GIANTS
by Atha Westbury · from Australian fairy tales
Adapted Version
I loved to read books. I read them each night. I read a big book. It was very late. I sat in my room. My mind felt full.
Then my table began to glow. A bright light came. It moved like a spiral. The light changed. It became an old man. He looked very wise. He said, "I am The Wise Old Man."
The Wise Old Man knew my thoughts. He did not ask me. He said, "I can show you things. I can show you big things. They are from the future. They are like giants."
I wanted to go with him. I followed him then. We went outside. It was dark night. We walked to a hill.
He told me to look at the moon. I looked at the moon. The moon got very big. It made me feel light. I felt like a bird. I flew up high.
I floated through the sky. I saw many places. They went by fast. Then we stopped. We were in a big forest. There was a very big cave.
We went into the big cave. It was very wide. It was very tall. I saw many giants. They were very big. Many giants were sleeping there.
I asked, "Who is that giant?" He said, "A big baby." It woke up. It will grow big.
I saw one more giant. It had a big head. It had bright lights. I asked, "Who is that one?" He said, "Not awake yet."
He said, "Too strong now." Its power is very big. It must wait. It is not time yet.
I saw one more giant. It looked very big. I asked, "Who is he?" He said, "Money." He is very strong.
He said, "Money and the giant with lights. They will work as one. They will make new things."
I saw one more giant. He looked very good. He liked to build. The Wise Old Man said, "That is a giant who likes to build. He is very busy. He makes many things."
The Wise Old Man stopped talking. My dream ended. Mrs. Green woke me up. She was Mrs. Green. She said, "Martin, wake up now!"
The Wise Old Man was gone. I was back in my room. But I still thought about the big giants. What new things would they bring?
Original Story
GIANTS.
I, Martin Crowe, am a book-loving vagabond. Reading hath charms for me not to be found in men or women. My few quaint volumes are my companions and my friends. True, I cannot borrow money from, or use them according to my worldly necessity; nevertheless, they speak to me in many voices, some in tones of deep wisdom, others in the witchery of suggestive imagery, until my humble study, with its scanty furniture and bare walls, vanish altogether from my outward senses.
It is late. On this long winter night I have been deep into the pages of the famous astronomer, Newton; and although I have laid down the book before me on the table, my mind is still busy at the threshold of the mysterious realm of Nature, to which I have been introduced by the wand of the magician. If knowledge is power, it sometimes happens that the power does not bring happiness in its train, but often assumes strange shapes. As I sat and looked with vacant eyes at what, for the moment, I saw not, behold the table before me became gradually luminous. At first the light was flickering and uncertain, rising and falling in a shapeless mass, but it quickly brightened into a spiral-shaped luminary, which presently assumed the form of a venerable old man.
I cannot venture an opinion as to the means employed by my strange visitor for his entrance into my chamber, any more than you can explain to me the manifestations of clairvoyance and electro-biology.
From the first appearance of the light, and during the subsequent gradations which qualified my vision to discover a personage with the aspect of a seer of the olden time standing at my side, I have no clear idea of anything save that of being held by an all-powerful spell towards him. I had studied animal magnetism, and curative mesmerism under Tom Buckland, and knew a thing or two with reference to passes, currents, and counter-currents, but I found my will ebbing away before the steady fingers and calm eyes of the stranger, whose stronger influence seemed to wrap me round and round as with a band of steel, utterly powerless to speak or move, except at the will of my companion. Yet I felt my sensations in rapid play to all around me. Nay, more, the sense of hearing and observation seemed marvellously quickened within me, and the intensity of thought brightened from the gross element which had previously partially obscured it. The shape found voice, and addressed me:—
“Young man, I am the guardian of Nature’s chief secrets,” it said, replying to the unasked question on my lip. “Men call me Knowledge, but my name is Science. What dost thou want with me?”
I found the power of speech return to me ere the last words were uttered.
“Let me behold some of Nature’s secrets,” I cried eagerly.
“Thou art a bold mortal.”
“I am earnest. Even as the aspiring thoughts that meet me in this book, I would soar and know.”
“Of course,” replied the voice. “Although I come to thee in fairy form and guise, I am the servant of thought. It was not the uttered word that did summon me, but the force of the inward wish to understand within thee. Well, I am here. If thou wouldst see some of the giants of the future, follow me.”
I had no will but to follow him, as he led the way out of the doorway into the silent night, under the whispering trees beyond the city, across the bridge of the river, and away to the summit of a hill, with the waves of the gulf thundering at its base.
“All human knowledge commences in dreams,” he said in a low tone. “Trance hovers over measureless secrets, and forms the first faint bridge between them and thought. Look steadfastly on the moon yonder.”
I obeyed in silence. I had no power otherwise than to obey. As I gazed, the pale orb of night appeared to expand and dilate until its luminous circumference diffused all space, and in the midst of this shining atmosphere I became aware of a strange sense of heavenly liberty pervading my whole being. It seemed as if hitherto I had been bound with a strong chain, which had suddenly snapped asunder, and had yielded me unutterable freedom from the body, and had imparted a bird-like lightness which floated me into space itself. Through this space a swift succession of shadowy landscapes rolled; mountains, trees, cities, ships, and inland seas glided along, like the drifting clouds seen in a stormy sky, until at length, settled and stationary, I saw a vast cave in the heart of a gloomy forest.
“Enter, and beware of Fear,” cried the voice at my side. At the sound the ecstasy and lightness which had been upon me faded away, and a sort of languor seized my frame, without communicating itself to the mind.
Downward by a stairway of rugged rock I was led into what seemed a terrible abyss. Round and round in spiral form we descended for many miles, amid noises loud and new to me, when our farther progress was abruptly stopped by a massive door formed in the solid rock, and which was guarded by monsters of various shapes, called Ignorance. Erect and threatening they rose to crush me, but at sight of my conductor they fell down again in abject submission and opened the door; whereupon we passed into a mighty cavern, so wide and so lofty that its magnitude astounded me, its limit reaching far beyond my range of vision. Here I beheld huge giants, mightier than ever appeared in legend or fairy tale. Many were toiling hard, some lay reclining, as if just awakened from a deep sleep; while others slumbered peacefully. Dim and indistinct as the light here glimmered, I could see the ponderous shapes plainly. With the will to question my guide came the power of speech.
“Who is yonder fellow,” I asked, “seated astride the trident rock? What huge limbs he has!”
“That is young Australia,” replied the voice. “The ages have cradled him. He is only a baby awakened out of his first sleep. I predict the infant will develop into a magnificent giant by-and-by,” rejoined the voice.
“What is the name of this powerful-looking creature here with the gigantic head?” I inquired, pointing to a monster who seemed but just awakened from a long nap.
“Electricity. It is a name but little known as yet,” replied the sage, “but your children will see this new land filled with its wonders. You see the giant has only been disturbed, not awakened.”
“Why do they not rouse him up to action, O wise sage?”
“Because the time for him to use his great and varied powers has not come,” answered the voice gravely. “Powers wrested from Nature for the benefit of mankind may be also turned into a scourge for the innocent. A Titan war is waging ever among men, the good for ever on the defensive, the bad for ever in assault. Perchance ’tis well the giant sleeps.”
“There is another giant standing near Electricity, whose proud look I have often noted on the faces of men I have met. Who is he?”
“He is called Money, otherwise Cash, often Hard Cash,” replied the voice in answer. “Truly he is a powerful fellow. Sometimes great and god-like in his liberality, at other times he is mean and selfish. Mark what an affinity between him and the prostrate monster. In the far-off future, I see them hand-in-hand together, working a wonderful change on the face of Nature and in the condition of mankind.” A faint smile passed across the features of the sage as he uttered the words.
“One question more. Pray tell me the name of yon noble creature who seems as though he were able to prop the globe single-handed?”
“Ah, that is the twin brother of young Australia, and his name is Enterprise,” added the voice proudly. “Up and doing, early and late, ever active and daring in speculation. Australian Enterprise has promised that this, his country, shall be the commercial focus of the earth some time in the future, which shall also uprouse these slumbering giants.”
The voice ceased speaking; but another voice, well known to my waking ears as that of my landlady, filled the vacuum, with the following choice sentence:—
“Mr. Crowe, I hopes you remember that I’m a widder with five innercent children to keep, and can’t afford to let you fall asleep and burn every drop of ile out of the lamp for a guinea a week, washing included! There now!”
Story DNA
Moral
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Plot Summary
Martin Crowe, a solitary scholar, experiences a profound vision after reading Newton. A luminous figure, personifying Science, appears and takes him on a mystical journey to a hidden cavern. There, Martin witnesses colossal, slumbering giants representing future forces like 'young Australia', 'Electricity', 'Money', and 'Enterprise'. Science explains their potential and dangers, emphasizing that some powers are not yet ready for mankind. The vision abruptly ends with the mundane interruption of his landlady, bringing Martin back to his ordinary life, but leaving him with a sense of wonder and insight into the future.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to wonder to enlightenment
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects the Victorian era's fascination with scientific discovery, spiritualism (mesmerism), and the burgeoning British Empire's global reach, particularly the development of its colonies like Australia. The 'giants' represent technological and economic forces that were either emerging or anticipated.
Plot Beats (15)
- Martin Crowe, a solitary book-lover, is reading Newton late at night, his mind absorbed in the mysteries of nature.
- His table glows, and a luminous spiral transforms into an old man, who introduces himself as 'Knowledge' or 'Science'.
- Science, sensing Martin's unasked question, offers to reveal some of Nature's secrets and the 'giants of the future'.
- Martin, under Science's spell, follows him out into the night, across a river, and to a hill overlooking a gulf.
- Science instructs Martin to gaze at the moon, which expands and transports him into a state of heavenly liberty and bird-like lightness.
- He floats through space, witnessing fleeting landscapes, until he settles in a vast cave within a gloomy forest.
- Science warns him to beware of Fear as they descend a spiral rock stairway, guarded by monsters called Ignorance.
- Ignorance monsters submit to Science, allowing them to enter a colossal cavern filled with huge, mostly slumbering giants.
- Martin questions Science about the giants, learning that one is 'young Australia', a baby just awakened.
- He then points to a giant with a huge head, identified as 'Electricity', which is only disturbed, not fully awakened.
- Science explains that Electricity's full power is not yet meant for mankind, as it could be a scourge if misused.
- Martin inquires about another proud-looking giant, identified as 'Money' (Cash), noting its affinity with a prostrate monster.
- Science predicts Money and Electricity will work hand-in-hand in the future to change nature and mankind.
- Finally, Martin asks about a noble giant, identified as 'Enterprise', the twin brother of Australia, who promises his country will be a commercial focus.
- Science's voice ceases, and Martin is abruptly roused from his vision by his landlady's scolding voice, reminding him of his overdue rent and the burning lamp oil.
Characters
Martin Crowe ★ protagonist
Lean build, likely of average height, with a studious and perhaps slightly unkempt appearance from his vagabond lifestyle. His features are not explicitly described but suggest a man more focused on intellectual pursuits than physical vanity.
Attire: Simple, worn clothing suitable for a vagabond and scholar in a 19th-century European setting. Likely includes a dark, perhaps tweed or wool, jacket, a plain shirt, and trousers, all showing signs of wear but clean enough for his humble study.
Wants: To gain knowledge and understand the secrets of Nature and the universe.
Flaw: Easily spellbound and susceptible to external influences, somewhat detached from worldly necessities.
He experiences a profound visionary journey, expanding his understanding of future forces and the potential of humanity, though he is abruptly pulled back to his mundane reality.
Book-loving, intellectual, curious, earnest, imaginative, and somewhat reclusive.
Image Prompt & Upload
A lean adult man of average height, with a thoughtful expression and slightly unkempt dark hair, sits at a simple wooden table. He wears a worn dark tweed jacket over a plain cream linen shirt and dark trousers. His hands rest near an open, leather-bound book. His posture is slightly hunched, indicating deep concentration. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Sage (Knowledge/Science) ◆ supporting
Initially a spiral-shaped luminary, then assumes the form of a venerable old man. He possesses steady fingers and calm eyes, exuding an aura of powerful influence and ancient wisdom.
Attire: Appears in a 'fairy form and guise,' suggesting ethereal, flowing robes rather than specific earthly garments. Perhaps a simple, unadorned, flowing white or light-colored robe that seems to shimmer with inner light.
Wants: To reveal the secrets of Nature and Science to those who earnestly seek them.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but his power is tied to the seeker's earnestness.
Serves as a catalyst for Martin's vision, revealing the 'giants of the future' and offering insights into their nature and potential.
Wise, powerful, enigmatic, guiding, somewhat detached, and profound.
Image Prompt & Upload
A venerable old man with a long, flowing white beard and long white hair, standing upright and facing forward. His calm, penetrating eyes gaze directly ahead. He wears a simple, flowing, unadorned white robe that seems to subtly shimmer. His hands are held serenely before him. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Landlady ○ minor
Not explicitly described, but her dialogue suggests a practical, perhaps stout woman, burdened by responsibilities. Likely of average height with a no-nonsense demeanor.
Attire: Practical, modest clothing typical of a working-class widow in 19th-century Europe. Likely a dark, simple dress made of sturdy fabric like wool or cotton, with a clean apron.
Wants: To ensure her rent is paid and her household expenses are met, particularly for her five children.
Flaw: Her financial struggles and the burden of her children make her somewhat harsh and demanding.
Does not have an arc; serves as a grounding force, abruptly pulling Martin back to reality.
Practical, assertive, financially conscious, and responsible (especially for her children).
Image Prompt & Upload
A stout adult woman of average height, with a stern expression and practical dark hair pulled back from her face. She wears a dark, sturdy cotton dress with a clean white apron tied at the waist. Her hands are on her hips, conveying a no-nonsense attitude. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Martin Crowe's Humble Study
A small, sparsely furnished room with bare walls, illuminated by a lamp. It contains a table where books are laid.
Mood: Quiet, studious, initially mundane, then becomes mystical and luminous.
Martin Crowe is reading, then experiences a vision where the table becomes luminous and the entity 'Science' appears.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, dimly lit study in a 19th-century European cottage. Rough-hewn wooden floorboards and plaster walls are visible. A simple, sturdy wooden table holds an open book and a brass oil lamp casting warm, flickering light. The room is sparse, with only a few shadows stretching into the corners. A spiral of ethereal, glowing light emanates from the table's surface, illuminating dust motes in the still air. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Hilltop overlooking a Gulf
A silent night scene beyond the city, with whispering trees, a river crossed by a bridge, leading to a hill summit where waves thunder at its base.
Mood: Mysterious, vast, awe-inspiring, a threshold to other realms.
Science leads Martin out of his study to this vantage point, where Martin gazes at the moon and begins his visionary journey.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dramatic, windswept hilltop at night, overlooking a vast, dark gulf where powerful waves crash against the base of the cliffs, sending spray into the air. Sparse, gnarled trees with bare branches whisper in the cold night wind. A pale, luminous full moon hangs low in the sky, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the rugged terrain. The distant lights of a 19th-century European city are barely visible on the horizon. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Vast Cave in a Gloomy Forest
A dark, gloomy forest containing a vast cave entrance, accessed by a spiral stairway of rugged rock leading into a terrible abyss. The cave itself is immense, with a massive rock door guarded by monstrous figures.
Mood: Foreboding, terrifying, mysterious, ancient, filled with immense power.
Martin is transported into this vision, entering the cave to witness the 'giants of the future'.
Image Prompt & Upload
A colossal cave entrance carved into a sheer, dark rock face, partially obscured by the gnarled, ancient trees of a gloomy, primeval forest. A winding, spiral stairway of rough-hewn stone descends into the cavern's depths, disappearing into a terrible, inky abyss. The air is thick with an ancient, damp chill. Massive, grotesque figures with shadowy forms guard a colossal door of solid rock at the bottom of the visible descent. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Mighty Cavern of Giants
An astoundingly wide and lofty cavern, its limits extending beyond vision, dimly lit. It houses immense, ponderous figures of giants, some toiling, some reclining, some slumbering.
Mood: Awe-inspiring, mysterious, powerful, ancient, pregnant with future potential.
Martin witnesses the allegorical 'giants' representing future forces and nations, learning about their potential and dormant power.
Image Prompt & Upload
A colossal, subterranean cavern of immense scale, its vaulted ceiling lost in shadow far above. The space is filled with a dim, ethereal light that barely illuminates the colossal, sculpted figures of sleeping and reclining giants, carved from the very rock or formed from elemental forces. One giant sits astride a massive, trident-shaped rock formation. The ground is uneven, made of rough, ancient stone. The air feels heavy and still, filled with an ancient power. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
