THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
by Edric Vredenburg · from My Book of Favourite Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
A king and queen lived long ago. They wanted a baby very much. A fish spoke to The Queen. "You will have a baby girl." She was happy. Soon, a baby girl came. The King was happy too.
The King made a big party. Many good fairies came. They wanted to see the baby. One fairy was not invited. This fairy was very angry.
The good fairies gave gifts. One gave kindness. One more gave good looks. The baby princess got many good things. She was a nice baby.
The Bad Fairy came. She was very angry. She made a bad wish. "Princess Rose will touch a spinning wheel. She will fall into a deep sleep."
One more good fairy spoke. She made the wish softer. "Princess Rose will not die. She will sleep for one hundred years. Then she will wake up."
The King was sad. He was scared for Princess Rose. He told his people. "Break all the spinning wheels now. My daughter must be safe."
Princess Rose grew up. She was fifteen years old. On her birthday, she went alone. She found an old room. An Old Lady was there. She spun thread.
Princess Rose wanted to see. She touched the spinning wheel. Her finger pricked. She felt sleepy. She fell into a deep, deep sleep.
All people in the castle fell asleep. The King fell asleep. The Queen fell asleep. The dogs slept. The birds slept. All people slept deeply.
Big, green bushes grew. They grew around the castle. They grew very tall. The castle was hidden. No one could go inside.
Many, many years passed. One hundred years passed. A brave Prince came. He heard about Princess Rose. He wanted to find her.
The Prince went to the castle. He saw the big bushes. The bushes turned into flowers. Pretty flowers opened for him. He walked through them simply.
He went inside the castle. It was very quiet. He found Princess Rose. She was sleeping in a bed. He gave her a soft kiss.
Princess Rose opened her eyes. She woke up! All people woke up. The King and Queen woke up. The dogs barked. The birds sang.
The Prince and Princess Rose were happy. They loved each other. They got married. They lived well ever after.
Original Story
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
Once upon a time there lived a king and queen who had no children; and this they lamented very much. But one day, as the queen was walking by the side of the river, a little fish lifted its head out of the water, and said, "Your wish shall be fulfilled, and you shall soon have a daughter."
What the little fish had foretold soon came to pass; and the Queen had a little girl who was so very beautiful that the king could not cease looking on her for joy, and determined to hold a great feast. So he invited not only his relations, friends, and neighbours, but also all the fairies, that they might be kind and good to his little daughter. Now there were thirteen fairies in his kingdom, and he had only twelve golden dishes for them to eat out of, so that he was obliged to leave one of the fairies without an invitation. The rest came, and after the feast was over they gave all their best gifts to the little princess; one gave her virtue, another beauty, another riches, and so on till she had all that was excellent in the world. When eleven had done blessing her, the thirteenth, who had not been invited, and was very angry on that account, came in, and determined to take her revenge. So she cried out, "The King's daughter shall in her fifteenth year be wounded by a spindle, and fall down dead." Then the twelfth, who had not yet given her gift, came forward and said that the bad wish must be fulfilled, but that she could soften it, and that the king's daughter should not die, but fall asleep for a hundred years.
But the king hoped to save his dear child from the threatened evil, and ordered that all the spindles in the kingdom should be bought up and destroyed. All the fairies' gifts were in the meantime fulfilled; for the princess was so beautiful, and well-behaved, and amiable, and wise, that everyone who knew her loved her. Now it happened that on the very day she was fifteen years old the king and queen were not at home, and she was left alone in the palace. So she roved about by herself, and poked at all the rooms and chambers, till at last she came to an old tower, to which there was a narrow staircase ending with a little door. In the door there was a golden key, and when she turned it the door sprang open, and there sat an old lady spinning away very busily.
"Why, how now, good mother," said the princess, "what are you doing there?"
"Spinning," said the old lady, and nodded her head.
"How prettily that little thing turns round!" said the princess, and took the spindle and began to spin. But scarcely had she touched it before the prophecy was fulfilled, and she fell down, as if lifeless, on the ground.
However, she was not dead, but had only fallen into a deep sleep; and the king and queen, who just then came home, and all their court, fell asleep too, and the horses slept in the stables, and the dogs in the court, the pigeons on the house-top, and the flies on the walls. Even the fire on the hearth left off blazing, and went to sleep; and the meat that was roasting stood still; and the cook, who was at that moment pulling the kitchen-boy by the hair to give him a box on the ear for something he had done amiss, let him go, and both fell asleep; and so everything stood still, and slept soundly.
A large hedge of thorns soon grew around the palace, and every year it became higher and thicker, till at last the whole place was surrounded and hidden, so that not even the roof or the chimneys could be seen. But there went a report, through all the land, of the beautiful sleeping Briar Rose (for so was the king's daughter called) so that from time to time several kings' sons came, and tried to break through the thicket into the palace. This they could never do; for the thorns and bushes laid hold of them as it were with hands, and there they stuck fast and died miserably.
"ALL WAS SO QUIET THAT HE COULD HEAR EVERY BREATH HE DREW."
After many years came yet another king's son into that land, and an old man told him the story of the thicket of thorns, and how a beautiful palace stood behind it, in which was a wondrous princess, called Briar Rose, asleep with all her court. He told, too, how he had heard from his grandfather that many, many princes had come, and had tried to break through the thicket, but had stuck fast and died.
Then the young prince said, "All this shall not frighten me; I will go and see Briar Rose." The old man tried to dissuade him, but he persisted in going.
Now that very day were the hundred years completed; and as the prince came to the thicket he saw nothing but beautiful flowering shrubs, through which he passed with ease, and they closed after him, as firm as ever. Then he came at last to the palace, and there in the court lay the dogs asleep, and the horses in the stables, and on the roof sat the pigeons fast asleep with their heads under their wings; and when he came into the palace, the flies slept on the walls, and the cook in the kitchen was still holding up her hand as if she would beat the boy, and the maid with her pail in her hand was going a-milking.
Then he went on still further, and all was so quiet that he could hear every breath he drew; till at last he came to the old tower and opened the door of the little room in which Briar Rose was, and there she lay fast asleep, and looked so beautiful that he could not turn his eyes away, and he stooped down and gave her a kiss. But the moment he kissed her she opened her eyes and awoke, and smiled upon him. For the spell was broken.
Then they went out together, and presently the king and queen also awoke, and all the court, and they gazed on each other with great wonder. And the horses got up and shook themselves, and the dogs jumped about and barked; the pigeons took their heads from under their wings, and looked around and flew into the fields; the flies on the walls buzzed; the fire in the kitchen blazed up and cooked the dinner, and the roast meat turned round again; the cook gave the boy the box on his ear so that he cried out, and the maid went to milk the cows. And then was the wedding of the prince and Briar Rose celebrated, and they lived happily together all their lives long.
Painted by Jennie HarbourTHE SLEEPING BEAUTY
Story DNA
Plot Summary
A king and queen's longed-for daughter is cursed by an uninvited fairy to die by a spindle on her fifteenth birthday. Another fairy softens the curse to a hundred-year sleep. Despite the king's efforts to destroy all spindles, the princess pricks her finger and falls asleep, along with the entire kingdom, as a thick thorn hedge grows around the palace. After a century, a brave prince hears the tale, passes through the now-flowering hedge, finds the sleeping princess, and awakens her with a kiss, breaking the spell and leading to their marriage and the kingdom's revival.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This version is a retelling of a classic European fairy tale, most famously collected by the Brothers Grimm. The motif of a sleeping curse and a prince breaking it is ancient.
Plot Beats (15)
- A king and queen, childless, are granted a daughter after a magical fish's prophecy.
- A great feast is held, inviting twelve of the thirteen fairies due to a lack of golden dishes.
- Eleven fairies bestow gifts of virtue, beauty, and riches upon the princess.
- The uninvited thirteenth fairy curses the princess to die by a spindle on her fifteenth birthday.
- The twelfth fairy, who had not yet given her gift, softens the curse to a hundred-year sleep instead of death.
- The king orders all spindles in the kingdom destroyed to protect his daughter.
- On her fifteenth birthday, the princess, alone in the palace, discovers an old tower and an old woman spinning.
- The princess touches the spindle, pricks her finger, and falls into a deep sleep, fulfilling the prophecy.
- The entire kingdom, including the king, queen, and all animals, falls into a magical sleep at the same moment.
- A thick thorn hedge grows around the palace, hiding it from view and trapping many princes who try to enter.
- After a hundred years, a new prince hears the tale of Briar Rose and the sleeping palace.
- The prince bravely approaches the thorn hedge, which transforms into flowers for him to pass through.
- He enters the silent palace, finds the sleeping princess, and kisses her.
- The princess awakens, and simultaneously, the entire kingdom stirs back to life.
- The prince and princess are married and live happily ever after.
Characters
The Queen ◆ supporting
A woman of regal bearing, likely of average height and graceful build, with a gentle demeanor. Her features would reflect the European royalty of the era, possibly fair-skinned.
Attire: Elegant, flowing gowns made of rich fabrics like silk or velvet, in deep jewel tones or pastels, adorned with subtle embroidery or pearls. She would wear a modest, yet regal, crown or diadem.
Wants: To have a child and ensure her daughter's happiness and safety.
Flaw: Vulnerable to the curses of uninvited fairies, unable to fully protect her daughter despite her efforts.
Starts in sorrow, finds joy with her daughter, falls into a magical sleep, and awakens to her daughter's wedding.
Longing, hopeful, loving, protective, grateful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A regal European queen, adult, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has fair skin, a kind, oval face, and soft brown hair styled in an elaborate, coiled updo with a small, delicate golden diadem. She wears a flowing gown of deep sapphire blue velvet, with long sleeves and subtle silver embroidery along the neckline and cuffs. Her posture is dignified and composed. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King ◆ supporting
A man of authority and presence, likely of sturdy build and average height, reflecting European royalty of the era. His features would convey both joy and concern.
Attire: Richly embroidered tunics or doublets over breeches, made of fine wool or silk, in colors like crimson or gold. He would wear a heavy, jeweled crown and a velvet cloak lined with fur.
Wants: To protect his daughter from harm and ensure her happiness and safety.
Flaw: Unable to fully prevent the prophecy despite his efforts, demonstrating the limits of his power against magic.
Starts in joy, faces sorrow and fear due to the curse, falls into a magical sleep, and awakens to his daughter's wedding.
Joyful, protective, decisive (in ordering spindles destroyed), loving, concerned.
Image Prompt & Upload
A regal European king, adult, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a sturdy build, a strong, square face with a neatly trimmed brown beard and mustache, and kind, dark eyes. He wears a crimson velvet doublet with intricate gold embroidery, white linen shirt underneath, and dark breeches. A heavy, jeweled golden crown sits on his head, and a deep blue velvet cloak lined with white ermine fur is draped over his shoulders. His posture is commanding and protective. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Thirteenth Fairy ⚔ antagonist
Likely gaunt or sharp-featured, conveying an aura of bitterness and power. Her appearance would be less ethereal and more severe than the other fairies, perhaps with a slightly hunched or rigid posture.
Attire: Dark, flowing robes, perhaps in deep purples or blacks, made of heavy, unadorned fabric. No jewels or finery, only a stark, imposing silhouette.
Wants: To exact revenge for being excluded from the feast and to assert her power.
Flaw: Her overwhelming pride and bitterness, which lead her to cruelty.
Appears to deliver her curse, then disappears from the narrative, her influence remaining through the prophecy.
Vengeful, bitter, proud, powerful, unforgiving.
Image Prompt & Upload
A gaunt, elderly-appearing female fairy, ageless, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a sharp, angular face with piercing dark eyes and a perpetual sneer. Her long, stark white hair is wild and unkempt. She wears dark, flowing robes of heavy, unadorned charcoal grey fabric, with wide sleeves. Her posture is rigid and imposing, one hand outstretched as if casting a spell. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Briar Rose ★ protagonist
A young woman of exceptional beauty, with a graceful, slender build. Her skin is fair and unblemished, reflecting her royal upbringing and long sleep.
Attire: A beautiful, flowing gown of fine silk or brocade, likely in soft, pastel colors like rose pink or sky blue, with delicate embroidery. Her attire would be elegant but not overly elaborate, suitable for a princess in a European court.
Wants: Initially, to explore her home and learn. Later, to awaken from her sleep and live her life.
Flaw: Her innocence and curiosity, which lead her to touch the cursed spindle.
Lives a charmed childhood, falls into an enchanted sleep for a hundred years, and awakens to find love and a new life.
Amiable, well-behaved, wise, curious (leading to her discovery of the spindle), innocent, beautiful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful young European princess, young adult, lying serenely on a bed, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has fair skin with rosy cheeks, a delicate oval face, and long, flowing golden hair fanned out around her head. Her eyes are closed in peaceful sleep. She wears a flowing gown of soft rose pink silk with delicate silver embroidery along the neckline and cuffs. Her hands are gently folded over her chest. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Old Lady ○ minor
A frail, elderly woman, likely with a stooped posture from years of spinning. Her hands would be gnarled and calloused.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant clothing: a plain linen smock, a dark wool apron, and a simple head covering or cap. The colors would be muted and earthy.
Wants: To continue spinning, fulfilling her daily task.
Flaw: Her unawareness of the prophecy and her susceptibility to being used as a tool of fate.
Appears briefly to fulfill the prophecy, then falls asleep with the rest of the court.
Industrious, seemingly oblivious to her role in the prophecy, perhaps a bit simple-minded or under a subtle enchantment herself.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly European peasant woman, elderly, sitting on a wooden stool, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a wrinkled face, kind but dim eyes, and thin, wispy grey hair covered by a simple white linen cap. She wears a plain, long-sleeved brown linen smock and a dark green wool apron. Her hands are gnarled as she holds a wooden spindle, positioned at a wooden spinning wheel. Her posture is slightly stooped from years of work. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Prince ★ protagonist
A handsome and courageous young man, of noble bearing and athletic build, reflecting European royalty. His features would convey determination and kindness.
Attire: Practical but noble attire suitable for travel and adventure: a tunic of fine wool or leather, breeches, and sturdy boots. He might wear a simple cloak and a sword at his hip, indicative of his royal status and readiness for challenges.
Wants: To find the legendary sleeping princess, driven by curiosity and a sense of destiny.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but perhaps a touch of youthful idealism.
Embarks on a quest, overcomes the magical barrier, awakens the princess, and marries her, fulfilling his destiny.
Brave, determined, curious, kind, persistent, loving.
Image Prompt & Upload
A handsome young European prince, young adult, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has an athletic build, a strong, youthful face with clear blue eyes, and wavy brown hair. He wears a dark green wool tunic with a leather belt, light brown breeches, and sturdy brown leather boots. A simple, well-made silver sword with a leather-wrapped hilt hangs at his left hip. His posture is confident and determined. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Riverbank
The edge of a river where the queen was walking, likely lush with vegetation.
Mood: Hopeful, serene, a place of prophecy
The queen receives the prophecy of her daughter's birth.
Image Prompt & Upload
A serene riverbank in a temperate European forest, with clear water gently flowing past. Tall, slender deciduous trees like willows and alders line the bank, their leaves a vibrant green. Soft, diffused sunlight filters through the canopy, dappling the water's surface and the grassy bank. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Royal Palace - Interior
A grand European palace with numerous rooms and chambers, including a kitchen, stables, and a main court. It is filled with people, animals, and activity, but later falls into a deep, silent sleep.
Mood: Initially festive and joyful, then eerily silent and frozen in time for a hundred years, finally awakening to wonder and celebration.
The princess grows up here, the entire court falls into a magical sleep, and later awakens.
Image Prompt & Upload
The grand interior of a medieval European palace, specifically a large, high-ceilinged hall with tapestries on stone walls and a massive stone fireplace. Ornate wooden furniture is covered in a fine layer of dust, and shafts of cool, filtered light from tall, arched windows illuminate the stillness. Figures of courtiers, frozen mid-action, are scattered throughout the space. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Old Tower Room
A secluded, old tower within the palace, accessed by a narrow staircase and a small door with a golden key. It contains a single room where an old lady is spinning.
Mood: Mysterious, isolated, fateful, later serene and timeless.
The princess pricks her finger on the spindle and falls into a deep sleep; the prince later finds and awakens her here.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, circular room at the top of an old, stone tower within a European castle. A single, narrow arched window lets in a soft, dusty shaft of afternoon light. In the center, an antique wooden spinning wheel sits beside a simple wooden chair. Cobwebs hang delicately from the rough-hewn stone walls, and a single, elegant princess lies peacefully on a simple bed or divan. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Thorn Hedge Surrounding Palace
A massive, impenetrable hedge of thorns that grows around the entire palace, becoming higher and thicker each year, completely obscuring it from view. After 100 years, it transforms into beautiful flowering shrubs.
Mood: Dangerous, forbidding, mysterious, later enchanting and inviting.
The hedge grows to protect the sleeping palace, trapping and killing many princes. After 100 years, it parts for the destined prince.
Image Prompt & Upload
An immense, tangled thicket of thorny bushes and vines, forming an impenetrable wall around a hidden European castle. The thorns are sharp and menacing, intertwined with dark, dense foliage. Beyond the thorns, only hints of stone walls and turrets can be glimpsed. Later, the same hedge is transformed into a vibrant, blooming wall of roses and other flowering shrubs, their petals in shades of pink, red, and white, glistening in the morning sun. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
