The Enchanted Prince
by David Cory · from The Iceberg Express
Adapted Version
Mary Louise was a little girl. She loved adventures. She came to a green island. She jumped off the boat. She was ready for fun. What would she find?
Mary Louise walked in a big wood. She heard a sound. A white Water Horse stood there. He was very kind. "Come with me," he said. "I will show you things."
Mary Louise sat on his back. They swam in the water. They went to a big cave. Water fell like a green curtain. Many sea friends lived there. They smiled at Mary Louise.
A Little Mermaid came near. She took Mary Louise's hand. "Come this way," she said. They walked to a big door. A big snake guarded the door.
The big snake let her in. He looked very sad. He was not a snake. He was a handsome Prince. A bad magic man changed him. It was a bad spell. He lived in a castle. Now he was a sad snake.
Mary Louise knew he was a prince. She wanted to help him. She had a magic ring. She turned the ring three times. A Little Wise Man came. He was small and kind.
"You need a red apple," he said. "It grows in a special garden. The garden is far away. The way is not easy. The apple will break the spell. Only you can get it."
Mary Louise was brave. "I will go," she said. The Prince was happy. "I will give you my castle," he said. Mary Louise just smiled. She wanted to help.
The Little Wise Man gave a whistle. It was a pearl shell. "Go to the sea," he said. "Blow this whistle three times. King Neptune will come."
Mary Louise ran to the sea. She blew the whistle. King Neptune came. He had a big chariot. Horses pulled it fast. They had foamy manes. King Neptune looked strong.
"Please help the Prince," she said. "He needs a magic apple." King Neptune listened. He saw her kind heart. He took out a golden apple. "Take this," he said. "It is for the Prince."
Mary Louise ran back fast. She went to the garden. She found the sad snake. She gave him the golden apple. "Eat this," she said.
The snake ate the apple. Poof! He changed. He was a handsome Prince again. All his friends changed too. They were happy people. The bad spell was gone.
The Prince was very thankful. "Ask for anything," he said. Mary Louise asked for his ring. He gave it to her. Mary Louise smiled. She was very happy. Her kindness made a prince happy too!
Original Story
The Enchanted Prince
"Would you like to land on the island?" asked the old sailor who seemed in no wise surprised that an island should suddenly come up out of the sea.
"Yes," gasped little Mary Louise, "it may be a wonderful place. I certainly saw strange things beneath the water."
"To be sure you did," replied the old sailor, taking it as a matter of course that a little girl should make a trip to Wonder Land under the Sea, and return safe and sound.
But then, you know, Mary Louise may have still retained some of the charm of the little mermaid's magic comb.
Well, anyway, the old sailor steered his boat over to the green island, where Mary Louise jumped out and after saying good-by to her sailor friend, set off to look for new adventures.
After a while, she came to a great wood, where the trees were as big around as smoke stacks on an ocean liner.
All of a sudden, she heard the sound of a woodman's ax, and the crackling of the branches as they fell to the ground.
"It must be some giant cutting down a tree," she thought, and she started off in the direction of the sound, and by and by, she saw a giant beaver. He was a most wonderful sort of an animal, for he could swing an ax as well as a man. Near at hand flowed a great river, where a white water horse snorted as he dashed the spray high in the air with his forefeet.
"Are you one of Neptune's horses?" asked little Mary Louise. "I once read a story of a little boy named Hero who rode with King Neptune in his wonderful chariot."
"No, little girl," answered the beautiful sea horse kindly. "But I can show you some wonderful things. Jump on my back and I will take you to a strange place."
Then away went the great Water Horse over the water and through the spray and Mary Louise wasn't the least bit afraid although she had no water wings and might have slipped of into the water.
"Where are we going?" she asked, after a while, for by this time they were far away from the shore and going up a dark river.
"I'm going to show you the beautiful Green Waterfall Cave," answered the big Sea Horse, shaking his mane until it seemed almost as if it were raining.
Well, pretty soon he stopped, telling Mary Louise to bend over his back, before he swam into a big opening in a gray rock.
"Now lift up your head," he said, and when Mary Louise looked around she saw they were in a beautiful cave. All about them were strange people, Mermaids and Water Nymphs, Water Sprites and Mermen, fishes and dolphins, and even a whale, although he wasn't very large. If he had been, he wouldn't have been there, for the entrance to the cave was just wide enough for him to squeeze through.
Well, no sooner did they see the big Sea Horse, than they all said at once,
"Hail to our King!" and crowded around looking curiously at Mary Louise, and one little mermaid pinched her toe.
"This is Mary Louise," explained the great white Sea Horse. "I have brought her to our cave to see the wonders of our Water Country."
At once the whale blew a stream of water into the air, the dolphins turned somersaults and the little mermaid who had just pinched Mary Louise's toe, stood up on a big pearly shell and sang:
"In this river that leads to the sea,
We all live happy as happy can be,
The crocodile comes and opens his jaws,
And the giant crab stretches out his claws,
And the sword fish chases the sharp toothed shark,
But here we are safe when the day grows dark,
And the pale white moon looks down from the sky,
And the little star winks her golden eye."
And when she had finished, she swam up close to the big Sea Horse and picking up Mary Louise placed her in a great shell that sailed over the water just like a boat to the end of the cave where a little path ran along close to the water's edge till it came to a door.
"Tap gently three times," said the little mermaid.
And then, all of a sudden, it opened and there stood a great Sea Serpent.
"What do you want?" he asked with a dreadful hiss and his breath was like steam and his long red tongue like a thin flame.
"O wise Serpent," said the mermaid, "do not frighten little Mary Louise. She is traveling through our country and means no harm."
"Then she may come into my kingdom," replied the great Serpent, and he glided swiftly away.
"Do not fear him," said the little mermaid. "I cannot go with you, but you will be perfectly safe," and she closed the door and swam away, leaving little Mary Louise all alone.
It was a strange country in which Mary Louise found herself as she followed the great Serpent who was now some distance ahead. Great trees and moss-covered rocks were on every side, and only by keeping to the narrow path was it possible to find a way through them.
By and by the Serpent stopped at a gate in a high stone wall, which swung open slowly as he tapped upon it.
"Now, let me tell you something," he said, leading Mary Louise to a seat beneath a beautiful tree in a large garden close by a stately castle.
While she rested on the marble bench the great Serpent coiled himself in a ring, his head raised about two feet above the ground. He had wonderful black eyes and as he looked at her she almost fancied there were tears in them.
"Once upon a time, not so very long ago," he began, "a young prince lived in this castle. But one day a wicked magician disguised as a poor beggar came to the kitchen door and asked for bread. Now it happened to be baking day, and the Royal Baker had just placed a thousand loaves of dough in the oven. He was tired and hot and said to the beggar in a cross voice: 'You must wait until evening.' This made the beggar man dreadfully angry, and the next minute he waved a crooked stick above his head and cried, 'Let the master of this castle and his household become snakes!' Instantly, a great change came over all who lived in the castle. The prince turned into a serpent and all the retainers became snakes."
As he finished speaking, the poor Snake gave a low cry and hid his head in the grass.
"Cheer up," said Mary Louise, for she knew at once that the serpent was the poor prince in disguise. "I have a magic ring!"
Dear me, I forgot to mention that the Princess Mermaid had given it to little Mary Louise for a charm against evil.
"But what can that do for me?" asked the poor serpent prince.
"Leave that to me," replied little Mary Louise, and she turned the magic ring around three times, and, all of a sudden, a little Black Man appeared.
"What can I do for you, little Mistress?" he asked.
"This serpent was once a handsome prince," explained Mary Louise, "but by the magic of a wicked magician has been changed into a snake. Help him to regain his natural shape."
"That is a hard matter," said the little Black Man thoughtfully. "I know this wicked magician. He has great power and it takes a strong charm to work against his evil power."
And then the little Black Man ran his hand through his crinkly hair and thought for a while.
"There is a crimson apple that grows in the Gardens of the West," he said at last, "which if eaten, enables one to regain his natural shape. But the distance is far, and the way dangerous. And the owner of the garden refuses admittance to any man. But whether he would refuse a little girl, I do not know."
"I can but try," said little Mary Louise bravely. And when the serpent heard this, he lifted up his head and said:
"If you will undertake this great deed for me, I will give you whatever you desire, even my castle and all my lands."
"I would not take them from you," replied Mary Louise. "I am only a little girl." And she paused for a moment, wondering when and how she would return to her dear mother's home.
"How may I reach the Gardens of the West?" she asked anxiously.
"You must go down to the sea and wait for the sun to sink in the west," answered the little Black Man. "And when you see golden rays, like a bright road upon the water, call to King Neptune. I will give you a whistle made from a pearl shell on which you must blow three times, and when the King of the Sea hears it, he will come to you. But whether he will carry you across the ocean in his chariot, I know not. But you can try."
And the little Black Man disappeared.
"Do you think you will be able to do all this?" asked the serpent anxiously.
"I do," replied Mary Louise, and she opened the garden gate and made straight for the great ocean, and by and by she came to the beach, where the great waves rolled and broke into foamy spray making the pretty shells glisten in the sun.
No sooner had Mary Louise blown three times upon the magic whistle than King Neptune drove up in his beautiful chariot. His splendid horses with foamy manes raised their forefeet and snorted till the old Sea King was forced to quiet them.
"What can I do for you, pretty maiden?" he asked kindly.
"Oh please, Mr. Neptune, take me to the garden of golden apples. I must give one to a poor Snake Prince that he may regain his human form."
King Neptune remained silent for a time. At last he put his hand in his great pocket and said with a sigh:
"Here is a golden apple. It was to be a present to my wife. But it will be of greater use to this poor Snake Prince."
"Thank you, thank you," cried Mary Louise, and running hastily back to the garden she stood before the poor miserable snake.
"Here is the magic golden apple," she cried in a glad voice. No sooner had the serpent eaten the apple, than, all of a sudden, just as he swallowed the last piece, he changed into a handsome prince and all his retainers and servants who were snakes, you remember, regained their human form.
"Now you shall have whatever is in my power to grant," said the prince, "even if you ask for my castle."
"I will take nothing from you," replied generous little Mary Louise, "unless you wish to give me the ring you wear on your finger."
"It is yours," said the prince. "May you always wear it and remember me."
Story DNA
Moral
Kindness and courage can break even the most powerful enchantments and bring about great good.
Plot Summary
Mary Louise, an adventurous girl, embarks on a journey to a magical island and is led by a Sea Horse to an underwater kingdom. There, she meets a Sea Serpent who reveals he is an enchanted prince, cursed by a wicked magician. With the help of a magic ring and a summoned Black Man, Mary Louise learns she must obtain a golden apple from the Gardens of the West. She bravely undertakes the quest, summoning King Neptune with a magic whistle, who provides the apple. Upon eating it, the prince and his household are restored, and Mary Louise is rewarded with a ring as a token of gratitude.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to challenge to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
David Cory was a prolific American children's author known for his 'Billy Whiskers' and 'Little Jack Rabbit' series, often blending traditional fairy tale elements with whimsical, episodic adventures.
Plot Beats (14)
- Mary Louise lands on a mysterious island after a journey under the sea, ready for new adventures.
- She encounters a giant beaver and a talking white Water Horse, who invites her on his back.
- The Water Horse takes Mary Louise to the Green Waterfall Cave, an underwater kingdom where she is welcomed by various sea creatures.
- A little mermaid sings for Mary Louise and then guides her to a door guarded by a Sea Serpent.
- The Sea Serpent allows Mary Louise into his kingdom, where he reveals himself to be an enchanted prince, cursed by a wicked magician for his baker's rudeness.
- Mary Louise, realizing the serpent is the prince, uses her magic ring to summon a little Black Man.
- The Black Man explains that a crimson apple from the Gardens of the West is needed to break the curse, but the journey is long and dangerous.
- Mary Louise bravely volunteers for the quest, despite the prince's offer of rewards.
- The Black Man gives her a pearl shell whistle and instructs her to call King Neptune at sunset by the sea.
- Mary Louise goes to the ocean, blows the whistle, and King Neptune appears in his chariot.
- She explains her mission to King Neptune, who, touched by her kindness, gives her a golden apple intended for his wife.
- Mary Louise rushes back to the garden and gives the apple to the serpent.
- Upon eating the apple, the serpent transforms back into a handsome prince, and all his retainers regain their human forms.
- The grateful prince offers Mary Louise anything, but she only asks for the ring he wears, which he gladly gives her.
Characters
Mary Louise
Small and delicate, with an air of innocent curiosity. Her exact height and build are not specified, but she is consistently referred to as 'little Mary Louise', suggesting a petite stature typical of a young girl.
Attire: Simple, practical attire suitable for travel and adventure, likely a modest dress made of durable fabric like linen or cotton, perhaps in a muted color. No specific details are given, but it would be comfortable for exploring.
Wants: To find new adventures, explore wonders, and ultimately to help the Enchanted Prince.
Flaw: Her youth and small size could be seen as a vulnerability, though she overcomes it with bravery and magic.
She begins as an adventurous child seeking new experiences and transforms into a compassionate hero who uses her bravery and magic to break a powerful curse, demonstrating immense generosity by refusing rewards.
Brave, curious, kind, generous, and determined. She is not afraid to explore strange places or help others.
Old Sailor
An old man, likely weathered by years at sea, with a sturdy build. His exact height and features are not detailed, but his profession suggests a strong, capable physique despite his age.
Attire: Traditional sailor's attire of the era, such as a dark wool peacoat, a striped shirt, sturdy canvas trousers, and perhaps a sou'wester hat or a simple knit cap. His clothes would be practical and worn.
Wants: To assist Mary Louise in her journey and navigate his boat.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated, but his age might imply physical limitations, though he remains capable.
A static character who serves as an initial guide for Mary Louise.
Calm, accepting, unsurprised by magic, and helpful. He takes extraordinary events in stride.
Giant Beaver
A beaver of immense size, 'as big around as smoke stacks on an ocean liner'. Covered in thick, dark brown fur, with a broad, flat tail and large, sharp incisors. He possesses human-like dexterity to wield an ax.
Attire: None, as he is an animal, but he carries an ax.
Wants: To cut down trees, fulfilling his beaver nature on a grand scale.
Flaw: Not applicable; he is a creature of wonder, not a character with a moral flaw.
A static character, serving as an early wonder for Mary Louise.
Hard-working, industrious, focused on his task.
Great Water Horse
A magnificent white horse, powerful and graceful, with a mane that seems to rain when shaken. Its form is clearly equine, but adapted for water, with a strong, muscular build capable of carrying a rider through the sea and up rivers.
Attire: None, as he is an animal.
Wants: To guide Mary Louise and show her the wonders of his water country.
Flaw: Not applicable.
A static character who acts as a guide and protector for Mary Louise.
Kind, helpful, majestic, and protective.
Little Mermaid
A small mermaid, described as 'little', suggesting a youthful appearance. She has a fish tail instead of legs, allowing her to swim gracefully. Her skin would be smooth and perhaps iridescent.
Attire: Her lower half is a fish tail, likely with shimmering scales in shades of green, blue, or silver. Her upper body might be bare or adorned with natural elements like seashells or seaweed.
Wants: To entertain and assist Mary Louise, and to celebrate her water country.
Flaw: Not applicable.
A static character who provides assistance and entertainment to Mary Louise.
Playful, curious, musical, and helpful, though with a touch of mischief (pinching Mary Louise's toe).
Great Sea Serpent / Enchanted Prince
As Serpent: A large, formidable sea serpent with a dreadful hiss, breath like steam, and a long, thin red tongue like a flame. His body is coiled, and he has wonderful black eyes, capable of showing emotion. As Prince: A handsome young man.
Attire: As Serpent: None. As Prince: Fine, regal clothing befitting a prince, perhaps a velvet doublet, silk breeches, and a jeweled ring.
Wants: To regain his human form and break the curse on his household.
Flaw: The curse that transformed him into a serpent.
Begins as a cursed, sorrowful serpent and is transformed back into a handsome prince, learning the value of kindness and generosity through Mary Louise's actions.
As Serpent: Initially intimidating and sorrowful, but kind and grateful. As Prince: Noble, generous, and deeply grateful.
Little Black Man
A small, dark-skinned man with 'crinkly hair'. His size is 'little', implying a diminutive stature, possibly a gnome or sprite-like being. His features are not detailed beyond his skin and hair.
Attire: No specific clothing is mentioned, but it would likely be simple, perhaps rustic or magical attire, in dark colors that blend with his appearance.
Wants: To assist Mary Louise using his magical knowledge, summoned by the magic ring.
Flaw: He acknowledges the Wicked Magician's great power, implying limits to his own magic.
A static character who provides crucial information and a magical item.
Wise, thoughtful, knowledgeable about magic, and helpful.
King Neptune
A powerful and regal sea king. He drives a beautiful chariot pulled by splendid horses. His presence is commanding, and he has a 'great pocket'.
Attire: Regal attire befitting a sea king, likely flowing robes in blues and greens, possibly adorned with shells, pearls, or coral. He would carry a trident, though not explicitly mentioned here.
Wants: To rule the seas and assist those in need, especially when called upon by magic.
Flaw: Not applicable, though he shows a touch of sentimentality.
A static character who provides a crucial magical item to Mary Louise.
Kind, powerful, generous, and a bit wistful (sighing about giving away his golden apple).
Locations
Green Island Shore
A verdant, green island shore where Mary Louise disembarks from the sailor's boat. The land is lush and inviting, marking the beginning of her adventures.
Mood: adventurous, fresh, new beginnings
Mary Louise lands on the island to seek new adventures after her undersea journey.
Great Wood with River
A vast, ancient forest with trees as thick as ocean liner smokestacks. A great river flows nearby, where a white water horse snorts and splashes.
Mood: mysterious, wild, active
Mary Louise encounters a giant beaver and a white water horse, who offers to take her to a strange place.
Green Waterfall Cave
A beautiful, large cave hidden behind a waterfall, accessed through an opening in a gray rock. It is filled with various water creatures like mermaids, nymphs, mermen, fish, dolphins, and a whale.
Mood: magical, bustling, wondrous, hidden
Mary Louise is introduced to the Water Country and its inhabitants, and receives a magic ring and instructions for her next quest.
Castle Garden
A large, stately garden adjacent to a castle, featuring a high stone wall with a gate. It has beautiful trees and a marble bench. The atmosphere is initially somber due to the enchanted prince.
Mood: regal, melancholic, hopeful
The Serpent Prince reveals his story to Mary Louise, who then summons the little Black Man to find a solution.
Ocean Beach at Sunset
A wide, sandy beach where great waves roll and break into foamy spray, making pretty shells glisten. The sun sets in the west, casting golden rays across the water.
Mood: epic, magical, expectant
Mary Louise summons King Neptune and receives the golden apple to break the prince's enchantment.