Yvon and Finette
by Édouard Laboulaye · from Laboulaye's Fairy Book
Adapted Version
Lord Kerver lived in a castle. He was a kind father. His castle was very beautiful. It had tall towers. He had many children. They were all good. They were all strong. Lord Kerver loved his family much. He loved them very, very much.
Lord Kerver had a last child. His name was Yvon. Yvon was the youngest boy. He was small but strong. Lord Kerver loved Yvon best. Yvon was very brave. He was never scared of things. He was always ready for fun.
Yvon was sixteen years old. He was a big boy now. He wanted an adventure. He wanted to see new places. He wanted to make his family proud. He had big dreams. He talked to his father. He told him his plans.
Lord Kerver was a little sad. He would miss Yvon. But he said, "Go, my son!" He gave Yvon his blessing. Yvon was very happy. He was so excited. He left the castle. He was ready for fun. A new life waited.
Yvon traveled for three years. He saw many places. He saw tall mountains. He saw wide rivers. He was always brave. He was always happy. He said, "Onward!" This was his family's word. He never gave up. He kept going.
Yvon wanted a new trip. He wanted to go to new lands. He wanted to see more. He found brave friends. They were strong men. They got on a big boat. They sailed on the sea. It was a big journey. A long journey.
The sea was calm. The sun shone bright. Then a big storm came. The sky turned dark. The wind blew hard. The boat broke. Yvon fell into the cold water. It was very dark. He was all alone.
Yvon was not scared. He was very strong. He saw land far away. The moon shone bright. He swam and swam. He kept swimming. He said, "Onward!" He swam to the land. He was very brave. He never gave up.
Yvon got to the land. He was very tired. He was so tired. But he was safe now. He rested on the sand. The sun came up. He was ready for new fun. He is always brave. He will keep going.
Original Story
Yvon and Finette
A Tale of Brittany
I
nce upon a time there lived in Brittany a noble lord, who was called the Baron Kerver. His manor-house was the most beautiful in the province. It was a great Gothic castle, with a groined roof and walls, covered with carving, that looked at a distance like a vine climbing over an arbor. On the first floor six stained-glass balcony windows looked out on each side toward the rising and the setting sun. In the morning, when the baron, mounted on his dun mare, went forth into the forest, followed by his tall greyhounds, he saw at each window one of his daughters, with prayer-book in hand, praying for the house of Kerver, and who, with their fair curls, blue eyes, and clasped hands, might have been taken for six Madonnas in an azure niche. At evening, when the sun declined and the baron returned homeward, after riding round his domains, he perceived from afar, in the windows looking toward the west, six sons, with dark locks and eagle gaze, the hope and pride of the family, that might have been taken for six sculptured knights at the portal of a church. For ten leagues round, all who wished to quote a happy father and a powerful lord named the Baron Kerver.
The castle had but twelve windows, and the baron had thirteen children. The last, the one that had no place, was a handsome boy of sixteen, by the name of Yvon. As usual, he was the best beloved. In the morning, at his departure, and at evening, on his return, the baron always found Yvon waiting on the threshold to embrace him. With his hair falling to his waist, his graceful figure, his wilful air, and his bold bearing, Yvon was beloved by all the Bretons. At twelve years of age he had bravely attacked and killed a wolf with an ax, which had won him the name of Fearless. He deserved the title, for never was there a bolder heart.
One day, when the baron had stayed at home, and was amusing himself by breaking a lance with his squire, Yvon entered the armory in a traveling dress, and, bending one knee to the ground, "My lord and father," said he to the baron, "I come to ask your blessing. The house of Kerver is rich in knights, and has no need of a child; it is time for me to go to seek my fortune. I wish to go to distant countries to try my strength and to make myself a name."
"You are right, Fearless," replied the baron, more moved than he wished to appear. "I will not keep you back; I have no right to do so; but you are very young, my child; perhaps it would be better for you to stay another year with us."
"I am sixteen, my father; at that age you had already fought one of the proudest lords of the country. I have not forgotten that our arms are a unicorn ripping up a lion, and our motto. Onward! I do not wish the Kervers to blush for their last child."
Yvon received his father's blessing, shook hands with his brothers, embraced his sisters, bid adieu to all the weeping vassals, and set out with a light heart.
Nothing stopped him on his way. A river appeared, he swam it; a mountain, he climbed it; a forest, he made his way through it with the sun for a guide. "On—the Kerver!" he cried, whenever he met with an obstacle, and went straight forward in spite of everything.
For three years he had been roaming over the world in search of adventures, sometimes conquering, sometimes conquered, always bold and gay, when he received an offer to go to fight the heathen of Norway. To kill unbelievers and to conquer a kingdom was a double pleasure. Yvon enlisted twelve brave comrades, freighted a ship, and hoisted from the mainmast a blue standard with the unicorn and motto of the Kervers.
The sea was calm, the wind fair, and the night serene. Yvon, stretched on the deck, watched the stars, and sought the one which cast its trembling light on his father's castle. All at once the vessel struck upon a rock; a terrible crash was heard; the sails fell like tinder; and an enormous wave burst over the deck and swept away everything upon it.
"On—the Kerver!" cried Yvon, as soon as his head appeared above the water, and he began to swim as tranquilly as if he had been bathing in the lake of the old castle. Happily the moon was rising. Yvon saw, at a little distance, a black speck among the silvery waves—it was land. He approached it, not without difficulty, and finally succeeded in gaining a foothold. Dripping wet, exhausted with fatigue, and out of breath, he dragged himself on the sand, then, without more anxiety, said his prayers and went to sleep.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Yvon, the youngest and most adventurous son of Baron Kerver, leaves his noble home in Brittany at sixteen to seek his fortune, driven by courage and his family's motto, 'Onward!' After three years of global adventures, he embarks on a sea voyage to fight in Norway. His ship is tragically wrecked in a storm, but Yvon, fearless as ever, swims to a nearby shore, exhausted but unbroken, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Themes
Emotional Arc
comfort to challenge to resilience
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects medieval European aristocratic values and the romanticized notion of knightly adventure and crusades.
Plot Beats (9)
- Baron Kerver is a respected lord in Brittany, proud of his twelve children who fill his castle's windows.
- His thirteenth child, Yvon, is the youngest, most beloved, and known for his fearless spirit.
- At sixteen, Yvon expresses his desire to leave home and seek his fortune, upholding the Kerver family honor.
- His father, though reluctant, gives his blessing, and Yvon departs with a light heart.
- Yvon spends three years adventuring, always bold and guided by his family's motto.
- He accepts an offer to fight heathens in Norway, gathering comrades and setting sail.
- During the voyage, a sudden storm wrecks his ship, throwing him into the sea.
- Yvon, true to his nature, swims calmly towards a distant land he spots in the moonlight.
- He reaches the shore, exhausted but safe, and rests, ready for new challenges.
Characters
Baron Kerver ◆ supporting
A powerful lord, likely of sturdy build and commanding presence, given his status and ability to break lances with his squire. He is a happy father and a powerful lord, suggesting good health and vigor.
Attire: As a noble lord in Brittany, he would wear fine, tailored garments appropriate for the Gothic period. This would include a tunic or doublet made of wool or velvet, possibly embroidered, worn over a linen shirt. He would likely wear hose and soft leather boots. When riding, he would wear practical but still elegant riding attire.
Wants: To maintain the honor and prosperity of the Kerver house and to ensure the well-being and success of his children.
Flaw: His deep affection for Yvon makes it hard for him to let his son go, showing a touch of sentimentality that could be exploited.
He remains largely static, representing the stable foundation from which Yvon departs. His character serves to establish Yvon's origins.
Proud, loving (especially towards Yvon), traditional, powerful, and respected. He is a family man who takes pride in his children and his lineage.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult male, a Breton noble lord, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a sturdy build, a commanding presence, and a dignified expression. He wears a dark green wool doublet with subtle gold embroidery, a white linen shirt underneath, and tailored dark hose. He has a short, well-maintained beard and dark, slightly receding hair. He stands with a confident, authoritative posture. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Yvon ★ protagonist
A handsome boy of sixteen, with a graceful figure and bold bearing. He is described as 'Fearless' due to his bravery.
Attire: When he leaves, he is in a 'traveling dress,' which for a young Breton noble would be practical but well-made. This would include a sturdy wool tunic or doublet, perhaps in a muted color like blue or grey, over a linen shirt, with hose and durable leather boots. He would carry a simple cloak for protection against the elements.
Wants: To seek his fortune, prove his strength, make a name for himself, and uphold the honor of the Kerver family motto: 'Onward!'
Flaw: Perhaps a touch of youthful impulsiveness, though his bravery usually serves him well. His desire for adventure can lead him into dangerous situations.
Begins as a beloved but restless youth seeking adventure. His journey starts with a clear goal of making a name for himself and testing his strength, leading him into the wider world and facing immediate peril.
Fearless, bold, adventurous, wilful, determined, and affectionate (towards his father). He is driven by a desire for honor and to make a name for himself.
Image Prompt & Upload
A handsome young man of sixteen, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a graceful, athletic build, fair skin, and a wilful, bold expression with bright blue eyes. His long, wavy blonde hair falls to his waist. He wears a sturdy, deep blue wool tunic over a cream linen shirt, dark brown hose, and practical, worn leather boots. A simple, dark grey wool cloak is draped over his shoulders. He stands with a confident, ready posture. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Baron Kerver's Gothic Castle
A grand Gothic castle in Brittany, with a groined roof and walls covered in intricate carving resembling a vine. The first floor features six stained-glass balcony windows on both the east and west sides. The interior includes an armory.
Mood: Noble, secure, familial, traditional, wealthy
The home of Baron Kerver and his thirteen children, where Yvon grows up and eventually announces his departure to seek his fortune.
Image Prompt & Upload
A detailed interior view of a Breton Gothic castle armory. Sunlight streams through a tall, arched stained-glass window, illuminating suits of polished plate armor, various swords, axes, and lances mounted on rough-hewn stone walls. A large, ornate fireplace with a carved stone mantel dominates one wall, and a heavy wooden table is laden with maps and parchments. The floor is made of large, irregular flagstones. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Wilderness Journey (Forest, River, Mountain)
A vast, untamed wilderness encompassing dense forests, winding rivers, and challenging mountains. The sun serves as a guide through this varied terrain.
Mood: Adventurous, challenging, solitary, expansive
Yvon's three-year journey across the world, where he overcomes natural obstacles to seek adventures.
Image Prompt & Upload
A winding dirt path disappearing into a dense, ancient European forest. Sunlight filters in dappled patterns through a thick canopy of oak and beech trees, illuminating patches of ferns and mossy undergrowth. In the distance, a clear river can be seen flowing over smooth, grey stones, with a misty mountain range rising beyond the tree line. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Sea and Rocky Shore
The open sea, initially calm and serene under a starry night, later becoming turbulent after a shipwreck. A black speck of land, a rocky shore, emerges from the silvery waves under the rising moon.
Mood: Serene, then catastrophic, desolate, hopeful
Yvon's voyage to Norway is interrupted by a shipwreck, leading him to wash ashore on an unknown land.
Image Prompt & Upload
A desolate, moonlit rocky shore. Jagged, dark rocks jut out from the frothy, silvery waves crashing onto a narrow strip of wet sand. In the distance, the wreckage of a wooden ship is barely visible amidst the turbulent sea. The sky above is a deep indigo, with a large, luminous full moon casting long shadows and reflecting on the water's surface. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
