Masonwork
by George MacDonald · from The Princess and the Goblin
Adapted Version
Curdie had a big worry. He knew the goblins wanted trouble. They wanted to hurt the mine. The miners were there. Curdie must help them. He ran very fast.
Curdie told the miners. They went to the mine door. Dad was there. Other men stood there too. They were ready to help.
They all went inside the mine. They walked to a weak part. Dad had rocks ready. He had cement too. They would fix the wall.
The miners worked very hard. They built a strong wall. It was a big wall. It made the mine safe. The goblins could not get in. They worked all day long.
They heard strange noises. Goblins made sounds. They heard water too. But the wall was strong. The mine was safe now. They finished their work.
The men left the mine. A big storm was happening. Rain fell down hard. Thunder made a loud noise. Lightning flashed in the sky. This was why they heard water.
Curdie worried about Mom. He worried about Princess Irene. They were at home. He ran through the big storm. The wind blew hard. He wanted to reach them.
Curdie saw the house. It was safe behind a big rock. But water was everywhere! It ran like a river. Curdie could not cross easily. He had to be careful.
Curdie got to the door. He heard a happy sound. Princess Irene called his name. She was glad to see him.
The floor was muddy. The fire was out. It was cold inside. But Mom smiled. Princess Irene smiled too. They were happy to be safe.
"This is fun!" said Princess Irene. Her eyes twinkled. Mom looked at her. Mom said, "Happiness comes from inside us. It is not from outside."
Dad came back then. The storm was smaller now. The rain slowed down. But the water outside was wild. Princess Irene could not go home. It was not safe yet.
Curdie helped light the fire. Mom made supper. They ate good food. Then they told stories. Princess Irene grew sleepy. She looked at a special lamp. She fell fast asleep.
Original Story
Masonwork
He had all at once remembered the resolution of the goblins to carry out their second plan upon the failure of the first. No doubt they were already busy, and the mine was therefore in the greatest danger of being flooded and rendered useless—not to speak of the lives of the miners.
When he reached the mouth of the mine, after rousing all the miners within reach, he found his father and a good many more just entering. They all hurried to the gang by which he had found a way into the goblin country. There the foresight of Peter had already collected a great many blocks of stone, with cement, ready for building up the weak place—well enough known to the goblins. Although there was not room for more than two to be actually building at once, they managed, by setting all the rest to work in preparing the cement and passing the stones, to finish in the course of the day a huge buttress filling the whole gang, and supported everywhere by the live rock. Before the hour when they usually dropped work, they were satisfied the mine was secure.
They had heard goblin hammers and pickaxes busy all the time, and at length fancied they heard sounds of water they had never heard before. But that was otherwise accounted for when they left the mine, for they stepped out into a tremendous storm which was raging all over the mountain. The thunder was bellowing, and the lightning lancing out of a huge black cloud which lay above it and hung down its edges of thick mist over its sides. The lightning was breaking out of the mountain, too, and flashing up into the cloud. From the state of the brooks, now swollen into raging torrents, it was evident that the storm had been storming all day.
The wind was blowing as if it would blow him off the mountain, but, anxious about his mother and the princess, Curdie darted up through the thick of the tempest. Even if they had not set out before the storm came on, he did not judge them safe, for in such a storm even their poor little house was in danger. Indeed he soon found that but for a huge rock against which it was built, and which protected it both from the blasts and the waters, it must have been swept if it was not blown away; for the two torrents into which this rock parted the rush of water behind it united again in front of the cottage—two roaring and dangerous streams, which his mother and the princess could not possibly have passed. It was with great difficulty that he forced his way through one of them, and up to the door.
The moment his hand fell on the latch, through all the uproar of winds and waters came the joyous cry of the princess:
'There's Curdie! Curdie! Curdie!'
She was sitting wrapped in blankets on the bed, his mother trying for the hundredth time to light the fire which had been drowned by the rain that came down the chimney. The clay floor was one mass of mud, and the whole place looked wretched. But the faces of the mother and the princess shone as if their troubles only made them the merrier. Curdie burst out laughing at the sight of them.
'I never had such fun!' said the princess, her eyes twinkling and her pretty teeth shining. 'How nice it must be to live in a cottage on the mountain!'
'It all depends on what kind your inside house is,' said the mother.
'I know what you mean,' said Irene. 'That's the kind of thing my grandmother says.'
By the time Peter returned the storm was nearly over, but the streams were so fierce and so swollen that it was not only out of the question for the princess to go down the mountain, but most dangerous for Peter even or Curdie to make the attempt in the gathering darkness.
'They will be dreadfully frightened about you,' said Peter to the princess, 'but we cannot help it. We must wait till the morning.'
With Curdie's help, the fire was lighted at last, and the mother set about making their supper; and after supper they all told the princess stories till she grew sleepy. Then Curdie's mother laid her in Curdie's bed, which was in a tiny little garret-room. As soon as she was in bed, through a little window low down in the roof she caught sight of her grandmother's lamp shining far away beneath, and she gazed at the beautiful silvery globe until she fell asleep.
Story DNA
Moral
True security and happiness come from inner strength and a positive outlook, not just external circumstances.
Plot Summary
Curdie remembers the goblins' plan to flood the mine and rallies the miners, including his father, to build a massive buttress, securing the mine. Simultaneously, a fierce storm rages outside. Anxious for his mother and Princess Irene, Curdie battles through the tempest to their isolated cottage, finding it barely protected but his loved ones surprisingly cheerful and resilient despite the muddy, damp conditions. The storm eventually subsides, but the princess must stay the night, and they spend the evening sharing stories before she falls asleep watching her grandmother's lamp.
Themes
Emotional Arc
anxiety to relief
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
George MacDonald's stories often blend Christian allegory with traditional fairy tale elements, emphasizing spiritual and moral lessons.
Plot Beats (13)
- Curdie remembers the goblins' plan to flood the mine and realizes the danger to the miners.
- He rouses miners and rushes to the mine entrance, where his father and others are already gathering.
- They proceed to the weak gangway, where Peter has already prepared stones and cement.
- The miners work all day, building a huge buttress to secure the mine against the goblins' efforts.
- They hear goblin activity and sounds of water, but finish the buttress, confident the mine is secure.
- Leaving the mine, they discover a tremendous storm raging on the mountain, explaining the water sounds.
- Anxious for his mother and the princess, Curdie battles through the tempest to reach their cottage.
- He finds the cottage protected by a rock but surrounded by dangerous torrents, making it impassable.
- Curdie forces his way to the door and is greeted by the princess's joyful cry.
- Inside, despite the muddy floor and failed fire, his mother and the princess are cheerful and resilient.
- The princess expresses delight in the 'fun' of the storm, prompting the mother to speak of inner strength.
- Peter returns as the storm lessens, but the streams are too fierce for the princess to leave.
- They light a fire, have supper, tell stories, and the princess falls asleep watching her grandmother's lamp.
Characters
Curdie ★ protagonist
Lean and agile, accustomed to physical labor in the mines and traversing mountainous terrain. His body is likely strong and resilient from his work and environment.
Attire: Practical, sturdy miner's clothing, likely made of coarse wool or linen in dark, earthy tones, possibly a leather vest or apron for protection, and heavy boots suitable for mining and mountain travel.
Wants: To protect his family, the princess, and the miners from danger, and to ensure the safety and well-being of those he cares for.
Flaw: His deep concern for others can make him reckless in the face of danger, potentially putting himself at risk.
In this excerpt, he demonstrates his established bravery and resourcefulness, reinforcing his role as a protector. He acts decisively to secure the mine and then to check on his loved ones.
Brave, responsible, quick-thinking, protective, resourceful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man with a lean, strong build, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a determined expression, with a weather-beaten face and practical, dark, short hair. He wears a dark grey coarse wool tunic, sturdy brown leather trousers, and heavy, mud-splattered leather boots. A miner's lamp with a small flame is clipped to his belt. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Peter ◆ supporting
A seasoned miner, likely with a strong, broad build from years of physical labor. His hands would be calloused and strong.
Attire: Similar to Curdie, practical miner's clothing, perhaps a bit more worn, consisting of dark, durable fabrics, a thick work jacket, and heavy boots.
Wants: To ensure the safety of the mine and the miners, and to protect his family and those under his care.
Flaw: His age might make him less agile than Curdie, relying more on wisdom and planning than brute force in certain situations.
He acts as a pillar of strength and wisdom, demonstrating his foresight and leadership in securing the mine. His character remains consistent as a responsible and experienced figure.
Foresighted, responsible, calm under pressure, protective, experienced.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man with a strong, broad build, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a weathered face with a short, practical beard, and dark, slightly greying hair. He wears a dark brown, thick wool jacket over a grey linen shirt, sturdy dark trousers, and heavy work boots. His hands are large and calloused. He holds a miner's pickaxe resting on his shoulder. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Curdie's Mother ◆ supporting
Likely a sturdy woman, accustomed to the hard life of a miner's wife on the mountain. Her appearance would reflect resilience and warmth.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant clothing of the era, likely a long, dark linen or wool skirt, a plain blouse, and a sturdy apron, possibly a shawl for warmth. Colors would be muted and earthy.
Wants: To provide comfort and safety for her family and guests, and to maintain a cheerful home despite hardships.
Flaw: Her vulnerability to the harsh conditions of mountain life, which can threaten her home and well-being.
She remains a steadfast source of warmth and wisdom, demonstrating her resilience and ability to create comfort amidst chaos. Her character is consistent as a nurturing figure.
Resilient, warm, nurturing, wise, optimistic.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged woman with a sturdy build, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, round face with gentle eyes and dark hair pulled back in a simple bun. She wears a long, dark grey wool skirt, a cream linen blouse, and a practical, plain blue apron tied at her waist. Her hands are capable and slightly reddened from work. She has a warm, comforting smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Princess Irene ◆ supporting
Small and delicate, but with an inner resilience. Her royal upbringing suggests a well-cared-for appearance.
Attire: Though currently wrapped in blankets, her usual attire would be fine, delicate clothing appropriate for a princess, perhaps a light-colored dress made of silk or fine linen, possibly with subtle embroidery. In the cottage, she is wrapped in humble, thick wool blankets.
Wants: To experience new things, to find joy in her surroundings, and to connect with others.
Flaw: Her physical vulnerability due to her young age and delicate nature, making her dependent on others for protection in harsh environments.
She demonstrates her resilience and ability to adapt to difficult circumstances, finding joy and adventure even in a storm-battered cottage. She shows a capacity for understanding deeper truths, echoing her grandmother's wisdom.
Joyous, curious, resilient, optimistic, imaginative.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl, appearing around eight years old, with a delicate build, sitting upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a pretty, round face with wide, twinkling blue eyes and light blonde hair that falls loosely around her shoulders. She is wrapped snugly in a thick, coarse, dark brown wool blanket, with only her face and a bit of her hair visible. She has a bright, joyful smile, showing her pretty teeth. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Mountain Mine Entrance
The opening of a mine shaft, likely carved into the side of a mountain, leading into a network of tunnels. The immediate surroundings are rugged and exposed to the elements.
Mood: Urgent, dangerous, exposed, chaotic.
Curdie arrives to find his father and miners entering, then leaves into the raging storm.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dark, jagged mine entrance carved into a steep, rain-slicked mountain face. Raging torrents of water cascade down the slopes and around the entrance, churning with foam. Above, a massive, oppressive black storm cloud dominates the sky, with jagged lightning bolts illuminating the scene. The wind whips at the sparse, hardy vegetation clinging to the rock. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Mine Goblin Gangway
A specific, weak gangway or tunnel within the mine, known to the goblins, where stone blocks and cement are gathered for fortification. It's a confined, subterranean space.
Mood: Tense, industrious, confined, echoing.
Miners work to build a huge buttress to secure the mine against goblin flooding.
Image Prompt & Upload
A narrow, rough-hewn tunnel deep within a mountain mine, with exposed, damp rock walls. Piles of irregularly shaped, grey stone blocks are stacked near a section where a massive, newly constructed buttress of rough-hewn stone and mortar is being built into the living rock. Lantern light casts long shadows, highlighting the texture of the rock and the wet sheen on the walls. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Curdie's Mountain Cottage
A small, humble cottage built against a huge protective rock on the mountain. The interior has a clay floor, a fireplace with a chimney, and a tiny garret room.
Mood: Cozy despite hardship, warm, safe, humble.
Curdie finds his mother and the princess sheltering from the storm, and they spend the night here.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, rustic stone and timber cottage, partially built into the base of a massive, weathered grey rock face. Two raging, muddy torrents of water converge just in front of the cottage, churning violently. Inside, the clay floor is visibly muddy, and a small, stone hearth is damp. A simple wooden bed is covered with thick, homespun blankets. A tiny, low-set window in a sloped garret roof looks out into the fading stormy twilight. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
