TIME and HIS MOTHER
by Clifton Johnson · from Bluebeard
Adapted Version
Once, a girl named Channa lived. She had seven brothers. One day, something strange happened. Her brothers turned into white doves. Channa was very sad. She wanted to help them. Channa had to find a way.
Channa walked to a tall mountain. She climbed up, up, up. A big castle was there. Time lived in the castle.
Channa went inside. She saw a big clock. She held its heavy weights. Time's Mother came. "Let go!" she said. Channa was brave. "Help my brothers," Channa said. Time's Mother promised to ask Time.
Time came home. He had big wings. Time's Mother asked him. "How can Channa help her brothers?" Time spoke. He told secrets. Channa listened well. She knew what to do.
Channa went down the mountain. She saw her brothers. They were white doves. The doves landed on a big horn. Poof! They were boys again. Channa was very happy. Her brothers were back.
Channa and her brothers found an old tree. Time told them about it. They dug in the ground. They found much gold. It was a big treasure.
They shared the gold. They slept under a bush. Bad people came. They took all the gold. Channa and her brothers were sad. They had no money.
Channa saw a little mouse. She told it Time's secret. "Put a bell on the cat!" The mouse was happy. It chewed the ropes. Channa and her brothers were free.
They saw a tiny ant. Channa told the ant Time's secret. "Do not fly!" The ant was happy. It showed them a hidden place. The bad people hid gold there.
They got their gold back. They went to the big sea. They saw a very big whale. The whale was huge.
Channa told the whale Time's secret. "Be friends with the sea-mouse!" The whale was happy. It thanked Channa. It was a good secret.
The bad people came again. The big whale helped them. It carried Channa and her brothers. They rode on its back. The whale took them far away. They were safe.
Channa and her brothers went home. They were safe. They were rich. They lived happily ever after. Channa was kind and brave. Her kindness helped them be safe and rich!
Original Story
X—TIME AND HIS MOTHER
When the pilgrim finished speaking, Channa climbed the mountain and arrived in the vicinity of the castle quite out of breath. There she waited till Time came out. He was an old man with a long beard, he wore a cloak and carried a scythe, and he had large wings that bore him swiftly out of sight.
Channa now entered the castle, and though she gave a start of fright when she saw the strange old woman, she hastened to seize the weights of the clock and tell what she wanted.
The old woman at once called loudly to her son, but Channa said, “You will not see your son while I hold these clock-weights.”
Thereupon the old woman began to coax Channa, saying: “Let go of them, my dear. Do not stop my son’s course. No one has ever done that before. Let go of the weights, and may Heaven reward you.”
“You are wasting your breath,” Channa responded. “You must say something better than that if you would have me quit my hold.”
“Well then,” the old woman said, “hide behind the door, and when Time comes home I will make him tell me all you wish to know. As soon as he goes out again you can depart.”
Channa let go the weights and hid behind the door. Presently Time came flying in, and his mother repeated to him the maiden’s questions.
Appealing to the Mother of Time
In reply he said: “The oak tree will be honored as it was of yore when men find the treasure that is buried among its roots. The mice will never be safe from the cat unless they tie a bell to her neck to warn them when she is coming. The ants will live a hundred years if they will dispense with flying, for when an ant is going to die it puts on wings. The whale should make friends with the sea-mouse, who will serve as a guide so that the monster will never go astray. The doves will resume their former shape when they fly and alight on the column of riches.”
So saying, Time went forth to run his accustomed race. Then Channa bade the old woman farewell and descended the mountain. She arrived at the foot just as the seven doves arrived there. Her long absence had made them anxious, and they had come to look for her. They alighted on the horn of a dead ox, and at once they changed to the handsome youths they had been formerly.
While they were marveling at this transformation Channa greeted them and told them what Time had said. Then they understood that the horn, as the symbol of plenty, was what he called the column of wealth.
Now they all started on the return journey, taking the same road by which Channa had come. When they arrived at the old oak and she informed the tree of what Time had said, the oak begged them to take away the treasure from its roots. So the seven brothers borrowed tools in a neighboring village and dug till they unearthed a great heap of gold money. This they divided into eight parts and shared it between themselves and their sister.
After according to the oak tree the honor it so much desired they again tramped along the homeward road, and when they became weary lay down to sleep under a hedge. Presently they were seen there by a band of robbers who tied them hand and foot, and carried off their money.
They bewailed the loss of their wealth which had so soon slipped through their fingers, and they were anxious lest they should perish of starvation or be devoured by wild beasts. As they were lamenting their unhappy lot the mouse whom Channa had met appeared. She told it what Time had said about getting rid of the tyranny of the cats, and the grateful mouse nibbled the cords with which they were bound till it set them free.
Somewhat farther on they encountered the ant which listened eagerly while Channa repeated Time’s advice. Then it asked her why she was so pale and downcast.
So she related how the robbers had tricked them.
“Cheer up,” the ant said. “Now I can requite the kindness you have done me. I know where those robbers hide their plunder. Follow me.”
The ant guided them to a group of tumble-down houses and showed them a pit which the brothers entered. There they found the money which had been stolen from them, and off they went with it to the seashore. The whale came to speak with them, and was rejoiced to learn what Time had said.
While they were talking with the whale, they saw the robbers coming, armed to the teeth.
“Alas, alas!” they cried, “now we are lost.”
“Fear not,” the whale said. “I can save you. Get on my back and I will carry you to a place of safety.”
Channa and her brothers climbed on the whale who carried them to within sight of Naples. There it left them on the shore and they returned to their old home safe and sound and rich. Thereafter they enjoyed a happy life, in accord with the old saying, “Do all the good you can and make no fuss about it.”
Story DNA
Moral
Kindness and good deeds are often repaid, and wisdom can help overcome any obstacle.
Plot Summary
Channa's seven brothers are turned into doves, prompting her to seek wisdom from Time and his Mother. By stopping Time, she learns cryptic solutions. Following Time's advice, she restores her brothers, finds a hidden treasure, and helps various animals. When robbers steal their wealth, the grateful animals (a mouse, an ant, and a whale) assist Channa and her brothers in recovering their money and escaping danger, leading to their safe and prosperous return home.
Themes
Emotional Arc
anxiety to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Clifton Johnson was an American author and photographer who collected and retold folk tales in the early 20th century, often adapting them for a broader audience.
Plot Beats (13)
- Channa's seven brothers are turned into doves, prompting her to seek a solution.
- Channa climbs a mountain to the castle of Time and his Mother.
- She stops Time by holding the clock weights, forcing his Mother to promise help.
- Time returns, and his Mother asks him Channa's questions, to which he gives cryptic answers about the oak, mice, ants, whale, and doves.
- Channa descends the mountain and meets the seven doves, who transform back into youths upon alighting on a dead ox's horn (the 'column of riches').
- The brothers and Channa return to the old oak, inform it of Time's words, and dig up a great treasure from its roots.
- They divide the treasure but are robbed by a band of thieves while sleeping.
- Channa encounters a mouse, tells it Time's advice about tying a bell to the cat, and the grateful mouse frees them from their bonds.
- They meet an ant, to whom Channa repeats Time's advice about dispensing with flying, and the ant, in return, guides them to the robbers' hidden plunder.
- They recover their money and proceed to the seashore, where they meet the whale.
- Channa tells the whale Time's advice about befriending the sea-mouse, and the whale is rejoiced.
- The robbers appear, armed, but the whale carries Channa and her brothers to safety near Naples.
- Channa and her brothers return home, rich and safe, living happily ever after.
Characters
Channa ★ protagonist
A young woman of average height and slender build, with a determined yet gentle demeanor. Her features are likely soft, reflecting a life of care and concern for others.
Attire: Simple, durable peasant clothing suitable for travel and mountain climbing. Likely a long, practical dress made of linen or wool in muted earth tones, perhaps with a sturdy apron. Comfortable, worn leather shoes or boots.
Wants: To help her brothers regain their human form and reverse their misfortune.
Flaw: Her initial anxiety and fear, which can make her feel lost or helpless.
She transforms from an anxious sister burdened by her brothers' plight into a confident and successful problem-solver who brings about their salvation and prosperity.
Determined, compassionate, resourceful, anxious, grateful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young peasant woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a fair complexion, soft features, and long, practical dark brown hair tied back from her face. She wears a simple, long-sleeved linen dress in a muted forest green, with a sturdy, light brown apron over it, and worn leather boots. Her expression is determined and slightly anxious. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Time ◆ supporting
An ancient, gaunt man with a very long, flowing white beard that reaches his waist. He is tall and ethereal, with large, powerful wings that allow him to travel swiftly.
Attire: A long, dark, flowing cloak that seems to ripple with unseen currents, suggesting movement and the passage of time. The fabric is likely heavy and appears ancient, perhaps a deep charcoal or midnight blue.
Wants: To fulfill his eternal duty of passing through the world, observing and knowing all things.
Flaw: Bound by his nature to constantly move, making him difficult to interact with directly.
Does not change; he is a constant force in the story, providing wisdom.
Wise, ancient, detached, constantly moving, knowledgeable.
Image Prompt & Upload
An ancient, gaunt man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a deeply lined, wizened face, deep-set eyes, and a very long, flowing white beard and hair that reach his waist. He has large, feathered wings sprouting from his back. He wears a long, dark, flowing cloak made of heavy, ancient-looking fabric. He holds a large, curved scythe with a polished wooden handle and a gleaming steel blade in his right hand. His expression is knowing and detached. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Time's Mother ◆ supporting
An old woman, perhaps appearing as ancient as her son, but without his swiftness. Her form is likely stooped and frail, reflecting the burden of her eternal vigil.
Attire: Simple, ancient-looking garments, perhaps a dark, heavy gown or robe that blends into the shadows of her castle. The fabric would be plain, perhaps wool or coarse linen, in muted, timeless colors.
Wants: To ensure her son, Time, continues his accustomed course without interruption.
Flaw: Her inability to directly control Time's course, making her vulnerable to those who can stop it.
Does not change; she serves as a gatekeeper and intermediary.
Coaxing, protective (of her son's course), weary, compliant (when her son's course is threatened).
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a deeply wrinkled, kind but weary face, and her white hair is pulled back in a simple bun. She wears a long, dark grey, heavy wool gown with a simple, high neckline and long sleeves. Her posture is slightly stooped. Her expression is one of gentle weariness. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Mouse ◆ supporting
A small, agile field mouse with soft, grey-brown fur and bright, intelligent black eyes. Its whiskers are long and twitchy, and its tail is thin and hairless.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To escape the tyranny of cats and to repay Channa for her help.
Flaw: Its small size makes it vulnerable to predators.
Receives wisdom from Channa and uses its abilities to help her in return, demonstrating the power of mutual aid.
Grateful, helpful, observant, quick-witted.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small field mouse standing on its hind legs, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. It has soft, grey-brown fur, a tiny pink nose, long twitching whiskers, and bright, intelligent black eyes. Its front paws are held delicately in front of its chest. Its expression is alert and eager. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Ant ◆ supporting
A common black garden ant, small but with a surprisingly strong appearance, its segmented body and six legs clearly visible. It moves with purpose.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To live a long life by avoiding wings, and to repay Channa for her kindness.
Flaw: Its small size makes it easily overlooked or stepped on.
Receives wisdom from Channa and uses its unique knowledge to help her recover lost treasure, demonstrating the value of unexpected allies.
Grateful, resourceful, observant, loyal.
Image Prompt & Upload
A common black garden ant standing on all six legs, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. Its segmented body is smooth and dark, with prominent antennae extending from its head. Its expression is purposeful and alert. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Whale ◆ supporting
A colossal whale, immense in size, with a smooth, dark grey or blue-grey skin. Its blowhole is prominent, and its large, intelligent eyes are visible on the sides of its head.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To make friends with the sea-mouse for guidance and to repay Channa for the valuable advice.
Flaw: Its vast size makes it vulnerable to getting lost without a guide.
Receives wisdom from Channa and uses its strength to provide safe passage, demonstrating the power of large-scale assistance.
Grateful, powerful, protective, wise.
Image Prompt & Upload
A colossal dark grey whale, its massive body partially submerged in calm blue water, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. Its smooth skin is visible, with a prominent blowhole on its head and large, intelligent dark eyes. Its expression is calm and powerful. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Seven Doves (Channa's Brothers) ◆ supporting
Seven handsome young men, likely of similar build and features, reflecting their familial bond. When doves, they are white and anxious. As humans, they are strong and relieved.
Attire: As doves, they have white feathers. As humans, they would wear simple, practical clothing similar to Channa's, perhaps tunics and trousers in muted colors, suitable for travel.
Wants: To regain their human form and recover their lost wealth.
Flaw: Their transformation into doves, and their vulnerability to robbers.
They are transformed from doves back into humans, lose their wealth, and then regain it, learning the value of perseverance and unexpected allies.
Anxious (as doves), grateful, marveling, weary, lamenting, relieved.
Image Prompt & Upload
Seven handsome young men standing together, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. They have youthful faces, dark hair, and expressive eyes. They wear simple, practical tunics and trousers in muted earth tones, with sturdy leather belts and boots. Their expressions are a mix of relief and joy. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Castle of Time's Mother
An ancient, imposing castle, likely of a medieval European style, perched high on a mountain. Inside, it contains a large, prominent clock with heavy weights. The interior feels somewhat eerie due to the presence of the strange old woman.
Mood: Mysterious, slightly frightening, ancient, magical.
Channa confronts Time's mother and learns the secrets from Time himself.
Image Prompt & Upload
An ancient, imposing stone castle interior, with rough-hewn walls and a massive, intricate clock mechanism dominating the space. Heavy lead weights hang from thick chains, and the gears are visible. Soft, filtered light enters through a high, narrow window, casting long shadows. A heavy, weathered wooden door stands ajar in the background. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Foot of the Mountain
The base of the mountain where Channa descends after visiting Time's mother. It is a place of reunion and transformation, marked by the presence of a dead ox.
Mood: Anticipatory, revelatory, natural.
The seven doves transform back into youths upon alighting on the ox's horn, revealing the 'column of riches'.
Image Prompt & Upload
The base of a rugged, tree-covered mountain, with a winding path leading down. In the foreground, the skeletal remains of a large ox lie on the grassy ground, its prominent horn intact. The surrounding area is covered in wild grasses and scattered rocks, with a few hardy shrubs. The sky above is clear and bright. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Old Oak Tree
A very old, significant oak tree, whose roots conceal a buried treasure. It is located along a road, implying a rural setting near a village.
Mood: Ancient, mysterious, rewarding, natural.
Channa and her brothers unearth a great heap of gold money from beneath the oak's roots.
Image Prompt & Upload
A colossal, ancient oak tree dominates the scene, its gnarled, thick roots sprawling across the earth. The ground directly around its base is freshly dug up, revealing dark, rich soil. A glittering heap of gold coins and artifacts is partially exposed within the pit. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, dappling the forest floor. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Seashore near Naples
A coastal area with a sandy or rocky beach, leading to the sea. It is a place of escape and final safety, with the distant view of Naples.
Mood: Hopeful, vast, liberating, safe.
The whale carries Channa and her brothers to safety, bringing them within sight of Naples.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, sun-drenched Mediterranean seashore with fine golden sand meeting the gentle lapping waves of a clear blue sea. In the distance, the distinctive silhouette of Naples rises, with its terracotta roofs and classical Italian architecture visible under a bright, clear sky. A massive whale's back breaks the surface of the water near the shore. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
