TUFTY RIQUET
by Edric Vredenburg · from My Book of Favourite Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
A special prince lived. A pretty princess lived.
A Queen had a baby boy. He was Prince Riquet. He was not handsome. But he was very smart. A Kind Fairy gave him a gift. He could make someone he loved very smart.
A different Queen had a baby girl. She was The Princess. She was very pretty. But she was not very clever. The Kind Fairy gave her a special gift. She could make someone she loved handsome.
The Princess grew up. She was very pretty. But she felt sad. She made many mistakes. She found things hard. She wished she was clever.
One day, The Princess was sad. She went to a quiet wood. Prince Riquet was there. He saw her picture. He wanted to meet her. He liked her very much.
Prince Riquet saw she was sad. He made an offer. He could make her very clever. She must promise to marry him. This would be in one year.
The Princess wanted to be clever. She said yes right away! She felt smart right then. She could talk about many things.
All were surprised. The Princess was very clever. Many princes wanted to marry her. But she did not like any of them.
One year passed. The Princess forgot her promise. She went to the wood again. She thought about a new prince.
She saw many people. They were getting ready. It was for a big party. It was Prince Riquet's wedding. It was for the next day.
Prince Riquet came. He reminded her. He said, 'Your promise!' Marry me.
The Princess felt unsure. She said, 'You are not handsome.' He was kind. He was also smart.
Riquet told her a secret. She had a special gift. She could make someone handsome. She must truly love him. She must truly wish it.
The Princess thought. She loved Riquet's kind heart. She wished with all her heart. She wished for him to be handsome. Poof! He was handsome!
The Princess was happy. She agreed to marry him. They had a big wedding. It was the next day. They lived with joy ever after.
Original Story
TUFTY RIQUET
There was once upon a time a Queen who had the ugliest little baby imaginable, so ugly, indeed, that it was almost impossible to believe he was a little boy at all.
A fairy, however, assured his mother that the little baby would be very good and clever, saying that she was also giving him a gift which would enable him to make that person whom he loved the best as clever as himself.
This somewhat consoled the Queen, but still she was very unhappy because her son was so ugly, though no sooner had he begun to speak than he could talk about all sorts of things, and he had such pretty ways that people were charmed with him.
I forgot to say, that, when he was quite a baby, he had a funny little tuft of hair on his head, so he was called Tufty Riquet, for Riquet was the family name.
When Riquet was about seven years old, the Queen of a kingdom near by was given two baby daughters, twins, of which one was so exquisitely beautiful that the Queen nearly died of joy when she saw her, and so the fairy, the same one who had given Riquet his gift of cleverness, to keep the Queen from making herself ill with excitement, told her that this little Princess would not be at all clever, indeed she would be as stupid as she was beautiful.
The Queen was very much grieved at this, and felt still more troubled when she beheld her other daughter, for the second Princess was extremely ugly.
"Do not take it too much to heart, madam," remarked the fairy, "for this second daughter will be so clever that it will scarcely be noticed that she is not beautiful."
"Well, if it must be so, it must," remarked the Queen, "but I should certainly have liked the elder one, who is beautiful, to be just a little bit clever too."
"I can do nothing as to her mind, madam," replied the fairy, "but for her beauty I can, and as there is nothing I would not do to please you, I will give her a gift so that she can make the one who wins her heart beautiful too."
As the Princesses grew up, their gifts likewise grew with them, so that everybody spoke about the beauty of the one and the cleverness of the other; but also their defects grew, so that it could not but be noticed that the younger was daily uglier, and the elder day by day became more stupid, until she either said nothing in reply to a question, or something quite silly, and so clumsy was she that she could not arrange four china ornaments on the chimney piece without breaking one, or drink a glass of water without spilling half of it on her frock.
Although it is a great thing to have beauty, yet the younger generally received more attention in company than her elder sister.
At first, everybody would gather around the beautiful one admiringly, but before long they would leave her for the clever Princess, to listen to her pleasant conversation; and by the end of a quarter of an hour the elder would be left alone, while the other would be the centre of a group.
This the elder sister noticed, in spite of her stupidity, and she would gladly have given all her beauty for half the cleverness of her sister, and sometimes the Queen, although full of kindness, would reproach her daughter for her foolishness, which caused the Princess almost to die of grief.
One day when she had retreated to a wood to brood over her unhappiness, she saw a little man coming towards her. He was uncommonly ugly and unpleasing in appearance, but was very richly dressed.
It was the young Prince Tufty Riquet, who had fallen in love with the pictures he had seen of her, and had left his father's kingdom for the sake of making her acquaintance.
Delighted to meet her alone in this manner, he accosted her as courteously as possible, but soon, noticing that she was melancholy, he said:
"I cannot understand how it is that anyone as beautiful as you are, can be as sad as you appear to be; for I must own, that although I can boast of having seen many beauties, not one have I ever met whose beauty equalled yours."
"It pleases you to say so, sir," replied the Princess, and relapsed into silence.
"Beauty," went on Riquet, "is so delightful that one would give everything for it, and if anyone is beautiful I can't understand anything troubling greatly."
"I would rather be as ugly as you," answered the Princess, "and be clever, than as beautiful as I am, and be stupid."
"To think you are stupid is a sure sign that you have a certain amount of cleverness, madam," replied Riquet.
"I don't think about that," said the Princess, "but I am quite sure that I am very silly, and the grief of that is killing me."
"If that is all that troubles you, I can soon put an end to your grief," said Riquet, "for I have the power of giving cleverness to the person whom I love the best, and if only you will marry me, you shall become as clever as you can wish."
The Princess was greatly astonished, but remained silent.
"I can see," continued Riquet, "that this proposal is not to your taste, and I am not astonished. I will give you a year to think about it."
So great was the longing of the Princess to be clever, that she at once promised Riquet to marry him in a year's time, and no sooner had she made the promise than a great change took place in her, and she found she could say all sorts of pleasant things, on all sorts of subjects, in quite an easy manner.
She at once began a conversation with Riquet, making such brilliant remarks, that he could almost think he had given her all his cleverness and had kept none for himself.
When the Princess returned to the Palace, everybody was astonished at the sudden and extraordinary change, for, instead of saying stupid things, or just nothing at all, she was now full of beautiful ideas which she expressed most charmingly.
The report of this transformation was soon spread abroad, and all the young Princes of the neighbouring kingdoms asked for her hand in marriage, but not one did she find altogether suitable.
However, at last one arrived, who was so powerful, rich, clever and handsome, that she could not help approving of him, and her father, noticing this, told her she was quite free to choose what husband she wished.
The Princess thanked him, and asked for time to consider the matter.
Then, to think it over, she went by chance, into the wood where she had met Tufty Riquet.
While she was walking, deep in thought, she noticed a loud noise beneath her feet, as of many persons hastening to and fro; then, listening attentively, she heard a voice say, "Bring me the saucepan," and another voice cry, "Put some wood on the fire."
At the same moment the earth opened and she saw a big kitchen full of cooks, and all sorts of things necessary for the making of a magnificent banquet, and everybody hard at work.
The Princess, astonished at this sight, asked the men for whom they were working.
"For the Prince Tufty Riquet," answered the head cook, "for to-morrow is his wedding day."
The Princess, more surprised than ever, all at once recollected that it was just a year ago that very day that she had promised to marry the ugly Tufty Riquet.
"TO THINK IT OVER SHE WENT INTO THE WOOD."
The reason that she had not remembered her promise before was that she was foolish when she made it, and in becoming clever she had forgotten all her former stupidities.
She had only walked on a few steps further, when Riquet appeared before her, magnificently clad, as a Prince about to marry.
"Here you see me, madam," said he, "keeping my word, and I have no doubt that you also came here to keep yours, and by giving me your hand to make me the happiest of men."
"I frankly confess," replied the Princess, "that I have not yet made up my mind, and I do not think I can ever do as you wish."
"You surprise me, madam," said Riquet.
"I can quite believe that," said the Princess, "and if you were not a good and clever man, I should not know how to act. But you are well aware that it was when I was stupid I promised to marry you, but now, as you may imagine, I am not so easily pleased."
"Except for my ugliness," said Riquet, "have you anything against me? Do you object to my birth, my character, or my manners?"
"Not at all," replied the Princess, "I love those things in you."
"If that is so," answered Riquet, "I shall indeed be made happy, because you can cause me to become the most delightful of men if only you will desire it. For know, madam, the same fairy who at my birth gave me the power to impart cleverness to whomsoever I should love, gave you a gift also, that of being able to render beautiful the one to whom you would grant this favour."
"If that is the case," exclaimed the Princess, "I desire with all my heart that you might be the most handsome and pleasing Prince in the world."
No sooner had the Princess uttered these words than her wish was fulfilled, though some say that no change really took place in Riquet, but that the Princess loved him now so much that all his ugliness was seen as beauty by her eyes.
However that may be, she straightway consented to be his bride, and, as the preparations had already been made, the wedding took place the very next day.
Painted by Jennie HarbourTHE BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS—"TUFTY RIQUET"
Story DNA
Moral
True love and inner qualities can transform perception, making even the outwardly ugly appear beautiful, and intelligence is more valuable than mere physical attractiveness.
Plot Summary
Tufty Riquet, an ugly but clever prince, is gifted by a fairy with the power to bestow cleverness. Concurrently, a beautiful but stupid princess is born, also gifted with the power to make her beloved beautiful. Despairing over her foolishness, the princess encounters Riquet, who, having fallen in love with her, offers to make her clever if she promises to marry him in a year. She agrees, instantly becoming witty, but forgets her promise. A year later, she stumbles upon Riquet's wedding preparations and is confronted by him. Realizing her love for his inner qualities, she uses her gift to make him handsome (or perceives him as such), and they marry, proving that true love transcends superficial appearances.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is a variant of Charles Perrault's 'Riquet à la Houppe' (Riquet with the Tuft), first published in 1697. It reflects societal values of the time regarding beauty, wit, and marriage.
Plot Beats (14)
- A Queen gives birth to an ugly but clever prince, Tufty Riquet, who receives a fairy's gift to make his beloved clever.
- Another Queen has twin daughters: one beautiful but stupid, the other ugly but clever. The beautiful one receives a fairy's gift to make her beloved beautiful.
- As they grow, the beautiful Princess suffers greatly from her stupidity, while the clever Princess is more admired despite her ugliness.
- The beautiful Princess, despairing, goes to a wood and meets Tufty Riquet, who has come to meet her after seeing her picture.
- Riquet, observing her sadness, offers to make her as clever as she wishes if she agrees to marry him in a year.
- The Princess, eager for cleverness, accepts, and immediately becomes brilliantly witty and articulate.
- Her transformation astonishes everyone, and she receives many proposals, but none of the suitors satisfy her.
- A year passes, and the Princess, having forgotten her promise due to her previous foolishness, goes to the same wood to consider a new suitor.
- She discovers elaborate wedding preparations and learns they are for Tufty Riquet's marriage the next day.
- Riquet appears, reminding her of her promise and expecting her to keep it.
- The Princess confesses she has not made up her mind and questions marrying him due to his ugliness, despite admiring his character.
- Riquet reveals that the same fairy gave her the power to make her beloved beautiful if she truly desires it.
- The Princess, now genuinely loving Riquet, wishes with all her heart for him to be handsome, and he is transformed (or perceived as such).
- She joyfully consents to marry him, and they are wed the very next day.
Characters
Tufty Riquet ★ protagonist
Uncommonly ugly and unpleasing in appearance, small in stature. His ugliness is so profound it's almost unbelievable he's a human child. His appearance is later transformed into the most handsome and pleasing Prince in the world, or perceived as such by the Princess's love.
Attire: When first meeting the Princess, he is very richly dressed, implying fine fabrics and detailed tailoring appropriate for a Prince of his era. Later, he appears magnificently clad as a Prince about to marry, suggesting opulent, ceremonial attire.
Wants: To find love and happiness, specifically to marry the beautiful Princess and share his cleverness with her. He desires to be loved for his inner qualities.
Flaw: His extreme ugliness, which initially makes him undesirable to others.
He starts as an ugly but clever Prince who seeks love. Through his patience and the Princess's love, he either physically transforms into a handsome Prince or is perceived as such, achieving his desire for a loving marriage.
Clever, courteous, perceptive, determined, patient, good-hearted. He is not deterred by his ugliness and uses his intellect and magical gift to achieve his desires.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man of short stature, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has an uncommonly ugly face with disproportionate features, a prominent nose, and small, deep-set eyes. His hair is dark and unruly, with a distinctive, small tuft of hair standing upright on the crown of his head. He wears a richly embroidered velvet doublet in deep forest green, with gold brocade trim, a white ruffled linen shirt underneath, and tailored breeches. He stands with a confident, slightly mischievous expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Beautiful Princess ★ protagonist
Exquisitely beautiful, so much so that her mother nearly died of joy at her birth. She is graceful, though initially clumsy in her actions.
Attire: Initially, she is described as spilling water on her frock, implying a dress or gown. As a Princess, her wardrobe would consist of elegant gowns made of fine fabrics like silk or brocade, in rich colors, possibly adorned with subtle embroidery or jewels, appropriate for a European royal court.
Wants: Initially, her greatest desire is to overcome her stupidity and become clever, as her foolishness causes her immense grief. Later, she seeks a suitable husband and eventually desires Tufty Riquet's happiness and beauty.
Flaw: Her profound stupidity, which makes her unable to engage in conversation or perform simple tasks gracefully.
She begins as a beautiful but stupid and unhappy Princess. Through her promise to Tufty Riquet, she gains cleverness, transforming into a charming and intelligent woman. She then learns to see beyond physical appearance, falling in love with Riquet's character and using her gift to make him beautiful (or perceive him as such), finding true happiness.
Initially very stupid, easily grieved by her foolishness, and melancholy. After gaining cleverness, she becomes articulate, charming, perceptive, and discerning, capable of brilliant conversation.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman of regal bearing, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has an exquisitely beautiful face with delicate features, large expressive eyes, and soft, flowing light brown hair styled in elegant curls. Her skin is fair and unblemished. She wears a flowing gown of pale blue silk with silver embroidery along the bodice and hem, and a simple silver circlet on her head. Her posture is graceful and poised, with a gentle, thoughtful expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Ugly Princess ◆ supporting
Extremely ugly, described as daily becoming uglier as she grew up. Her physical unattractiveness is a stark contrast to her twin sister.
Attire: As a Princess, her wardrobe would consist of elegant gowns made of fine fabrics like silk or brocade, in rich colors, possibly adorned with subtle embroidery or jewels, appropriate for a European royal court, though perhaps less elaborate than her beautiful sister's.
Wants: To be recognized and valued for her intellect and personality, rather than her appearance.
Flaw: Her extreme ugliness, which is a constant challenge in a society that values beauty.
She remains consistently clever and ugly throughout the story, serving as a foil to her beautiful sister and highlighting the value of intellect over appearance.
Extremely clever, perceptive, and engaging. She is able to hold pleasant conversations and draw people's attention away from her beautiful sister.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has an extremely ugly face with irregular features, a broad nose, and uneven eyes. Her dark brown hair is pulled back simply. Her skin is sallow. She wears a modest but well-made gown of deep purple wool, with a simple white linen chemise peeking from the neckline. Her posture is alert and intelligent, with a thoughtful, slightly wry expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Fairy ◆ supporting
Not physically described, but implied to be a powerful magical being capable of bestowing gifts and curses.
Attire: Not described, but would likely be ethereal and shimmering, perhaps in shades of silver or white, with flowing fabrics that suggest magic.
Wants: To bestow gifts upon royal children, perhaps to influence their destinies or to offer consolation to their parents.
Flaw: Not applicable, as she is a powerful magical being.
She acts as a catalyst for the plot by granting the initial gifts to Tufty Riquet and the two Princesses, setting their destinies in motion.
Benevolent, wise, powerful, and somewhat pragmatic. She balances gifts with drawbacks, perhaps to teach lessons or maintain balance.
Image Prompt & Upload
An ethereal woman with an ageless face, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has long, flowing silver hair that seems to shimmer, and wise, knowing eyes. Her skin is luminous. She wears a gown of iridescent white silk that flows like mist, adorned with subtle, sparkling stardust. She holds a delicate, glowing crystal wand in her right hand. Her posture is serene and powerful, with a gentle, knowing smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Queen's Royal Nursery/Chamber
A private chamber within a grand European palace, likely adorned with rich tapestries and fine furniture, where the Queen receives the fairy's prophecy about her newborn son, Tufty Riquet, and later her twin daughters.
Mood: Initially anxious and sorrowful, later filled with joy and wonder at the birth of the beautiful princess, then concern over the second daughter's ugliness.
The fairy bestows gifts upon Tufty Riquet and the two princesses at their births, setting the stage for their destinies.
Image Prompt & Upload
A lavishly decorated 17th-century French royal nursery, with a large four-poster bed draped in velvet, and a gilded cradle in the foreground. Sunlight streams through tall arched windows, illuminating intricate patterns on the parquet floor and rich tapestries depicting pastoral scenes on the walls. Soft, warm light fills the room, creating an atmosphere of quiet anticipation. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Royal Palace Gardens / Wood's Edge
A secluded, melancholic part of the royal grounds or the immediate edge of a dense, ancient European wood, where the beautiful but stupid princess retreats to brood over her unhappiness. It is here she first encounters Tufty Riquet.
Mood: Melancholy, secluded, then surprisingly hopeful and magical.
The beautiful princess, in her despair, meets Tufty Riquet who offers her cleverness in exchange for marriage in a year.
Image Prompt & Upload
A secluded clearing at the edge of a dense, ancient European forest, with tall, gnarled oak trees casting long shadows across a carpet of wild ferns and moss. Soft, dappled afternoon sunlight filters through the thick canopy, creating pockets of warm light on the forest floor. A narrow, overgrown path winds into the deeper woods. The air is still and a little melancholic. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Enchanted Wood / Underground Kitchen
The same wood where the princess made her promise, but now it reveals a magical, bustling underground kitchen beneath her feet, preparing a magnificent banquet for Tufty Riquet's wedding.
Mood: Mysterious, bustling, astonishing, with a sense of impending celebration.
The princess returns to the wood to ponder her marriage choice and discovers the magical preparations for Tufty Riquet's wedding, reminding her of her forgotten promise.
Image Prompt & Upload
A section of a sun-dappled European forest floor, with exposed tree roots and fallen leaves, where the earth has mysteriously opened to reveal a cavernous, bustling underground kitchen. Warm, flickering firelight from hearths illuminates busy cooks in period attire, preparing a grand feast. Copper pots gleam, steam rises from bubbling cauldrons, and stacks of fresh produce are visible on rough-hewn wooden tables. The transition from the natural forest above to the vibrant, subterranean activity below is stark and magical. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
