LIFE and DEATH
by Atha Westbury · from Australian fairy tales
Adapted Version
Once, a kind grandpa sat by the road. A little fairy came to talk. They sat. They talked.
The Little Fairy spoke to Grandpa. 'Long ago, the world was new,' she said. 'Each creature got special time to live. People got time too. It was a plan.'
The Horse came first. 'You can live 30 years,' the fairy said. The Horse thought it was too much work. 'I carry things. It is hard. Please take years.' The Horse got 18 years. He was happy.
Then The Dog came. 'You can live 30 years,' the fairy said. The Dog thought too much time being busy. 'I run and bark. My feet hurt. Take years.' The Dog got 12 years. He was happy.
Next, The Monkey came. 'You can live 30 years,' the fairy said. The Monkey thought it was too much time for playing tricks. 'I make faces and people laugh. Take years.' The Monkey got 10 years. He was happy.
Then The Man came. 'You can live 30 years,' the fairy said. The Man thought it was too short. 'I want more time for fun,' he said. 'Thirty years is not enough.'
The Man asked The Horse for years. The Horse gave him 18 years. The Man asked The Dog for years. The Dog gave him 12 years. The Man asked The Monkey for years. The Monkey gave him 10 years. The Man now had 70 years.
The Little Fairy smiled. 'So The Man lives 30 years of his own,' she said. 'Then he lives 18 years working hard like a horse. Then he lives 12 years moving slowly like a dog. Then he lives 10 years playing tricks like a monkey. Then it's time for a long, quiet rest.'
Grandpa looked at The Little Fairy. 'What is this long, quiet rest?' he asked.
The Little Fairy held Grandpa's hand. 'The long, quiet rest is a calm part of life,' she said. 'It is like the sun setting after a long, busy day. It is normal. It is calm.' Grandpa felt calm. He knew. Life is a big, good story. It has a quiet, calm end. He felt happy and calm.
Original Story
LIFE AND DEATH.
Once upon a time an old man and a fairy sat by the wayside talking.
“When the world was first created,” said the elfin, “it was appointed how many years each creature should exist. So the horse came and inquired how long he was to live.
“ ‘Thirty years,’ he was told, and then was asked, ‘Is that sufficient?’
“ ‘Alas!’ replied the beast, ‘that is a long time. Think how many wearisome burdens I shall have to carry from morning to night beneath a hot sun, that man, my master, may eat bread and live at ease, and I receive nothing but blows and hard words, and must yet keep always active and obliging. The time is too long. Take away some of my years, I pray.’
“So the horse was pitied, and a life of only eighteen years was appointed to him. Whereupon he went gladly away; and the dog then made his appearance and asked,—
“ ‘What is the duration of my life?’
“ ‘How long do you wish to live?’ was inquired of him. ‘Thirty years was allotted to the horse, but that was too much for him; perhaps you will be satisfied with that term?’
“ ‘Do you think so?’ answered the dog. ‘Remember how much I shall have to run and bark and bite. My feet will not last the time, and when I have lost my voice and my teeth, and can neither bark nor bite, what will then be for me but to crawl and howl from one corner to another?’
“Therefore the dog’s plea was granted, and twelve years appointed for his age. After which he departed and made room for the monkey.
“ ‘You will live thirty years willingly, no doubt,’ was said to the ape. ‘You need not work like the horse or the dog, and therefore will always be well off.’
“ ‘Indeed, it should be so’ replied Jacko, ‘but I have found it different. Mine is anything but a life of indolence. I must always be aping my betters, and making comical faces for people to laugh at. Many a hard nut I have to crack. And as sadness is often hidden beneath a grin, so have I to show my teeth, even if they are aching with pain. Please shorten the years of my life.’ So ten years were allotted to him.
“Last of all man appeared, healthy and vigorous, and requested a term to be appointed to him.
“ ‘You shall live thirty years,’ was the reply. ‘Is that enough?’
“ ‘What a short time!’ exclaimed the man. ‘Just when I shall have cleared my land, built myself a house, and lighted a fire upon my own hearth, and I am thinking of enjoying life, I must die. I pray let my life be lengthened.’
“ ‘Very well. The eighteen years of the horse shall be added.’
“ ‘That is not sufficient,’ said man.
“ ‘You shall have also twelve years of the dog’s life thereto.’
“ ‘Still too little,’ replied the man.
“ ‘Then you may have the ten years allowed to the monkey, but you must desire no more.’
“Man was then obliged to leave, but he was not satisfied.
“Thus man lives seventy years. The first thirty are the days of his manhood, which pass quickly away; he is then strong and lusty, works with pleasure, and rejoices in his being. Then follow the eighteen years of the life of the horse which brings in its train burdens which he must bear from the rising to the setting of the sun, and wherein blame and abuse often reward him for his labours. Next come the twelve years of the dog, during which man has to sit in corners, because he has lost the power to bark and bite. And when this time is up the ten years of the monkey bring the close of the scene, for in these man becomes foolish, gabbers and jabbers without end, and is fit for nothing but——”
The elfin paused, and gazed earnestly at the mortal.
“But what?” cried the old man.
“But—Death. The portal which leads into the vast unknown, and from which we elves are debarred,” responded the fairy.
“And what is Death?”
“A certainty, O mortal, for all thy race. No more or less than that. Ere I go hence from thee for ever hear this fable:—
“In olden times a giant wrestled with this terrible enemy Death, and vanquished him. As the grim foe lay helpless by the wayside he began to grumble. ‘What will be the consequence of my downfall to the world? If I lie here, then it will be so full and crowded with humanity that they will not be able to move for each other.’
“Just then a young man came up the road, strong and healthy, singing a song, and looking well about him. As soon as he perceived the conquered one he went up to him, and compassionately raising him, bound up his wounds, and nursed him until strength returned.
“ ‘Do you know who I am?’ asked Death, when he was fairly on his legs again.
“ ‘No,’ replied the youth. ‘I know you not.’
“ ‘I am Death,’ he replied. ‘I spare no one, and can take no excuse from you even. But to show you that I am not ungrateful, I promise not to take you unawares, but I will send my messengers before I come and fetch you.’
“ ‘Very well,’ said the young man, ‘that is a bargain. Until your harbingers come I shall be safe from you.’
“With this understanding the mortal pursued his way merrily, and lived in prosperity for some time; but youth and health will not remain for ever. Pain and sickness and grief came, and the man complained that there was no rest for him night or day. ‘I shall not die,’ he said, ‘for Death must first send his messengers; but I wish these fearful days of illness were over.’
“Health returned again, and he began to live as usual. One day, somebody knocked at the window, and looking round he saw Death standing behind him. ‘Follow me,’ he said.
“ ‘How so?’ exclaimed the mortal. ‘Will you break the promise that you made to me, that your servants should first give me notice ere you appeared? I have not seen them.’
“ ‘Be silent,’ replied Death. ‘Have I not sent you one messenger after another? Did not fever come and seize you and lay you prostrate? Did not racking pain oppress your limbs, noises sound in your ears, a dimness cover your eyes? Above all, did not my twin brother, Sleep, remind you every night that I should come?’
“And the man knew not what to reply, and was therefore taken away.”
When the elfin had thus spoken he vanished from the mortal’s view.
Story DNA
Moral
Death is an inevitable part of life, and its harbingers are often present in the form of aging, sickness, and the need for rest.
Plot Summary
An old man and a fairy discuss life and death. The fairy explains that animals rejected their allotted 30 years due to their hardships, while man, finding 30 years too short, accumulated their rejected years, totaling 70. These borrowed years manifest as stages of burden, decline, and foolishness in human life, culminating in death. The fairy then tells a second fable about a man who makes a pact with Death to receive warnings before his time comes, only to realize later that the signs of aging and illness were Death's promised messengers all along.
Themes
Emotional Arc
contemplation to acceptance
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story reflects a common folk tradition of explaining human lifespan and its stages through allegories involving animals and their perceived characteristics.
Plot Beats (17)
- An old man and a fairy are talking by the wayside.
- The fairy explains that when the world was created, each creature was allotted a lifespan.
- The horse is offered 30 years but finds it too long due to hard labor and asks for fewer, receiving 18 years.
- The dog is offered 30 years but finds it too long due to constant running and barking, asking for fewer and receiving 12 years.
- The monkey is offered 30 years but finds it too long due to constant performance and hidden pain, asking for fewer and receiving 10 years.
- Man appears, is offered 30 years, but finds it too short for enjoyment after establishing his life.
- Man successfully requests the horse's 18 years, then the dog's 12 years, and finally the monkey's 10 years, totaling 70 years.
- The fairy explains how man's 70 years are divided: 30 years of his own, 18 years of the horse's burden, 12 years of the dog's decline, and 10 years of the monkey's foolishness, ending in Death.
- The old man asks the fairy, 'What is Death?'
- The fairy tells a second fable about a giant who vanquishes Death, leading to overpopulation.
- A young man compassionately helps Death recover.
- Death, grateful, promises the young man that he will send messengers before coming to take him.
- The man lives prosperously but eventually experiences pain, sickness, and grief, wishing for the illness to end but believing he is safe from Death.
- Death appears to take the man, who protests that no messengers were sent.
- Death reveals that fever, pain, dimness of eyes, and sleep were all his messengers.
- The man has no reply and is taken away, and the elfin vanishes.
- The old man is left to ponder the nature of life and death.
Characters
The Elfin ◆ supporting
Slight and ethereal, with delicate features. Their form is not explicitly described but implied to be non-human and ancient, suggesting a connection to nature and magic.
Attire: Not explicitly described, but fitting for a fairy, likely made of natural elements or shimmering, light fabrics that suggest an ethereal quality.
Wants: To impart ancient wisdom and understanding about life and death to mortals.
Flaw: Cannot experience or fully comprehend human death, which is a barrier to complete understanding of mortals.
Does not change, serves as a static source of wisdom.
Wise, ancient, philosophical, a storyteller, somewhat detached from human concerns, yet capable of pity and explanation.
Image Prompt & Upload
An ethereal, slender fairy with delicate features and a knowing expression. Their skin is pale and seems to glow faintly. They have long, flowing, silver-white hair that appears to be woven with starlight. Their eyes are large and luminous, a deep emerald green. They wear a tunic and trousers made of shimmering, iridescent fabric that shifts colors like a dragonfly's wing, adorned with tiny, glowing dewdrop-like beads. Their posture is poised and slightly leaning forward, as if in deep thought. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Old Man ◆ supporting
Frail and aged, showing the signs of a long life. His body is likely stooped from age, with visible wrinkles and perhaps a slower movement.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for an elderly man of a common background, perhaps a worn tunic and trousers made of sturdy, undyed linen or wool, with a simple cloak for warmth.
Wants: To understand the mysteries of life and death.
Flaw: His mortality and limited human perspective, which prevents him from fully grasping the elfin's ancient knowledge.
Gains a deeper, albeit unsettling, understanding of mortality.
Curious, questioning, receptive to wisdom, somewhat naive about the deeper truths of existence.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly man with a stooped posture, facing forward. He has a deeply wrinkled face, kind blue eyes, and a long, wispy white beard and matching hair that is thinning on top. He wears a simple, loose-fitting tunic of undyed grey linen, tied with a rope belt, and worn brown trousers. A plain, dark wool cloak is draped over his shoulders. His hands are gnarled with age, resting gently in front of him. He has a thoughtful, slightly curious expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Horse ○ minor
A strong, sturdy draft horse, built for labor. Likely a common breed, not a refined riding horse. Muscular and robust.
Attire: None, but implied to wear a harness or saddle for work.
Wants: To reduce the years of his laborious existence.
Flaw: His physical toil and the harsh treatment he receives from humans.
Receives a shorter lifespan, finding relief.
Hardworking, burdened, complaining, seeks relief from toil.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy, dark brown draft horse standing, facing forward. It has a broad chest, strong legs, and a thick, dark mane and tail. Its eyes are large and brown, with a slightly weary expression. There are faint scars on its flanks from past work. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Dog ○ minor
A loyal, active dog, likely a working or guard dog breed, not a pampered pet. Agile and alert.
Attire: None.
Wants: To reduce the years of his life when he will be unable to perform his duties.
Flaw: The inevitable decline of his physical capabilities (voice, teeth, feet).
Receives a shorter lifespan, avoiding prolonged helplessness.
Vigilant, protective, concerned about loss of ability, seeks relief from decline.
Image Prompt & Upload
A medium-sized, alert German Shepherd dog standing, facing forward. It has a strong, muscular build, pointed ears, and intelligent brown eyes. Its fur is a mix of black and tan, short and sleek. Its tail is held high and slightly curved. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Jacko (The Monkey) ○ minor
An agile, expressive monkey, likely a type known for performing or mimicking. Small to medium size, with nimble limbs.
Attire: None, but often associated with human entertainment.
Wants: To shorten his life of forced entertainment and mimicry.
Flaw: The emotional toll of constantly performing and hiding true feelings.
Receives a shorter lifespan, escaping prolonged pretense.
Perceptive, burdened by performance, hides sadness behind a facade, seeks relief from constant pretense.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, agile capuchin monkey standing on its hind legs, facing forward. It has light brown fur, a long tail, and dark, intelligent eyes. Its face is expressive, currently showing a wide, somewhat forced grin that hints at underlying weariness. Its nimble hands are slightly open. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Man (The Mortal) ★ protagonist
Initially healthy and vigorous, strong and lusty. Over time, he experiences pain, sickness, and the decline of old age, becoming frail and losing his faculties.
Attire: Initially, practical clothing for a man building his life (e.g., sturdy linen tunic, leather breeches). Later, as he ages, more comfortable, perhaps simpler, worn garments.
Wants: To live a long life of enjoyment and prosperity, to avoid death.
Flaw: His greed for more life, his inability to recognize the messengers of death, his eventual physical and mental decline.
Begins vigorous and ambitious, becomes burdened, then frail and foolish, and finally is taken by Death, learning (too late) the inevitability and signs of mortality.
Ambitious, desirous of a long and enjoyable life, initially confident, later complaining, then oblivious to warnings, and finally resigned.
Image Prompt & Upload
A human man in three stages of life, from left to right. On the left, a young man with a strong, muscular build, clear skin, short brown hair, and bright blue eyes, wearing a simple green linen tunic and brown leather breeches, standing tall and confident. In the middle, a middle-aged man with a slightly stooped posture, some grey in his hair, and a weary expression, wearing a worn blue wool tunic and trousers, carrying a small bundle. On the right, an elderly man, frail and hunched, with deeply wrinkled skin, sparse white hair, and dim eyes, wearing a simple grey smock, sitting with his hands resting on his lap. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Death ⚔ antagonist
Initially described as a 'grim foe' and a 'terrible enemy', suggesting a formidable and perhaps gaunt or skeletal appearance. Later, after being vanquished, he is described as 'helpless' and then 'fairly on his legs again', implying a physical form that can be injured and recover.
Attire: Not explicitly described, but 'grim foe' might imply dark, simple, or shroud-like attire.
Wants: To fulfill his role in the natural order, to claim lives when their time comes.
Flaw: Can be temporarily vanquished (by a giant), but always returns.
Temporarily defeated, but ultimately reasserts his power and role.
Unyielding, inevitable, formidable, but also capable of gratitude and keeping a promise (albeit with a twist).
Image Prompt & Upload
A tall, gaunt figure with a commanding presence, facing forward. Its skin is pale, almost translucent, and its face is severe with deep-set, dark eyes that seem to pierce. It has no hair. It wears a long, flowing cloak of dark, heavy grey wool that drapes around its slender form, and simple, dark tunic and trousers beneath. Its hands are long and bony. Its posture is upright and unyielding. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Young Man ★ protagonist
Strong and healthy, full of vigor. He is compassionate and capable of physical aid.
Attire: Practical, sturdy clothing suitable for a young man traveling, perhaps a simple tunic and breeches of natural linen or wool, in earthy tones.
Wants: To live merrily and prosper, to avoid death until given notice.
Flaw: His inability to recognize the subtle 'messengers' of Death, his complacency.
Makes a bargain with Death, lives prosperously, but eventually succumbs to Death's inevitable arrival, having failed to heed the warnings.
Compassionate, strong, healthy, confident, initially naive about Death's true nature, later complacent.
Image Prompt & Upload
A strong, healthy young man standing upright, facing forward. He has a clear, unlined face with a confident, slightly smiling expression and bright brown eyes. His short, wavy dark brown hair is neatly combed. He wears a sturdy, forest-green linen tunic with a simple leather belt, and practical dark brown wool breeches. His hands are strong and relaxed at his sides. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Wayside
A simple, unadorned path or road edge where an old man and a fairy sit and converse. Implies a natural, open setting, perhaps with some sparse vegetation.
Mood: Calm, contemplative, a place for storytelling and philosophical discussion.
The primary setting for the entire narrative, where the fairy recounts the fables of life and death.
Image Prompt & Upload
A narrow, well-trodden dirt path winding gently through a field of wild grasses and scattered wildflowers. The ground is dry and dusty, with a few smooth, grey stones peeking through. A sense of quietude pervades the scene, with soft, diffused light suggesting a timeless afternoon. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Man's Cleared Land and House
A plot of land that has been cleared and cultivated by a man, with a newly built house and a fire burning on its hearth. This suggests a rustic, self-sufficient dwelling.
Mood: Hopeful, industrious, representing the peak of human endeavor and the desire for enjoyment.
The man's ideal state of life, which he fears will be cut short, prompting his request for more years.
Image Prompt & Upload
A rustic, newly built German Fachwerk house with exposed dark timber beams and white infill, nestled on a gently sloping, recently cleared plot of land. A thin wisp of smoke rises from its stone chimney against a clear, bright morning sky. The surrounding ground is tilled earth, with a few young fruit trees planted nearby, and a simple wooden fence delineates the property. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
