2\. Won't I, Just?
by George MacDonald · from The Light Princess
Adapted Version
King Leo and Queen Lily waited for a baby. Soon, a pretty baby princess was born! Her name was Princess Luna. She was very nice. All were very happy.
King Leo planned a big party. It was for Princess Luna. He wrote many notes. He sent them to many people. But King Leo forgot one person. He forgot his sister. Her name was Auntie Mae. He did not mean to forget her.
Auntie Mae was a lady. She knew some magic. She felt very sad. King Leo forgot her. She was not happy. She felt very cross inside. She felt left out.
Auntie Mae felt very sad. She felt very cross too. King Leo did not invite her. She had no party note. She decided to go too. She would go to the party. She wanted to do a trick. She had a secret plan.
Auntie Mae came to the big castle. King Leo saw her there. He said hello to her. He forgot he did not invite her. She walked with all the people. They went to a special room. It was for the baby.
They stood by a big font. It held special water. Auntie Mae stood near it. She put a small thing in. She did it very softly. No one saw her do it.
The special water touched Princess Luna. Auntie Mae turned around. She turned three times. She said magic words. "Be light as a feather," she said. "Be always happy. Make parents sad." This was her tricky plan.
The people heard her words. They did not know them. They thought she was silly. But they felt a little strange. A strange feeling came. They did not know why. It was a secret feeling.
Princess Luna began to laugh. She made happy sounds. Nurse Nora held the baby. She felt a big surprise. The baby was very light. Light as a feather! Nurse Nora felt scared. She held the baby tight. The magic words worked. They worked right away. The nurse looked at Princess Luna. She was light. What would happen next to the light princess?
Original Story
2. Won't I, Just?
The king tried to have patience, but he succeeded very badly. It was more than he deserved, therefore, when, at last, the queen gave him a daughter—as lovely a little princess as ever cried.
The day drew near when the infant must be christened. The king wrote all the invitations with his own hand. Of course somebody was forgotten. Now it does not generally matter if somebody is forgotten, only you must mind who. Unfortunately, the king forgot without intending to forget; and so the chance fell upon the Princess Makemnoit, which was awkward. For the princess was the king's own sister; and he ought not to have forgotten her. But she had made herself so disagreeable to the old king, their father, that he had forgotten her in making his will; and so it was no wonder that her brother forgot her in writing his invitations. But poor relations don't do anything to keep you in mind of them. Why don't they? The king could not see into the garret she lived in, could he?
She was a sour, spiteful creature. The wrinkles of contempt crossed the wrinkles of peevishness, and made her face as full of wrinkles as a pat of butter. If ever a king could be justified in forgetting anybody, this king was justified in forgetting his sister, even at a christening. She looked very odd, too. Her forehead was as large as all the rest of her face, and projected over it like a precipice. When she was angry, her little eyes flashed blue. When she hated anybody, they shone yellow and green. What they looked like when she loved anybody, I do not know; for I never heard of her loving anybody but herself, and I do not think she could have managed that if she had not somehow got used to herself. But what made it highly imprudent in the king to forget her was that she was awfully clever. In fact, she was a witch; and when she bewitched anybody, he very soon had enough of it; for she beat all the wicked fairies in wickedness, and all the clever ones in cleverness. She despised all the modes we read of in history, in which offended fairies and witches have taken their revenges; and therefore, after waiting and waiting in vain for an invitation, she made up her mind at last to go without one, and make the whole family miserable, like a princess as she was.
So she put on her best gown, went to the palace, was kindly received by the happy monarch, who forgot that he had forgotten her, and took her place in the procession to the royal chapel. When they were all gathered about the font, she contrived to get next to it, and throw something into the water; after which she maintained a very respectful demeanour till the water was applied to the child's face. But at that moment she turned round in her place three times, and muttered the following words, loud enough for those beside her to hear:—
"Light of spirit, by my charms,
Light of body, every part,
Never weary human arms—
Only crush thy parents' heart!"
They all thought she had lost her wits, and was repeating some foolish nursery rhyme; but a shudder went through the whole of them notwithstanding. The baby, on the contrary, began to laugh and crow; while the nurse gave a start and a smothered cry, for she thought she was struck with paralysis: she could not feel the baby in her arms. But she clasped it tight and said nothing. The mischief was done.
Story DNA
Moral
Forgetting those who are easily overlooked can lead to unforeseen and dire consequences.
Plot Summary
A king and queen celebrate the birth of their daughter, but the king accidentally forgets to invite his bitter, witch-sister, Princess Makemnoit, to the christening. Feeling scorned, Makemnoit attends uninvited and, during the ceremony, casts a powerful curse on the infant, making her 'light of body' and destined to break her parents' hearts. The curse immediately takes effect, rendering the baby weightless in the nurse's arms, though the full implications remain unknown to the parents.
Themes
Emotional Arc
joy to sorrow
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
George MacDonald often infused his fairy tales with moral and spiritual undertones, reflecting Victorian sensibilities, though this particular excerpt focuses on the immediate magical consequence.
Plot Beats (9)
- The king and queen, after much anticipation, welcome a beautiful baby princess.
- The king meticulously prepares invitations for the christening but inadvertently forgets his estranged sister, Princess Makemnoit.
- Princess Makemnoit is described as a bitter, clever witch, previously forgotten by her father and now by her brother.
- Feeling deeply offended by the oversight, Princess Makemnoit resolves to attend the christening without an invitation to exact revenge.
- She arrives at the palace, is welcomed by the unsuspecting king, and joins the procession to the chapel.
- At the font, she subtly drops something into the holy water.
- As the water is applied to the baby, Makemnoit turns three times and loudly recites a curse, making the child 'light of spirit' and 'light of body' to 'crush thy parents' heart'.
- The attendees dismiss her words as madness, but a shiver runs through them.
- The baby laughs, but the nurse is shocked to find the child has become weightless in her arms, confirming the curse's immediate effect.
Characters
The King ◆ supporting
A man of royal bearing, likely of average height and build, though specific details are not provided. His features would suggest a life of comfort and authority, but also a tendency towards forgetfulness.
Attire: Rich, formal court attire typical of a European monarch of a historical period, possibly a velvet doublet, breeches, and a jeweled crown or circlet, with fine linen undergarments and leather shoes. Colors would be deep and regal, such as crimson, royal blue, or gold, possibly embroidered with heraldic symbols.
Wants: To have an heir, to celebrate his daughter's christening, and to maintain the peace and happiness of his kingdom and family.
Flaw: His forgetfulness, particularly regarding his sister, which leads to dire consequences. He also lacks foresight regarding potential threats.
He begins as a happy, albeit impatient and forgetful, king. His arc is just beginning with the curse on his daughter, implying a future of sorrow.
Impatient, forgetful, easily pleased, kind (as he receives his sister kindly), somewhat oblivious.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged European king standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a neatly trimmed brown beard and mustache, fair skin, and a slightly distracted expression. He wears a deep crimson velvet doublet with gold embroidery, white ruffled linen cuffs, dark breeches, and polished leather shoes. A heavy gold chain with a large pendant hangs around his neck. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Queen ◆ supporting
A woman of royal stature, likely elegant and graceful, though specific details are not provided. She has recently given birth.
Attire: An elegant gown of fine silk or brocade, in soft, regal colors like pale blue, silver, or cream, possibly with delicate embroidery. She would wear subtle jewelry, such as a pearl necklace or earrings, and a delicate circlet or hair ornament.
Wants: To be a good mother and queen, to celebrate her daughter's christening.
Flaw: Her vulnerability to the machinations of others, particularly her husband's sister.
Her arc begins with the joy of motherhood, which is immediately threatened by the curse, implying a future of heartbreak.
Patient (implied by the king's impatience), loving (towards her daughter), perhaps a bit naive or trusting.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult European queen standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has long, wavy golden-blonde hair styled in an elegant updo, soft blue eyes, and fair, unblemished skin. She wears a flowing gown of pale blue silk with silver embroidery along the sleeves and hem. A delicate pearl necklace adorns her throat. She holds a swaddled infant gently in her arms. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Princess Makemnoit ⚔ antagonist
A sour, spiteful woman with a face as full of wrinkles as a pat of butter. Her forehead is unusually large, projecting over the rest of her face like a precipice. She is likely thin and angular, reflecting her unpleasant nature.
Attire: Her 'best gown' would still likely be dark, severe, and perhaps outdated, made of heavy, plain fabric like dark wool or coarse silk, without adornment or flattering cut. It would be practical rather than fashionable, perhaps a long, high-necked dress in black, deep grey, or drab brown.
Wants: Revenge for being forgotten and slighted, to make her family miserable, to assert her power and cleverness.
Flaw: Her overwhelming bitterness and inability to love, which isolates her and drives her to destructive acts.
She begins as a bitter, forgotten witch and solidifies her role as an antagonist by enacting a cruel curse, showing no change or remorse.
Sour, spiteful, disagreeable, cunning, vengeful, extremely clever, wicked, self-absorbed.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly, gaunt woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. Her face is deeply lined with wrinkles of contempt and peevishness, dominated by a very large, protruding forehead. Her small eyes are a piercing yellow-green. Her thin, grey hair is pulled back severely from her face. She wears a severe, high-necked, long-sleeved gown of dark, drab grey wool, unadorned. Her posture is rigid and slightly hunched. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Princess ★ protagonist
A lovely little princess, an infant, with no specific physical details beyond her beauty at birth. She is described as 'light of body, every part' after the curse, implying an unusual lack of weight.
Attire: Swaddled in fine, soft christening clothes, likely white linen or silk, possibly with delicate lace trim.
Wants: As an infant, her motivations are basic needs and joy. Later, her motivation will likely be to overcome the curse.
Flaw: Her extreme lightness, which is a result of the curse and will likely cause her great difficulty.
Her arc begins immediately with a curse that will define her life, transforming her from a normal infant into one with an extraordinary physical condition.
As an infant, she laughs and crows, showing a happy and innocent disposition.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful infant girl, swaddled in a delicate white lace christening gown, held gently in arms. She has soft, fair skin, small rosy cheeks, and bright, curious blue eyes. A faint, ethereal glow surrounds her, suggesting an unnatural lightness. She is smiling and cooing. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Nurse ○ minor
A woman of sturdy build, typical for someone entrusted with the care of an infant, though specific details are not provided.
Attire: Practical, clean attire typical of a nursemaid in a royal household, likely a simple, long-sleeved dress of sturdy linen or cotton, possibly with an apron and a cap.
Wants: To care for the royal infant and ensure her well-being.
Flaw: Her shock and fear prevent her from immediately speaking up about the curse.
She is a witness to the curse and is the first to realize its immediate effect, setting the stage for the princess's future challenges.
Attentive, responsible, caring, observant (notices the baby's lightness), startled.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged European woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, round face with soft brown eyes and her brown hair is neatly tucked under a white linen cap. She wears a simple, long-sleeved blue linen dress with a clean white apron tied over it. She holds a swaddled infant gently in her arms, her expression a mix of maternal care and sudden, wide-eyed shock. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Royal Palace
A grand, regal residence where the king and queen live, likely featuring opulent interiors suitable for royal ceremonies. The specific architectural style is not mentioned, but given the European fairy tale context, it would be a traditional European palace.
Mood: Initially joyful and celebratory for the christening, but quickly turns ominous and tense due to the witch's curse.
The christening ceremony of the infant princess takes place here, where Princess Makemnoit casts her curse.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, high-ceilinged royal chapel interior, constructed from polished white marble and dark, intricately carved oak. Sunlight streams through tall, arched stained-glass windows depicting heraldic symbols, illuminating dust motes in the air. A large, ornate baptismal font, possibly gilded, stands centrally on a raised dais, surrounded by flickering candelabras. The atmosphere is initially bright and ceremonial, but a subtle, creeping shadow begins to emanate from a corner. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Princess Makemnoit's Garret
A small, neglected attic room, high up in a building, suggesting poverty and isolation. It is likely sparsely furnished and dusty, reflecting the princess's forgotten status.
Mood: Sour, spiteful, and neglected, reflecting the character of Princess Makemnoit. It is a place of brooding resentment.
Princess Makemnoit, forgotten and bitter, resides here before deciding to attend the christening uninvited to enact her revenge.
Image Prompt & Upload
A cramped, dusty garret room with a low, sloped ceiling made of rough-hewn, exposed timber beams. A small, grimy window, possibly with a broken pane, offers a limited view of distant rooftops under a pale, overcast sky. The floor is bare, splintered wood, and a single, threadbare blanket covers a simple cot in the corner. Cobwebs hang from the rafters, and the air feels cold and still, filled with a sense of long-standing neglect. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
