Barbara

by George MacDonald · from The Princess and Curdie

fairy tale transformation hopeful Ages 8-14 916 words 4 min read
Cover: Barbara

Adapted Version

CEFR A1 Age 5 369 words 2 min Canon 100/100

The King is sick. He has bad dreams. He is sad. Derba helps him. Curdie helps him. Irene helps him. The King gets stronger each day. He eats good food. The room is clean. But bad dreams still come. He wakes up scared. He is not happy at night.

One night, Curdie hears a cry. It is Barbara. She is a little girl. She cries alone. Derba sleeps soundly. Curdie does not want to wake Derba. Curdie picks up Barbara. He takes her to the King's room. Barbara holds Curdie tight. She stops her crying. She feels safe with Curdie.

The King sits up. He has a bad dream. He is very scared. He sees little Barbara. He never saw her before. Barbara smiles at him. She reaches out her arms. The King feels very calm. His fear goes away. He smiles too. He holds Barbara close. They both sleep well. The King feels peace.

Now Barbara sleeps in the King's room. When the King wakes up scared, Irene helps. Curdie helps too. They put Barbara in his arms. The King's bad dream goes away. He feels safe. He sleeps well again. Barbara helps the King. She brings him peace. She makes him strong.

Barbara plays near the King's bed. She plays all day. She is very happy. She rolls the King's big crown. She sits on the crown. She makes happy noise. The King watches her play. He laughs. He plays with her. He is very happy. Barbara is his little helper. She makes his days bright. The King loves her.

Some bad people do not like the King. They say bad things about him. They say he is not good. They want the King to go away. But the King is good. He helps his land. He is a good King. He cares for his people.

The Bad Man runs away. He does not like the King. He wants the King to go away. He talks to people from another land. He wants them to come. He wants them to take the King's place. He is a very bad man. But the King is safe. Barbara is with him. The King is strong now. He feels happy.

Original Story 916 words · 4 min read

Barbara

In the meantime, with Derba to minister to his wants, with Curdie to protect him, and Irene to nurse him, the king was getting rapidly stronger. Good food was what he most wanted and of that, at least of certain kinds of it, there was plentiful store in the palace. Everywhere since the cleansing of the lower regions of it, the air was clean and sweet, and under the honest hands of the one housemaid the king's chamber became a pleasure to his eyes. With such changes it was no wonder if his heart grew lighter as well as his brain clearer.

But still evil dreams came and troubled him, the lingering result of the wicked medicines the doctor had given him. Every night, sometimes twice or thrice, he would wake up in terror, and it would be minutes ere he could come to himself. The consequence was that he was always worse in the morning, and had loss to make up during the day. While he slept, Irene or Curdie, one or the other, must still be always by his side.

One night, when it was Curdie's turn with the king, he heard a cry somewhere in the house, and as there was no other child, concluded, notwithstanding the distance of her grandmother's room, that it must be Barbara. Fearing something might be wrong, and noting the king's sleep more quiet than usual, he ran to see. He found the child in the middle of the floor, weeping bitterly, and Derba slumbering peacefully in bed. The instant she saw him the night-lost thing ceased her crying, smiled, and stretched out her arms to him. Unwilling to wake the old woman, who had been working hard all day, he took the child, and carried her with him. She clung to him so, pressing her tear-wet radiant face against his, that her little arms threatened to choke him.

When he re-entered the chamber, he found the king sitting up in bed, fighting the phantoms of some hideous dream. Generally upon such occasions, although he saw his watcher, he could not dissociate him from the dream, and went raving on. But the moment his eyes fell upon little Barbara, whom he had never seen before, his soul came into them with a rush, and a smile like the dawn of an eternal day overspread his countenance; the dream was nowhere, and the child was in his heart. He stretched out his arms to her, the child stretched out hers to him, and in five minutes they were both asleep, each in the other's embrace.

From that night Barbara had a crib in the king's chamber, and as often as he woke, Irene or Curdie, whichever was watching, took the sleeping child and laid her in his arms, upon which, invariably and instantly, the dream would vanish. A great part of the day too she would be playing on or about the king's bed; and it was a delight to the heart of the princess to see her amusing herself with the crown, now sitting upon it, now rolling it hither and thither about the room like a hoop. Her grandmother entering once while she was pretending to make porridge in it, held up her hands in horror-struck amazement; but the king would not allow her to interfere, for the king was now Barbara's playmate, and his crown their plaything.

The colonel of the guard also was growing better. Curdie went often to see him. They were soon friends, for the best people understand each other the easiest, and the grim old warrior loved the miner boy as if he were at once his son and his angel. He was very anxious about his regiment. He said the officers were mostly honest men, he believed, but how they might be doing without him, or what they might resolve, in ignorance of the real state of affairs, and exposed to every misrepresentation, who could tell? Curdie proposed that he should send for the major, offering to be the messenger. The colonel agreed, and Curdie went—not without his mattock, because of the dogs.

But the officers had been told by the master of the horse that their colonel was dead, and although they were amazed he should be buried without the attendance of his regiment, they never doubted the information. The handwriting itself of their colonel was insufficient, counteracted by the fresh reports daily current, to destroy the lie. The major regarded the letter as a trap for the next officer in command, and sent his orderly to arrest the messenger. But Curdie had had the wisdom not to wait for an answer.

The king's enemies said that he had first poisoned the good colonel of the guard, and then murdered the master of the horse, and other faithful councillors; and that his oldest and most attached domestics had but escaped from the palace with their lives—not all of them, for the butler was missing. Mad or wicked, he was not only unfit to rule any longer, but worse than unfit to have in his power and under his influence the young princess, only hope of Gwyntystorm and the kingdom.

The moment the lord chancellor reached his house in the country and had got himself clothed, he began to devise how yet to destroy his master; and the very next morning set out for the neighbouring kingdom of Borsagrass to invite invasion, and offer a compact with its monarch.


Story DNA fairy tale · hopeful

Plot Summary

The ailing King Gwyntystorm, tormented by nightmares, begins to recover with the help of his loyal attendants. One night, Curdie brings the young child Barbara to the king's chamber, and her innocent presence instantly dispels his terrors, becoming essential to his healing. While the king finds solace and joy in Barbara's company, his enemies, led by the treacherous Lord Chancellor, spread lies about him and plot with a neighboring kingdom to invade, setting the stage for a looming conflict.

Themes

healinginnocenceredemptionloyalty

Emotional Arc

suffering to triumph

Writing Style

Voice: third person omniscient
Pacing: moderate
Descriptive: moderate

Narrative Elements

Conflict: person vs person
Ending: ambiguous
Magic: The instantaneous and consistent effect of Barbara's presence on the king's nightmares, almost magical in its efficacy.
The crown (symbol of power, but also a child's plaything)Barbara (symbol of innocence and healing)

Cultural Context

Origin: Scottish
Era: timeless fairy tale

George MacDonald was a Victorian author, and his fairy tales often carry moral or spiritual undertones, though this particular excerpt focuses more on healing and political intrigue.

Plot Beats (9)

  1. The king is slowly recovering from illness, cared for by Derba, Curdie, and Irene, but is still tormented by evil dreams.
  2. One night, Curdie hears Barbara crying, finds her alone, and brings her back to the king's room to avoid waking her grandmother.
  3. The king, in the midst of a nightmare, is instantly calmed and brought back to himself by the sight of Barbara, whom he has never met.
  4. Barbara's presence becomes essential to the king's recovery, as she dispels his nightmares whenever she is placed in his arms.
  5. Barbara spends her days playing around the king's bed, even amusing herself with the royal crown, much to the king's delight.
  6. The Colonel of the Guard, also recovering, expresses concern for his regiment, and Curdie offers to deliver a message to the major.
  7. Curdie attempts to deliver the colonel's letter, but the officers have been deceived into believing the colonel is dead and view the letter as a trap.
  8. The king's enemies spread false rumors, accusing him of murder and deeming him unfit to rule or care for the princess.
  9. The Lord Chancellor, having escaped the palace, plots to destroy the king by inviting the neighboring kingdom of Borsagrass to invade.

Characters 7 characters

Barbara ◆ supporting

human child female

A very small child, likely a toddler, with a tear-wet, radiant face. Her build is typical of a young child, small and delicate.

Attire: Simple, comfortable clothing suitable for a child of the period, likely a plain dress or smock, though not explicitly described.

Wants: To be loved and comforted, to play and explore her immediate surroundings.

Flaw: Her extreme youth makes her vulnerable and dependent on others for care and protection.

Introduced as a crying child, she becomes a constant source of comfort and healing for the King, transforming his nights and days.

A small child, often seen playing with a large, ornate crown.

Innocent, comforting, playful, affectionate, easily soothed.

Image Prompt & Upload
A very young toddler girl, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a round, innocent face with wide, curious eyes and a small smile. Her hair is light brown, short and slightly curly. She wears a simple, light blue linen smock dress with short sleeves and a white lace trim at the collar. She is holding a large, ornate golden crown, attempting to sit on it. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

The King ★ protagonist

human adult male

A man who has been weakened by illness and wicked medicines, but is now rapidly gaining strength. His countenance, once troubled, becomes bright and smiling.

Attire: Likely wears nightclothes or simple, comfortable garments while recovering in bed, though not explicitly detailed. Later, he is well enough to play with Barbara.

Wants: To recover from his illness, to find peace from his nightmares, and to protect his kingdom and loved ones.

Flaw: Susceptible to wicked medicines and their lingering effects, leading to terrifying nightmares and a weakened state.

Begins as a sick, tormented ruler plagued by nightmares. Through the care of Irene, Curdie, Derba, and especially Barbara, he recovers physically and mentally, finding peace and joy.

An adult man, smiling peacefully, holding a small child in his arms, with a crown nearby.

Vulnerable, easily troubled by nightmares, loving, playful, protective (especially of Barbara), appreciative of care.

Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man in his late 40s, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind, gentle face with a short, neatly trimmed brown beard and warm brown eyes. His hair is dark brown, slightly receding at the temples. He wears a simple, long-sleeved cream linen tunic with a loose neckline. He is sitting on a bed, holding a small child in his arms, a peaceful smile on his face. A golden crown rests on the bed beside him. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

Curdie ★ protagonist

human young adult male

A miner boy, implying a sturdy, practical build. He is agile and quick, able to run to Barbara and carry her. His hands are honest and capable.

Attire: Practical clothing suitable for a miner boy, likely sturdy trousers and a tunic, possibly with a belt. He carries a mattock.

Wants: To protect the King and Princess Irene, to ensure justice, and to help those in need.

Flaw: His trust in others can be exploited, as seen when the major attempts to arrest him.

Continues his role as a protector and loyal servant, demonstrating his resourcefulness and courage in attempting to contact the colonel's regiment.

A young man, dressed simply, carrying a miner's mattock.

Protective, responsible, brave, resourceful, kind, understanding, loyal.

Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult man, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a strong, lean build and a determined expression. His face is somewhat rugged, with kind, observant dark eyes. His hair is short, dark, and practical. He wears a dark brown, sturdy linen tunic, practical dark trousers, and worn leather boots. A leather belt is cinched at his waist. He holds a miner's mattock in his right hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

Irene ◆ supporting

human young adult female

A princess, implying a graceful and refined appearance. She is attentive and caring.

Attire: Elegant but practical clothing suitable for nursing and caring for her father, likely a simple but well-made gown of fine fabric, perhaps linen or silk, in soft colors.

Wants: To nurse her father back to health and ensure his well-being.

Flaw: Her devotion to her father makes her vulnerable to his suffering.

Continues to nurse her father, finding joy and relief as he recovers and finds peace with Barbara.

A graceful young woman, dressed in a simple but elegant gown, tending to her father.

Caring, devoted, observant, gentle, finds delight in simple joys.

Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult woman, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a serene and compassionate expression, with soft, kind blue eyes and fair skin. Her long, wavy golden-blonde hair is partially pulled back from her face, with some strands framing it. She wears a flowing, light green linen gown with long sleeves and a simple, round neckline. Her posture is gentle and attentive. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

Derba ◆ supporting

human elderly female

An old woman, implied to be a housemaid or palace servant, who works hard. She is capable and honest.

Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for a housemaid of the period, likely a plain dress, apron, and possibly a cap.

Wants: To perform her duties diligently and care for her granddaughter.

Flaw: Her hard work leads to deep sleep, making her unaware of Barbara's distress at night.

Continues her duties, showing her dedication to the palace and her granddaughter, though she is initially shocked by Barbara's play with the crown.

An elderly woman, dressed simply, with her hands raised in surprise.

Hard-working, peaceful, caring (as Barbara's grandmother), diligent.

Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly woman in her late 60s, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, wrinkled face with gentle brown eyes and a soft expression. Her grey hair is neatly pulled back into a bun, partially covered by a simple white cap. She wears a practical, long-sleeved dark grey linen dress with a white apron tied over it. Her hands are raised slightly in a gesture of mild surprise. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

The Colonel of the Guard ◆ supporting

human adult male

A grim old warrior, now recovering from illness. He is a man of military bearing, even in recovery.

Attire: Likely wears simple, comfortable clothing while recovering, but his identity as a colonel suggests a uniform or military attire when well.

Wants: To recover his health and ensure the loyalty and well-being of his regiment.

Flaw: His illness makes him vulnerable and unable to command his regiment, leaving them susceptible to misinformation.

Recovers from his illness and attempts to re-establish contact and control over his regiment, demonstrating his continued loyalty.

A stern, older military man, showing signs of recovery, with a look of concern.

Grim, warrior-like, loyal, concerned for his regiment, capable of forming strong friendships.

Image Prompt & Upload
An older adult man in his late 50s, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a stern, weathered face with a neatly trimmed grey mustache and sharp, observant dark eyes. His short, grey hair is military-cut. He wears a simple, dark blue wool dressing gown over a white shirt, suggesting recovery from illness. His posture is upright and dignified, even while seated. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

The Lord Chancellor ⚔ antagonist

human adult male

A man of high office, implying a distinguished but potentially sinister appearance. He is quick to act on his malicious intentions.

Attire: Wears formal attire befitting his high office, described as getting 'clothed' before devising his plans, implying elaborate garments.

Wants: To destroy the King and seize power, or at least to remove the King from power.

Flaw: His ambition and malice consume him, leading him to desperate and treasonous acts.

Revealed as a traitor, he actively plots against the King by inviting foreign invasion, solidifying his role as a primary antagonist.

A man in elaborate, formal attire, with a cunning, plotting expression.

Treacherous, cunning, malicious, ambitious, disloyal.

Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man in his 50s, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a sharp, angular face with narrow, calculating dark eyes and a thin, downturned mouth. His dark hair is slicked back, and he has a small, pointed beard. He wears an elaborate, dark purple velvet robe with gold embroidery, a high collar, and wide sleeves. A heavy gold chain with a large medallion hangs around his neck. His posture is rigid and self-important, with a subtle smirk. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations 3 locations
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The King's Chamber

indoor Implied temperate indoor conditions

A private chamber within the palace, now clean and sweet-smelling, made pleasant to the king's eyes by the housemaid. It contains the king's bed and later, a crib for Barbara. The king's crown is often used as a plaything here.

Mood: Initially troubled by nightmares, later becomes a place of comfort, healing, and innocent play.

The king recovers from illness, suffers from nightmares, and finds solace and healing through Barbara's presence. Barbara plays with the crown here.

King's bed Barbara's crib King's crown Cleaned and tidied furnishings
Image Prompt & Upload
A sunlit, high-ceilinged chamber within a medieval European palace, perhaps with stone walls partially covered by tapestries, and a large, four-poster bed draped with rich fabrics. A small, simple wooden crib sits beside it. Golden light streams through a tall, arched window, illuminating dust motes in the air and casting soft shadows on the polished wooden floor. A heavy, ornate crown rests on a nearby table. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
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Derba's Room

indoor night Implied temperate indoor conditions

Barbara's grandmother's room, located some distance from the king's chamber. It is where Barbara is found weeping in the middle of the floor while Derba sleeps peacefully.

Mood: Quiet and peaceful for the sleeping Derba, but momentarily distressed for Barbara.

Curdie finds Barbara crying here, leading him to take her to the king.

Bed where Derba sleeps Open floor space
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, humble chamber in a medieval European palace, with rough-hewn timber beams supporting a low ceiling and simple plaster walls. A narrow, unadorned wooden bed with a plain quilt is tucked into a corner. Moonlight filters faintly through a small, uncurtained window, casting long, soft shadows across the worn wooden floorboards. A child's small figure sits weeping in the center of the room. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
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The Palace (Lower Regions)

indoor Implied temperate indoor conditions

The general lower areas of the palace, which have recently been cleansed. The air throughout is now clean and sweet.

Mood: Clean, sweet, and orderly after being cleansed, suggesting a return to proper management.

The cleansing of these regions contributes to the overall improvement of the palace environment and the king's recovery.

Cleaned corridors Sweet-smelling air Implied service areas
Image Prompt & Upload
A long, vaulted stone corridor in a medieval European palace, meticulously swept and clean. Sunlight streams through high, narrow windows, illuminating the smooth, cool stone walls and floor. The air appears clear and dust-free, with no signs of neglect. Arched doorways lead off into other unseen rooms, suggesting a vast, well-maintained interior. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.