water from a spring. She ate a large share of Olaf’s store while he good-naturedly looked on. When she had finished, she drew from her pocket a magic horn.
“Take this for your pains,” said she. “It is a wonderful horn and will help you in many ways. If you blow into the small end of it, you will scatter to the four winds whatever you wish away from you. If you blow into the large end of it, you will bring near you whatever you wish. If you should lose it, or if by chance it should be stolen from you, a wish will bring it back again.”
67“A wonderful help it will be to me,” said Olaf, as he took it eagerly from the old woman’s hand.
He sauntered on again, and after some time he came to the palace of the king. The rabbits were put into his charge, and Olaf’s heart beat high when he thought of the princess he might win.
The next morning he took the rabbits out into the meadow. They danced about in high glee for several hours. But about noon, Olaf noticed two of them scamper away to the woods. These two were soon followed by others. “Very well,” said Olaf, “go away from me if you like.” He blew into the small end of the magic horn, and then cried out, “Be off, every one of you!” and away they scattered in every direction.
Olaf then ate his noonday lunch and stretched himself out for a nap on the soft green bank. When he awoke, the sun was low in the west. He took up the magic horn and blew into the large end of it. From every direction came the frisky rabbits dancing 68and hopping about him. Olaf counted them and was well pleased to find exactly the right number. When he reached the palace with the rabbits, he saw that the king, the queen, and the princess were on the lookout for him. Also he noticed that each one counted the rabbits and then glanced at the others in wonder.
“Alas!” sighed the princess, “how I wish he were of noble birth! But a farmer’s lad! Dear me!”
Day after day Olaf took the rabbits out to browse in the meadow. At noon he scattered them in the deep wood, and when the sun began to sink behind a distant hill, he gathered them together and led them back to the palace.
The king was very much puzzled and determined to send a servant to spy upon Olaf. With greatest care the servant slipped into the field and noticed Olaf asleep on the soft green bank near the edge of the wood. The servant hid himself in the low underbrush of the wood and waited until 69evening. At sunset, Olaf awoke, drew out his magic horn, gathered together the rabbits, and led them back to the palace. The servant explained to the king what he had seen, and the king told his queen and the princess. “I shall steal his horn while he is asleep in the meadow,” said the princess, “for I am determined not to marry a common farmer’s son.”
The next day she stole carefully to Olaf’s side while he lay asleep and took the magic horn from his pocket. She had not reached the palace before Olaf awoke and thought of his rabbits. But where was his horn? He searched about the banks in vain. “Oh, how I wish I had my magic horn!” he cried. No sooner had he made his wish than he found the horn in his hands. He blew into the larger end of it and again the rabbits danced and frisked about him ready to return.
Now the queen thought she would try her skill in getting Olaf’s horn. She had no trouble in getting it from his pocket, but 70as she neared the palace, the horn slipped away from her. In the evening, Olaf returned with his flock as usual.
“I see that I must do the thing myself,” muttered the king. “That farmer’s lad shall not outwit me. I’ll tie the horn in one of my hunting bags to make sure of it.”
Anxiously the queen and princess awaited the king’s return. At last he came, untied the bag, and reached in for the horn. Alas! it had disappeared. And there in the distance came Olaf and the rabbits. The king sent word for Olaf to appear before the royal family. “Tell me about that horn of yours. Where did you get it? Hasn’t it magic power?” said the king, impatiently.
“Sire, it is a magic horn,” began Olaf.
“Prove it,” said the king.
“I would rather not,” said Olaf.
“Do as I bid you, without a word!” roared the king, becoming red with anger.
Olaf raised the little end of his horn to his lips and blew a strong blast, while secretly 71he made a wish. In a moment the royal family scattered in all directions.
“Bring us back! Bring us back! How dare you? I’ll have you punished for this!” roared the king, as he tumbled into the distance.
Olaf blew into the big end of his horn and instantly the royal family were back at the palace. The king, in a rage, tried to seize Olaf, but just then the rabbit keeper raised the small end of the horn to his lips.
“Hold, hold!” cried the king. “I will do you no harm if you will keep that wicked horn from your lips. I would rather give up half my kingdom than take another flighty trip. You are a wonderful lad and the best of rabbit keepers. The reward is yours.”
In a short time there was a beautiful wedding at the palace. Olaf had won the princess.
Story DNA
Moral
Kindness and a good heart are more valuable than noble birth or cleverness, and they will ultimately lead to success and reward.
Plot Summary
A king offers his daughter's hand and a reward to anyone who can keep his wild rabbits. Two lazy, unkind brothers fail after refusing to help an old woman in a pit and are banished. The youngest, kind brother, Olaf, helps the old woman, who gives him a magic horn that can scatter and gather anything. Olaf successfully manages the rabbits, baffling the royal family, who repeatedly try to steal his horn, only for it to magically return. Finally, the king demands Olaf prove the horn's power, and Olaf uses it to magically scatter and then recall the royal family, forcing the king to concede and grant him the princess's hand.
Themes
Emotional Arc
underestimated to triumphant
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects common European fairy tale tropes of the 'rule of three' brothers, the youngest being the most virtuous, and the reward of marrying royalty for a commoner who proves his worth.
Plot Beats (17)
- The king announces a competition for a rabbit keeper, offering the princess's hand and good pay.
- Jan, the eldest lazy son, goes to try for the position, encountering a shriveled old woman in a pit.
- Jan refuses to help the old woman, calling her a witch, and continues to the palace.
- Jan fails to keep the rabbits together, losing them in the woods, and is banished by the king.
- Hans, the second lazy son, also tries, refuses to help the old woman, fails with the rabbits, and is banished.
- Olaf, the youngest and kindest son, sets out, finds the old woman, and willingly helps her out of the pit and shares his food.
- The old woman, revealed to be magical, gives Olaf a magic horn that can scatter or gather anything he wishes.
- Olaf takes the rabbits to the meadow, uses the small end of the horn to scatter them, takes a nap, and then uses the large end to gather them all back.
- The royal family is puzzled by Olaf's success, and the princess expresses disdain for his common birth.
- The king sends a servant to spy on Olaf, who reports seeing Olaf use the horn.
- The princess attempts to steal the horn from sleeping Olaf, but it magically returns to him when he wishes for it.
- The queen attempts to steal the horn, but it also magically returns to Olaf.
- The king attempts to steal the horn, tying it in a bag, but it disappears and returns to Olaf.
- The king, furious, confronts Olaf and demands he prove the horn's magic.
- Olaf blows the small end of the horn, scattering the royal family, then blows the large end to bring them back.
- The terrified king, fearing another magical flight, declares Olaf the winner and grants him the princess's hand.
- Olaf and the princess are married in a beautiful wedding.
Characters
The King ◆ supporting
A man of regal bearing, likely of average height but with a commanding presence. His build is probably solid, reflecting a life of authority rather than manual labor. He is prone to fits of anger, which might cause his face to redden significantly.
Attire: Rich, heavy robes made of velvet or brocade, possibly in deep reds, blues, or purples, adorned with gold embroidery and a royal crest. He would wear a crown or circlet, and perhaps a heavy gold chain or medallion. His attire would be typical of a European monarch of a bygone era.
Wants: To find a competent rabbit keeper for his 'wonderful rabbits' and to maintain his royal authority and dignity.
Flaw: His quick temper, impatience, and pride make him susceptible to being outwitted and cause him to make rash decisions.
He begins as an arrogant and demanding ruler who banishes those who fail him. He is humbled by Olaf's magic horn, learning to respect the 'farmer's lad' and ultimately accepting him as a son-in-law.
Impatient, easily angered, proud, demanding, but ultimately pragmatic when faced with a superior force. He values skill and loyalty but is quick to banish those who fail him.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged European king standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a stern face with a prominent nose, firm lips, and neatly trimmed graying hair. He wears a heavy, deep red velvet robe with gold embroidery and a large golden royal crest on the chest, a jeweled golden crown, and a thick gold chain around his neck. His posture is commanding and rigid, with a slight frown. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Olaf ★ protagonist
A sturdy, healthy young man, likely of average height and build for a farmer's son, accustomed to physical work but not overly muscular. His movements are willing and good-natured.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant clothing: a coarse linen tunic in a muted color like cream or light brown, sturdy wool trousers, and worn leather boots. He carries a simple cloth bag over his shoulder.
Wants: To escape farm drudgery, win the King's reward (good pay and the Princess's hand), and prove himself capable.
Flaw: Initially, perhaps a bit naive or overly trusting, as shown by falling asleep with the horn in his pocket.
He starts as a simple farmer's son seeking a better life. Through his kindness and cleverness, he overcomes royal obstacles, proves his worth, and wins the princess, transforming from a commoner to a royal son-in-law.
Kind, good-natured, helpful, determined, clever, resourceful, and patient. He is willing to help others without expecting immediate reward.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young European man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has an open, kind face with light brown hair cut short, and gentle eyes. He wears a cream linen tunic, sturdy dark brown wool trousers, and worn leather boots. A simple, light brown cloth bag is slung over his shoulder. He holds a small, polished wooden horn with a wide and narrow end in his hands. He has a good-natured, slightly smiling expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Old Woman ◆ supporting
Shriveled and frail from her ordeal in the pit, suggesting a very thin frame and possibly stooped posture. Her appearance might be somewhat unkempt due to being trapped for a year.
Attire: Simple, tattered, and dirty peasant clothes, perhaps a dark, coarse woolen dress or smock, reflecting her long confinement and lack of care.
Wants: To be rescued from the pit and to reward kindness.
Flaw: Her physical vulnerability when trapped in the pit.
She serves as a magical helper, testing the brothers and rewarding Olaf for his kindness, thus setting him on his path to success. She does not change herself but acts as a catalyst for Olaf's change.
Initially sharp and demanding due to her suffering, but grateful and generous once helped. She possesses magical abilities and a keen sense of character.
Image Prompt & Upload
A very elderly European woman, shriveled and thin, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a deeply wrinkled face with sharp features and sparse, disheveled white hair. She wears a tattered, dark gray coarse woolen dress that hangs loosely on her frail frame. Her posture is slightly stooped but she holds a small, polished wooden horn in her hand with a knowing expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Princess ◆ supporting
Described as 'beautiful,' she would likely have a graceful figure and delicate features, befitting a royal upbringing. Her skin would be fair, untouched by labor.
Attire: Elegant, flowing gowns made of fine silks or brocades in soft, luxurious colors like pale blue, rose, or gold, adorned with delicate embroidery or lace. She would wear subtle jewelry, such as a pearl necklace or small earrings, and perhaps a small tiara or hair ornament.
Wants: To avoid marrying a 'common farmer’s son' and to maintain her royal status.
Flaw: Her pride and prejudice against commoners, which leads her to try and steal the horn.
She begins as a proud princess who scorns a commoner. While she doesn't explicitly change her mind, her father's decision and Olaf's ultimate success lead to her marriage, implying an acceptance of her fate, if not a full change of heart.
Initially proud, disdainful of commoners, and determined to avoid marrying below her station. She is also somewhat mischievous and willing to scheme to get her way.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young European princess standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a beautiful, refined face with long, elegantly styled light blonde hair and delicate features. She wears a flowing gown of pale blue silk with delicate silver embroidery on the bodice and sleeves. She has a pearl necklace and small pearl earrings. Her posture is graceful and regal, with a slightly haughty expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Jan ○ minor
Likely of similar build to his brothers, but perhaps with a slightly unkempt appearance due to his laziness. He would be of average height and build for a farmer's son.
Attire: Simple, perhaps slightly worn or ill-fitting peasant clothes, similar to Olaf's but less cared for. A coarse tunic and trousers.
Wants: To escape farm drudgery and gain an easy life with good pay, without putting in much effort.
Flaw: His laziness and lack of compassion are his fatal flaws, leading directly to his failure and banishment.
He fails to care for the rabbits due to his laziness and lack of resourcefulness, and is banished by the King, serving as a foil to Olaf.
Lazy, selfish, dismissive, and lacking in empathy. He is quick to judge and unwilling to help others.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young European man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has an indifferent face with light brown hair, slightly unkempt. He wears a faded green linen tunic, patched brown wool trousers, and scuffed leather boots. A simple, worn cloth bag is slung over his shoulder. His posture is slightly slouched, with a dismissive expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Hans ○ minor
Similar to Jan, likely of average height and build for a farmer's son, but with a tendency towards idleness. His appearance would be unremarkable.
Attire: Simple, functional peasant clothing, similar to his brothers, perhaps a blue linen tunic and brown trousers, showing signs of wear but not necessarily neglect.
Wants: To gain the King's reward and avoid farm work, without putting in much effort.
Flaw: His laziness and lack of compassion, similar to Jan, lead to his failure and banishment.
He fails to care for the rabbits due to his laziness and lack of resourcefulness, and is banished by the King, further highlighting the contrast with Olaf.
Lazy, self-interested, and unobservant. He is unwilling to stop and help others, prioritizing his own goals.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young European man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a plain face with short, dark brown hair and an uninspired expression. He wears a simple blue linen tunic, sturdy brown wool trousers, and practical leather shoes. A plain cloth bag is slung over his shoulder. His posture is somewhat indifferent, with a slight forward lean as if in a hurry. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Deep Pit in the Field
A deep, dark pit located in a field near a road, where an old, shriveled woman has been trapped for a year.
Mood: desolate, mysterious, slightly eerie
Olaf encounters the trapped old woman, helps her out, and receives the magic horn as a reward.
Image Prompt & Upload
A deep, dark earthen pit with rough, crumbling sides, partially overgrown with sparse, dry grasses. The pit is situated in a wide, open field of green and brown grasses, with a faint dirt road winding in the distance. Sunlight casts long shadows into the pit, highlighting its depth. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
King's Palace
A grand royal residence, likely of Northern European design, where the king, queen, and princess reside. It features areas for receiving guests and a lookout point.
Mood: regal, authoritative, sometimes tense
The king interviews prospective rabbit keepers, the brothers return after failing, and Olaf ultimately wins the princess and the kingdom.
Image Prompt & Upload
The interior of a grand Northern European palace hall, with tall, arched windows letting in soft daylight. Walls are adorned with tapestries depicting hunting scenes, and the floor is polished stone. Heavy, carved wooden doors lead to other chambers. A sense of quiet grandeur permeates the space. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Meadow Bordering a Wood
A large, open field of tender green grass, bordered by a dense wood. A soft green bank is present near the edge of the wood, suitable for napping. A distant hill marks the horizon.
Mood: peaceful, idyllic, later becomes a place of stealth and trickery
The rabbits browse here, Olaf uses his magic horn, and the princess, queen, and king attempt to steal the horn while Olaf naps.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, sun-drenched meadow of lush, vibrant green grass stretching towards a dense, dark wood of tall, ancient oak and birch trees. A gentle, grassy bank slopes down near the forest edge, dotted with wildflowers. In the far distance, a soft, rolling hill is silhouetted against a clear, blue sky. Golden hour light bathes the scene, casting long, soft shadows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
