THE MAGIC AXE
by David Cory · from The Magic Soap Bubble
Adapted Version
Once, a kind Gnome left Ned alone. "I must go," said the Gnome. "Be brave. You can do it." He gave Ned a magic ring. Then the Gnome disappeared.
Ned felt a little scared. But he took a deep breath. He was brave. He started walking to find an adventure.
Soon, Ned saw a Magic Axe. It chopped a big tree all by itself. "Hello, Magic Axe," said Ned. "Are you tired?" "Not at all," said the Axe. "Take me. I will help you!" Ned put the Magic Axe in his knapsack.
He walked on. He heard a loud noise. Ned climbed up a big rock. He found a Magic Pickaxe. It dug the hard rock alone. "Hello, Magic Pickaxe," said Ned. "Are you tired?" "Not at all," said the Pickaxe. "Take me. I will help you!" Ned put the Magic Pickaxe in his knapsack.
He followed a little brook. It got smaller and smaller. The brook came from a tiny nutshell. "Hello, Miss Spring," said Ned. "Are you tired?" "Yes, I am," said the Spring. "Take me. I will help you!" Ned plugged the nutshell with moss. He put it in his knapsack.
Ned came to a king's palace. It was very dark. A huge, scary tree blocked all the sun. The king was very grumpy. "Cut down this tree!" he said. "I will give three bags of gold." "But if you fail, I will be very cross!"
The palace gardens were also very dry. There was no water. The ground was hard rock. No one could dig a well.
Ned was not scared. He took out his Magic Axe. "Chop, chop, chop!" he said. The Magic Axe chopped fast. It chopped left and right. Soon, the big tree was all gone! The sun came back.
Ned smiled. "Can I have my gold?" he asked. The king was stingy. "First, you must dig me a well!" he said. Ned looked at his knapsack. He had two more magic tools. Being brave and using what you have can help you do big things.
Original Story
THE MAGIC AXE
Presently the Gnome turned to Ned and said:
"I must leave you for a time. But with the Fairy Queen's magic ring upon your finger, you will be safe from harm. Self reliance is what all boys should practise. Therefore, travel for a few days alone. At the end of that time I will join you." And with these words the Gnome disappeared.
For a moment Ned felt a wild desire to call him back. But with a shrug of his shoulder, he put away the thought and bravely set out in search of further adventure.
He had gone but a short distance when he came to a Magic Axe, chopping away all by itself at one of the tallest trees.
"Good morning, Mistress Axe," he said. "Doesn't it tire you to be chopping away all alone there at that old tree?"
"Not at all, my son. Put me in your knapsack and I will make you famous."
Picking up the axe, Ned placed it in his knapsack and set off once more. After a while, he came to a place where the road was hollowed out of a mass of solid rock, and here, in the distance, he heard a sharp noise like that of iron striking against stone.
"Some giant must be breaking rocks away up there," he said to himself, and climbed up the mountain. When he reached the top of the high rock, he found a Magic Pickaxe, all alone by itself, digging away at the hard stone as if it were soft clay.
Every time that wonderful pickaxe struck a blow it went more than a foot into the rock.
"Good morning, Mistress Pickaxe," said Ned. "Doesn't it tire you to be digging alone here, hollowing away at that old rock?"
"Not at all, my little man. Put me in your knapsack and I will make you famous."
Ned picked up the pickaxe and placing it in his knapsack, again went on.
After a while he came to a brook which he followed up the hillside.
The farther he went the smaller it grew until finally, it ended in a little nutshell, from which this tiny stream began its journey down the mountain.
"Good morning, Miss Spring," said Ned. "Doesn't it tire you to be gushing away all alone by yourself in your little corner?"
"Indeed it does, my little man. Put me in your knapsack and I will make you famous."
Ned picked up the little nutshell and plugging it up with moss, placed it carefully in his knapsack with the Magic Axe and the Magic Pickaxe.
After some little time he came to a king's palace. Now, although it was a magnificent palace, everyone living there was perfectly miserable, for one morning, without the least warning, an immense oak had sprung up, with leaves and branches so thick that they shut out the sun from all the windows, making the castle as dark as night.
Of course in those days there was no gas and electricity, and although the king had commanded that candles be made as high as barber poles, they spluttered and often went out when the wind blew.
All the woodcutters in the kingdom had tried to cut down this tree, but its bark was so tough that it turned the edge of every axe, and for every branch that was lopped off, two instantly grew in its place. At last the king had offered three bags of gold to anyone who would rid him of his troublesome oaktree.
Now this was not the only trouble that beset the poor king. For, although the surrounding country was rich in springs and brooks, the royal gardens were dry as the desert of Sahara. And although the king had also promised three bags of gold to anyone who would dig a well, no one had yet been able to dig deeper than a foot, as the palace was built on a rock of solid granite.
Each day the king grew more angry, but of course that did no good. At last calling the poet laureate of his kingdom, he asked him what should be done.
Running his fingers through his long curly hair, the poet thought a while. Then summoning the Royal Carpenter, ordered him to make an immense placard, on which, when finished, this wise poet printed:
"To him who cuts my oaktree down
I'll give three bags of gold
But he who fails shall lose his life
And lie beneath the mold."
"But what good will that exquisite poem do?" asked the king, sarcastically.
"It will keep your Royal Highness from being irritated by this endless sound of chop, chop, chop," replied the poet. "I verily believe every man in your kingdom has had a hack at the tree. Now, he who reads this sign, will first make sure his axe is a good one. And my poetic ears will be spared much of this frightful noise which is far worse than a steel rivetter at work on a ninety story building in New York City." Which shows that this poet had an eye that could see into the future, for at that time, as far as I know, Columbus hadn't even asked the Queen of Spain to pawn her diamond rings!
"Very well," replied the king, "have the sign nailed on this dreadful tree and we will see what happens."
As soon as Ned arrived at the castle he bowed politely to the king, who happened to be standing nearby with all his courtiers.
"Ha, ha," laughed the king, as Ned read the sign. "Do you, too, wish to lose your ears?" At which all the courtiers laughed heartily, the first time in many months that anybody in that castle had laughed, or even smiled, for that matter.
"I can but try," answered Ned bravely, and opening his knapsack, took out his Magic Axe. Standing it up, with the handle leaning against the enchanted tree, he stepped back a few feet and shouted: "Chop, chop, chop!"
At once the axe began to chop, now right, now left, and up and down, and in an incredibly short time that immense tree was cut to bits. It took only a quarter of an hour, and yet there was such a monstrous heap of wood that the whole court needed nothing else to burn for a whole year.
But when Ned asked the king for the three bags of gold, that stingy old monarch said, "Before I give you the reward, you must perform another task."
"What is it?" asked Ned.
"You must dig me a well so that I may have plenty of water," answered the king.
Story DNA
Moral
Self-reliance and resourcefulness can help overcome great challenges and lead to success.
Plot Summary
Ned is left by a Gnome to practice self-reliance and soon collects three sentient magical tools: an axe, a pickaxe, and a spring in a nutshell, all promising him fame. He arrives at a king's palace plagued by an immense, unchoppable oak tree that blocks the sun and a lack of water due to solid rock. The king has offered a reward for cutting the tree but threatens death for failure. Ned bravely uses his Magic Axe to instantly demolish the tree, but the stingy king demands he also dig a well before receiving any reward.
Themes
Emotional Arc
uncertainty to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The mention of Columbus and New York City indicates a later origin (early 20th century) for this specific retelling, despite the timeless fairy tale setting.
Plot Beats (14)
- The Gnome leaves Ned, instructing him to practice self-reliance and promising to return, leaving Ned with a magic ring.
- Ned, initially hesitant, bravely sets out alone.
- He encounters a Magic Axe chopping a tree by itself, which asks to be taken and promises fame.
- Ned takes the Magic Axe and continues his journey.
- He finds a Magic Pickaxe digging rock by itself, which also asks to be taken and promises fame.
- Ned takes the Magic Pickaxe and proceeds.
- He discovers a Magic Spring gushing from a nutshell, which also asks to be taken and promises fame.
- Ned takes the Magic Spring (nutshell) and plugs it with moss.
- Ned arrives at a king's palace where everyone is miserable due to an immense, unchoppable oak tree blocking the sun.
- The king has offered three bags of gold to anyone who can cut down the tree, but also threatens death for failure.
- The kingdom also suffers from a lack of water because the palace is built on solid granite, making well-digging impossible.
- Ned, undeterred by the king's sarcasm and the death threat, takes out his Magic Axe.
- The Magic Axe quickly and completely chops down the enormous oak tree.
- The stingy king, instead of giving the reward, demands Ned dig a well as a second task.
Characters
Ned
A young boy of average height and build, with the typical appearance of a European peasant child from a fairy tale setting. His movements are initially hesitant but become more confident as he gains experience.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for travel and a peasant background. Likely a tunic made of coarse linen or wool, perhaps in muted earth tones like brown or green, with simple breeches and sturdy leather shoes or boots. He carries a knapsack.
Wants: To find adventure, prove his self-reliance, and ultimately, to become famous and earn rewards.
Flaw: Initially, a lack of self-confidence and a desire to rely on others (like the Gnome).
Transforms from a boy who desires to call back his guardian into a self-reliant and famous adventurer who solves impossible problems.
Brave, resourceful, polite, determined, and a quick learner. He overcomes initial fear and embraces challenges.
Gnome
A small, ancient, and wise creature, likely with a sturdy, compact build. Gnomes are typically depicted as earthy beings, perhaps with a slightly weathered appearance.
Attire: Traditional gnome attire: a pointed, conical hat (perhaps red or green), a tunic or coat made of natural, rough-spun fabric in earthy tones, and sturdy boots. He might carry a small staff or lantern, though not explicitly mentioned here.
Wants: To teach Ned the importance of self-reliance and guide him on his path to adventure.
Flaw: Not explicitly shown, but perhaps a tendency to observe rather than directly intervene.
Acts as a catalyst for Ned's journey; his role is to initiate Ned's self-reliance, then he disappears.
Wise, encouraging, believes in self-reliance, and a bit mysterious.
Magic Axe
A sturdy, well-crafted felling axe, but with an inherent magical glow or subtle shimmer that distinguishes it from an ordinary tool. Its blade would be exceptionally sharp and gleam, and its wooden handle smooth and strong.
Attire: N/A (object)
Wants: To be used for great deeds and make its wielder famous.
Flaw: Requires a wielder to activate its power (by command).
Discovered by Ned and becomes a key instrument in his success, demonstrating its power to overcome impossible obstacles.
Helpful, powerful, confident, and a bit boastful about its abilities.
Magic Pickaxe
A robust pickaxe, its metal head appearing incredibly strong and sharp, perhaps with a dark, almost obsidian-like quality, and a sturdy wooden handle. Like the axe, it would have a subtle magical glow.
Attire: N/A (object)
Wants: To be used for great deeds and make its wielder famous.
Flaw: Requires a wielder to activate its power (by command).
Discovered by Ned and becomes a key instrument in his success, demonstrating its power to overcome impossible obstacles.
Powerful, efficient, confident, and eager to prove its capabilities.
Miss Spring
A tiny nutshell, from which a miniature, clear stream of water perpetually gushes. The nutshell itself would be small and delicate, perhaps with a smooth, polished appearance.
Attire: N/A (object)
Wants: To be moved from its solitary gushing spot and used for a greater purpose, making its wielder famous.
Flaw: Its small size and the effort required to constantly gush water.
Discovered by Ned and becomes a key instrument in his success, providing water where none could be found.
Tired, but willing to help and confident in its ability to bring fame.
King
A middle-aged to elderly monarch, likely stout or portly, with a perpetually grumpy or irritated expression. His posture would be regal but perhaps stiff with annoyance.
Attire: Rich, but perhaps slightly disheveled or practical for a king constantly beset by problems. He would wear a heavy velvet robe, possibly in deep red or purple, trimmed with ermine, over fine silk garments. A golden crown or circlet would sit upon his head, perhaps slightly askew from stress.
Wants: To rid his palace of the immense oak tree and the lack of water, and to restore comfort and happiness to his kingdom (and himself), but without parting with too much gold.
Flaw: His stinginess, short temper, and inability to solve problems himself.
Remains largely unchanged in personality, but his problems are solved by Ned, forcing him to confront his stinginess.
Stingy, easily irritated, sarcastic, demanding, and initially dismissive. He is miserable due to his problems.
Poet Laureate
A man of artistic temperament, likely slender with a thoughtful, perhaps slightly disheveled, appearance. He would carry himself with a certain intellectual air.
Attire: Fine, but perhaps slightly eccentric or artistic clothing, befitting a poet. Likely a tunic and hose of good quality fabric, perhaps in a rich color like deep blue or forest green, with a flowing cloak. He might wear a laurel wreath or a distinctive brooch.
Wants: To solve the king's problems using his intellect and poetic skill, and to protect his 'poetic ears' from unpleasant noise.
Flaw: His extreme sensitivity to noise and perhaps a touch of vanity regarding his poetry.
Acts as an intellectual advisor, providing a clever (if self-serving) solution to the king's problem with the tree-choppers.
Wise, clever, a bit sarcastic, and highly sensitive to noise. He values his poetic sensibilities.
Locations
Forest Path
A winding path through a forest, where Ned encounters the Magic Axe. The path is likely surrounded by tall trees.
Mood: adventurous, solitary
Ned meets the Magic Axe and takes it into his knapsack.
Mountain Road and Peak
A road hollowed out of solid rock, leading up a mountain. At the peak, a Magic Pickaxe is digging into hard stone.
Mood: rugged, challenging
Ned finds the Magic Pickaxe on a high rock.
Hillside Brook and Spring
A small brook flowing up a hillside, diminishing in size until it originates from a tiny nutshell at its source.
Mood: quaint, magical
Ned discovers the magical spring in a nutshell and adds it to his knapsack.
King's Palace Courtyard
A magnificent palace, likely of European medieval style, with a large courtyard. An immense, magically grown oak tree with thick leaves and branches overshadows the palace, plunging it into darkness. A placard is nailed to the tree.
Mood: gloomy, desperate, later hopeful
Ned arrives, reads the king's challenge, and uses the Magic Axe to cut down the enchanted oak tree.