Alphege, or The green monkey
by Andrew Lang
The Green Monkey Prince
Once, a king had a son, Prince Alphege. They lived in a big castle. The castle had tall towers. The prince's mother went away. She went to the stars. The king was very sad. He loved his son very much. He cried often. The castle felt empty. He missed her smile.
A kind queen came. She was the Good Queen. She flew on a cloud. She smiled warmly. Her eyes were kind. She became Alphege's godmother. She promised to help him. She gave him a hug. She sang a song. The song was sweet.
The king married again. The new queen had a son. She wanted her son to be king. She did not like Alphege. She was jealous. She made mean faces. She planned trouble. She whispered secrets.
The new queen wanted to make trouble. The Good Queen gave Alphege a magic ruby. The ruby glowed red. It shone at night. It kept him safe. It worked only in his father's land. The ruby was special. It was a gift. It had magic inside.
The new queen wanted Alphege to go away. She talked to the king. The king said yes. He was sad but agreed. He had to listen. Alphege went on a trip. He took his friends. They packed food. They took water too.
Alphege traveled with his friends. His friend Zayda went too. She carried a basket. The basket had apples. They left the king's land. They walked for days. They were hot and thirsty. The sun beat down. Their mouths were dry. They looked for shade.
Alphege drank some water. From a clear stream. The water was cool. Splash! Poof! He changed into a green monkey. He was a bright green monkey. His fur was shiny. He looked funny. He jumped around. He made sounds.
The green monkey spoke. "Your prince is a monkey now," it said. "Go home. You will know him later." The friends were shocked. Their eyes were wide. They went home sadly. They walked slowly. They told the king. They shared the news. The king listened carefully.
The king was very sad. He got sick. He stayed in bed. He coughed a lot. He had a fever. The new queen's son became king. He wore the crown. It was too big. It fell over his eyes. Zayda and her mother were sad. They missed Alphege. They cried together. They held hands.
The new king liked to hunt. He went to the forest often. He carried a bow. He had arrows. One day, he found a green monkey. The monkey was very cute. It played in the trees. It swung on branches. It ate bananas. The king took it home. He liked the monkey. He gave it bananas. He petted its head.
The monkey ran away. It went to Zayda's house. It remembered her. It climbed through a window. The window was open. The monkey looked at Zayda. It cried big tears. Tears rolled down its fur. The tears were shiny. They sparkled like diamonds. Zayda felt sorry for it. She hugged the monkey. She wiped its tears.
Zayda's mother had a dream. The Good Queen came in the dream. She shone with light. Her voice was soft. "Find a green liquid," she said. "It is under a tree." The tree was tall. It had big leaves. The leaves were green. Zayda's mother woke up. She told Zayda. They talked about it.
Zayda and her mother found the liquid. It was in a bottle. The bottle was green. It was hidden under roots. They gave the monkey a bath. They used the green liquid. The liquid bubbled. It made sounds. It fizzed softly. Poof! The monkey became Alphege again. He was human once more. He smiled widely. He hugged them back.
The new queen was angry. Her face turned red. She stamped her foot. She did not like Alphege. She told the king, "Send him away!" She shouted loudly. Her voice was sharp. The king went to see. He walked to the house. He found Alphege. Alphege smiled. He looked strong. He stood tall.
"You are my brother!" said the king. "I am sorry." He felt guilty. Tears came to his eyes. "You should be king." He meant it. The king gave Alphege the crown. It was gold and shiny. It had jewels. It fit perfectly. Alphege became king. He was happy. He thanked everyone. He promised to be good.
Alphege married Zayda. They had a big wedding. There were flowers and music. The music played loudly. They were very happy. They smiled and laughed. They danced together. Their friends cheered. The Good Queen came to visit. She brought gifts. She gave them a blessing. She smiled wisely. The new queen went away. She left the kingdom. She never came back. She was forgotten.
Alphege and his brother ruled together. They were kind and good. They helped everyone. They built schools. They planted trees. Everyone was happy. There was peace. The land prospered. Good wins in the end. Kindness is important. Love is strong. Friendship lasts forever.
Original Story
_ALPHEGE, OR THE GREEN MONKEY_ Many years ago there lived a King, who was twice married. His first wife, a good and beautiful woman, died at the birth of her little son, and the King her husband was so overwhelmed with grief at her loss that his only comfort was in the sight of his heir. When the time for the young Prince’s christening came the King chose as godmother a neighbouring Princess, so celebrated for her wisdom and goodness that she was commonly called ‘the Good Queen.’ She named the baby Alphege, and from that moment took him to her heart. Time wipes away the greatest griefs, and after two or three years the King married again. His second wife was a Princess of undeniable beauty, but by no means of so amiable a disposition as the first Queen. In due time a second Prince was born, and the Queen was devoured with rage at the thought that Prince Alphege came between her son and the throne. She took care however to conceal her jealous feelings from the King. At length she could control herself no longer, so she sent a trusty servant to her old and faithful friend the Fairy of the Mountain, to beg her to devise some means by which she might get rid of her stepson. The Fairy replied that, much as she desired to be agreeable to the Queen in every way, it was impossible for her to attempt anything against the young Prince, who was under the protection of some greater Power than her own. The ‘Good Queen’ on her side watched carefully over her godson. She was obliged to do so from a distance, her own country being a remote one, but she was well informed of all that went on and knew all about the Queen’s wicked designs. She therefore sent the Prince a large and splendid ruby, with injunctions to wear it night and day as it would protect him from all attacks, but added that the talisman only retained its power as long as the Prince remained within his father’s dominions. The Wicked Queen knowing this made every attempt to get the Prince out of the country, but her efforts failed, till one day accident did what she was unable to accomplish. The King had an only sister who was deeply attached to him, and who was married to the sovereign of a distant country. She had always kept up a close correspondence with her brother, and the accounts she heard of Prince Alphege made her long to become acquainted with so charming a nephew. She entreated the King to allow the Prince to visit her, and after some hesitation which was overruled by his wife, he finally consented. Prince Alphege was at this time fourteen years old, and the handsomest and most engaging youth imaginable. In his infancy he had been placed in the charge of one of the great ladies of the Court, who, according to the prevailing custom, acted first as his head nurse and then as his governess. When he outgrew her care her husband was appointed as his tutor and governor, so that he had never been separated from this excellent couple, who loved him as tenderly as they did their only daughter Zayda, and were warmly loved by him in return. When the Prince set forth on his travels it was but natural that this devoted couple should accompany him, and accordingly he started with them and attended by a numerous retinue. For some time he travelled through his father’s dominions and all went well; but soon after passing the frontier they had to cross a desert plain under a burning sun. They were glad to take shelter under a group of trees near, and here the Prince complained of burning thirst. Luckily a tiny stream ran close by and some water was soon procured, but no sooner had he tasted it than he sprang from his carriage and disappeared in a moment. In vain did his anxious followers seek for him, he was nowhere to be found. As they were hunting and shouting through the trees a great black monkey suddenly appeared on a point of rock and said: ‘Poor sorrowing people, you are seeking your Prince in vain. Return to your own country and know that he will not be restored to you till you have for some time failed to recognise him.’ With these words he vanished, leaving the courtiers sadly perplexed; but as all their efforts to find the Prince were useless they had no choice but to go home, bringing with them the sad news, which so greatly distressed the King that he fell ill and died not long after. The Queen, whose ambition was boundless, was delighted to see the crown on her son’s head and to have the power in her own hands. Her hard rule made her very unpopular, and it was commonly believed that she had made away with Prince Alphege. Indeed, had the King her son not been deservedly beloved a revolution would certainly have arisen. [Illustration: The King makes friends with the Green Monkey] Meantime the former governess of the unfortunate Alphege, who had lost her husband soon after the King’s death, retired to her own house with her daughter, who grew up a lovely and most loveable girl, and both continued to mourn the loss of their dear Prince. The young King was devoted to hunting, and often indulged in his favourite pastime, attended by the noblest youths in his kingdom. One day, after a long morning’s chase he stopped to rest near a brook in the shade of a little wood, where a splendid tent had been prepared for him. Whilst at luncheon he suddenly spied a little monkey of the brightest green sitting on a tree and gazing so tenderly at him that he felt quite moved. He forbade his courtiers to frighten it, and the monkey, noticing how much attention was being paid him, sprang from bough to bough, and at length gradually approached the King, who offered him some food. The monkey took it very daintily and finally came to the table. The King took him on his knees, and, delighted with his capture, brought him home with him. He would trust no one else with its care, and the whole Court soon talked of nothing but the pretty green monkey. One morning, as Prince Alphege’s governess and her daughter were alone together, the little monkey sprang in through an open window. He had escaped from the palace, and his manners were so gentle and caressing that Zayda and her mother soon got over the first fright he had given them. He had spent some time with them and quite won their hearts by his insinuating ways, when the King discovered where he was and sent to fetch him back. But the monkey made such piteous cries, and seemed so unhappy when anyone attempted to catch him, that the two ladies begged the King to leave him a little longer with them, to which he consented. One evening, as they sat by the fountain in the garden, the little monkey kept gazing at Zayda with such sad and loving eyes that she and her mother could not think what to make of it, and they were still more surprised when they saw big tears rolling down his cheeks. Next day both mother and daughter were sitting in a jessamine bower in the garden, and they began to talk of the green monkey and his strange ways. The mother said, ‘My dear child, I can no longer hide my feelings from you. I cannot get the thought out of my mind that the green monkey is no other than our beloved Prince Alphege, transformed in this strange fashion. I know the idea sounds wild, but I cannot get it out of my heart, and it leaves me no peace.’ As she spoke she glanced up, and there sat the little monkey, whose tears and gestures seemed to confirm her words. The following night the elder lady dreamt that she saw the Good Queen, who said, ‘Do not weep any longer but follow my directions. Go into your garden and lift up the little marble slab at the foot of the great myrtle tree. You will find beneath it a crystal vase filled with a bright green liquid. Take it with you and place the thing which is at present most in your thoughts into a bath filled with roses and rub it well with the green liquid.’ At these words the sleeper awoke, and lost no time in rising and hurrying to the garden, where she found all as the Good Queen had described. Then she hastened to rouse her daughter and together they prepared the bath, for they would not let their women know what they were about. Zayda gathered quantities of roses, and when all was ready they put the monkey into a large jasper bath, where the mother rubbed him all over with the green liquid. [Illustration: The Green Monkey in the Bath.] Their suspense was not long, for suddenly the monkey skin dropped off, and there stood Prince Alphege, the handsomest and most charming of men. The joy of such a meeting was beyond words. After a time the ladies begged the Prince to relate his adventures, and he told them of all his sufferings in the desert when he was first transformed. His only comfort had been in visits from the Good Queen, who had at length put him in the way of meeting his brother. Several days were spent in these interesting conversations, but at length Zayda’s mother began to think of the best means for placing the Prince on the throne, which was his by right. The Queen on her side was feeling very anxious. She had felt sure from the first that her son’s pet monkey was no other than Prince Alphege, and she longed to put an end to him. Her suspicions were confirmed by the Fairy of the Mountain, and she hastened in tears to the King, her son. ‘I am informed,’ she cried, ‘that some ill-disposed people have raised up an impostor in the hopes of dethroning you. You must at once have him put to death.’ The King, who was very brave, assured the Queen that he would soon punish the conspirators. He made careful inquiries into the matter, and thought it hardly probable that a quiet widow and a young girl would think of attempting anything of the nature of a revolution. He determined to go and see them, and to find out the truth for himself; so one night, without saying anything to the Queen or his ministers, he set out for the palace where the two ladies lived, attended only by a small band of followers. The two ladies were at the moment deep in conversation with Prince Alphege, and hearing a knocking so late at night begged him to keep out of sight for a time. What was their surprise when the door was opened to see the King and his suite. ‘I know,’ said the King, ‘that you are plotting against my crown and person, and I have come to have an explanation with you.’ As she was about to answer Prince Alphege, who had heard all, came forward and said, ‘It is from me you must ask an explanation, brother.’ He spoke with such grace and dignity that everyone gazed at him with mute surprise. At length the King, recovering from his astonishment at recognising the brother who had been lost some years before, exclaimed, ‘Yes, you are indeed my brother, and now that I have found you, take the throne to which I have no longer a right.’ So saying, he respectfully kissed the Prince’s hand. Alphege threw himself into his arms, and the brothers hastened to the royal palace, where in the presence of the entire court he received the crown from his brother’s hand. To clear away any possible doubt, he showed the ruby which the Good Queen had given him in his childhood. As they were gazing at it, it suddenly split with a loud noise, and at the same moment the Wicked Queen expired. King Alphege lost no time in marrying his dear and lovely Zayda, and his joy was complete when the Good Queen appeared at his wedding. She assured him that the Fairy of the Mountain had henceforth lost all power over him, and after spending some time with the young couple, and bestowing the most costly presents on them, she retired to her own country. King Alphege insisted on his brother sharing his throne, and they all lived to a good old age, universally beloved and admired. _FAIRER-THAN-A-FAIRY_ Once there lived a King who had no children for many years after his marriage. At length heaven granted him a daughter of such remarkable beauty that he could think of no name so appropriate for her as
Moral of the Story
Goodness and rightful lineage will eventually triumph over malice and usurpation, often with the aid of loyal friends and benevolent magic.
Characters
Alphege ★ protagonist
Handsome and engaging youth, later transformed into a green monkey
Attire: Initially, fine princely attire; later, bright green monkey fur; finally, royal robes
Kind, gentle, deserving of love and loyalty
The Wicked Queen ⚔ antagonist
Undeniably beautiful, but with a cruel heart
Attire: Rich, elaborate gowns and jewels, signifying her power and status
Jealous, ambitious, ruthless
Zayda ◆ supporting
Lovely and most loveable girl
Attire: Simple but elegant dresses, befitting her status as the daughter of a respected lady
Kind, compassionate, loyal
The Good Queen ◆ supporting
Implied to be beautiful and wise
Attire: Elegant, flowing robes, perhaps with magical embellishments
Wise, benevolent, protective
The King (Alphege's brother) ◆ supporting
Brave and just
Attire: Royal attire, including a crown and fine robes
Brave, just, ultimately kind and willing to do what is right
Locations
Royal Palace
Splendid, where the King holds court and the Queen plots.
Mood: Initially grief-stricken, then politically charged and scheming.
Alphege is presented to the court and receives the crown; the Wicked Queen dies.
Desert Plain
A hot, arid expanse with a small stream and a group of trees offering shade.
Mood: Treacherous, desolate, mysterious.
Prince Alphege is transformed into a green monkey after drinking from the stream.
Little Wood near a Brook
Shady area with a brook, where a tent is prepared for the young King.
Mood: Peaceful, unsuspecting, fateful.
The young King first encounters the green monkey.
Zayda's Garden
Features a fountain, a jessamine bower, and a great myrtle tree with a marble slab at its base.
Mood: Secretive, hopeful, magical.
Alphege is restored to his human form in a rose-filled bath with green liquid.
Story DNA
Moral
Goodness and rightful lineage will eventually triumph over malice and usurpation, often with the aid of loyal friends and benevolent magic.
Plot Summary
Prince Alphege, protected by a magical ruby from his wicked stepmother, is tricked into leaving his father's kingdom, where he is transformed into a green monkey. His father dies, and his half-brother becomes king. Alphege, still a monkey, finds refuge with his former governess and her daughter, Zayda, who recognize his true identity through his human-like emotions. Guided by a dream from his fairy godmother, they restore him to human form. When his brother, the King, investigates a rumored plot, Alphege reveals himself, reclaims his throne, marries Zayda, and the wicked queen perishes.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects common European fairy tale tropes of wicked stepmothers, magical protection, and the eventual triumph of the rightful heir.
Plot Beats (15)
- King's first wife dies, leaving him with Prince Alphege.
- The Good Queen becomes Alphege's godmother and protector.
- King remarries a jealous Queen who wants her son to inherit the throne.
- Wicked Queen tries to harm Alphege, but the Good Queen gives him a protective ruby, effective only within his father's kingdom.
- Wicked Queen convinces the King to send Alphege to visit his aunt in a distant land.
- Alphege, his governess, her husband, and daughter Zayda travel; outside the kingdom, Alphege drinks from a magical stream and is transformed into a green monkey.
- The monkey tells Alphege's retinue he won't be recognized until later, and they return with the news, causing the King's death.
- The Wicked Queen's son becomes King; Alphege's governess and Zayda mourn.
- The new King finds and befriends the green monkey, bringing it to the palace.
- The green monkey escapes to the governess's house, showing human emotions and tears, convincing the governess it is Alphege.
- The governess dreams of the Good Queen, who instructs her to use a green liquid from under a myrtle tree to restore Alphege.
- The governess and Zayda follow the instructions, transforming the monkey back into Prince Alphege.
- The Wicked Queen, suspicious, tries to convince her son to kill the 'impostor', but the King decides to investigate himself.
- The King visits the governess's house, where Alphege reveals his identity, and the King cedes the throne to him.
- Alphege is crowned King, marries Zayda, and the Wicked Queen dies as the ruby splits; Alphege rules with his brother and the Good Queen visits.
