The Subterranean Waters
by George MacDonald · from The Princess and the Goblin
Adapted Version
Princess Irene was in the big hall. She felt something special. She walked to The King. She asked, "King-papa, hear noise?" King heard nothing. Princess Irene said, "Listen." She held her finger up.
The King listened. He heard a loud noise. It was like thunder. The noise came closer. Everyone heard it now. It came very fast.
Curdie listened to the ground. He stood up fast. Curdie went to The King. He said, "Everyone must go! Go to mountain now! King trusted Curdie. He knew Curdie was smart.
The King took Princess Irene. He said, "Follow me! Go outside now!" They ran out fast. A big rush of water came. It came from the house door. The ground shook. They got out just in time.
Curdie helped Curdie's Mom and Dad. He made sure they were safe. The King stood on the mountain. Princess Irene was with him. They watched the big water. The water went down the road.
King asked, "What?" Curdie told of goblins. Goblins wanted to flood the mine. But their plan went wrong. The water went into their tunnels. It also went into the house.
The King needed his horses. Curdie said, "I will help!" He took helpers. They went to the stables. Water was high there. The horses were scared. Curdie saved them all.
Princess Irene looked up. She saw a bright light. It was Grandma's Magic Light. A White Bird flew from it. The bird flew around them. It made one big circle. Then the light and bird went away.
Curdie came back. He had a warm fur for Princess Irene. She was cold. Curdie told them news. The water took the goblins away. Goblins were gone. Their bad plan hurt them. The King held Irene close.
The King spoke to Curdie. He said, "Stay, Curdie." He wanted Curdie's work. But Curdie said, "No, King. I stay." Princess Irene said, "That is right!"
The King smiled. He said, "You are a good son." Curdie asked for a gift. "Please give Curdie's Mom a red dress." The King said, "Yes, I will." Princess Irene said, "We will find it!"
The King thanked the miners. He shook Curdie's hand. He shook Curdie's Dad's hand. He shook Curdie's Mom's hand. The King said, "Listen to Curdie." Then they rode away.
Everyone was safe. Curdie was happy with his family. The King was happy too. It is good to listen to smart friends. It is good to help your family.
Original Story
The Subterranean Waters
The king's harper, who always formed a part of his escort, was chanting a ballad which he made as he went on playing on his instrument—about the princess and the goblins, and the prowess of Curdie, when all at once he ceased, with his eyes on one of the doors of the hall. Thereupon the eyes of the king and his guests turned thitherward also. The next moment, through the open doorway came the princess Irene. She went straight up to her father, with her right hand stretched out a little sideways, and her forefinger, as her father and Curdie understood, feeling its way along the invisible thread. The king took her on his knee, and she said in his ear:
'King-papa, do you hear that noise?'
'I hear nothing,' said the king.
'Listen,' she said, holding up her forefinger.
The king listened, and a great stillness fell upon the company. Each man, seeing that the king listened, listened also, and the harper sat with his harp between his arms, and his finger silent upon the strings.
'I do hear a noise,' said the king at length—'a noise as of distant thunder. It is coming nearer and nearer. What can it be?'
They all heard it now, and each seemed ready to start to his feet as he listened. Yet all sat perfectly still. The noise came rapidly nearer.
'What can it be?' said the king again.
'I think it must be another storm coming over the mountain,' said Sir Walter.
Then Curdie, who at the first word of the king had slipped from his seat, and laid his ear to the ground, rose up quickly, and approaching the king said, speaking very fast:
'Please, Your Majesty, I think I know what it is. I have no time to explain, for that might make it too late for some of us. Will Your Majesty give orders that everybody leave the house as quickly as possible and get up the mountain?'
The king, who was the wisest man in the kingdom, knew well there was a time when things must be done and questions left till afterwards. He had faith in Curdie, and rose instantly, with Irene in his arms. 'Every man and woman follow me,' he said, and strode out into the darkness.
Before he had reached the gate, the noise had grown to a great thundering roar, and the ground trembled beneath their feet, and before the last of them had crossed the court, out after them from the great hall door came a huge rush of turbid water, and almost swept them away. But they got safe out of the gate and up the mountain, while the torrent went roaring down the road into the valley beneath.
Curdie had left the king and the princess to look after his mother, whom he and his father, one on each side, caught up when the stream overtook them and carried safe and dry.
When the king had got out of the way of the water, a little up the mountain, he stood with the princess in his arms, looking back with amazement on the issuing torrent, which glimmered fierce and foamy through the night. There Curdie rejoined them.
'Now, Curdie,' said the king, 'what does it mean? Is this what you expected?'
'It is, Your Majesty,' said Curdie; and proceeded to tell him about the second scheme of the goblins, who, fancying the miners of more importance to the upper world than they were, had resolved, if they should fail in carrying off the king's daughter, to flood the mine and drown the miners. Then he explained what the miners had done to prevent it. The goblins had, in pursuance of their design, let loose all the underground reservoirs and streams, expecting the water to run down into the mine, which was lower than their part of the mountain, for they had, as they supposed, not knowing of the solid wall close behind, broken a passage through into it. But the readiest outlet the water could find had turned out to be the tunnel they had made to the king's house, the possibility of which catastrophe had not occurred to the young miner until he had laid his ear to the floor of the hall.
What was then to be done? The house appeared in danger of falling, and every moment the torrent was increasing.
'We must set out at once,' said the king. 'But how to get at the horses!'
'Shall I see if we can manage that?' said Curdie.
'Do,' said the king.
Curdie gathered the men-at-arms, and took them over the garden wall, and so to the stables. They found their horses in terror; the water was rising fast around them, and it was quite time they were got out. But there was no way to get them out, except by riding them through the stream, which was now pouring from the lower windows as well as the door. As one horse was quite enough for any man to manage through such a torrent, Curdie got on the king's white charger and, leading the way, brought them all in safety to the rising ground.
'Look, look, Curdie!' cried Irene, the moment that, having dismounted, he led the horse up to the king.
Curdie did look, and saw, high in the air, somewhere about the top of the king's house, a great globe of light shining like the purest silver.
'Oh!' he cried in some consternation, 'that is your grandmother's lamp! We must get her out. I will go and find her. The house may fall, you know.'
'My grandmother is in no danger,' said Irene, smiling.
'Here, Curdie, take the princess while I get on my horse,' said the king.
Curdie took the princess again, and both turned their eyes to the globe of light. The same moment there shot from it a white bird, which, descending with outstretched wings, made one circle round the king and Curdie and the princess, and then glided up again. The light and the pigeon vanished together.
'Now, Curdie!' said the princess, as he lifted her to her father's arms, 'you see my grandmother knows all about it, and isn't frightened. I believe she could walk through that water and it wouldn't wet her a bit.'
'But, my child,' said the king, 'you will be cold if you haven't something more on. Run, Curdie, my boy, and fetch anything you can lay your hands on, to keep the princess warm. We have a long ride before us.'
Curdie was gone in a moment, and soon returned with a great rich fur, and the news that dead goblins were tossing about in the current through the house. They had been caught in their own snare; instead of the mine they had flooded their own country, whence they were now swept up drowned. Irene shuddered, but the king held her close to his bosom. Then he turned to Sir Walter, and said:
'Bring Curdie's father and mother here.'
'I wish,' said the king, when they stood before him, 'to take your son with me. He shall enter my bodyguard at once, and wait further promotion.'
Peter and his wife, overcome, only murmured almost inaudible thanks. But Curdie spoke aloud.
'Please, Your Majesty,' he said, 'I cannot leave my father and mother.'
'That's right, Curdie!' cried the princess. 'I wouldn't if I was you.'
The king looked at the princess and then at Curdie with a glow of satisfaction on his countenance.
'I too think you are right, Curdie,' he said, 'and I will not ask you again. But I shall have a chance of doing something for you some time.'
'Your Majesty has already allowed me to serve you,' said Curdie.
'But, Curdie,' said his mother, 'why shouldn't you go with the king? We can get on very well without you.'
'But I can't get on very well without you,' said Curdie. 'The king is very kind, but I could not be half the use to him that I am to you. Please, Your Majesty, if you wouldn't mind giving my mother a red petticoat! I should have got her one long ago, but for the goblins.'
'As soon as we get home,' said the king, 'Irene and I will search out the warmest one to be found, and send it by one of the gentlemen.'
'Yes, that we will, Curdie!' said the princess. 'And next summer we'll come back and see you wear it, Curdie's mother,' she added. 'Shan't we, king-papa?'
'Yes, my love; I hope so,' said the king.
Then turning to the miners, he said:
'Will you do the best you can for my servants tonight? I hope they will be able to return to the house tomorrow.'
The miners with one voice promised their hospitality. Then the king commanded his servants to mind whatever Curdie should say to them, and after shaking hands with him and his father and mother, the king and the princess and all their company rode away down the side of the new stream, which had already devoured half the road, into the starry night.
Story DNA
Moral
True wisdom lies in trusting those who understand the unseen dangers, and true loyalty means standing by one's family and community.
Plot Summary
Princess Irene senses a hidden danger, which Curdie identifies as an imminent flood caused by the goblins' failed plot to drown miners. The wise king, trusting Curdie's urgent warning, evacuates his castle just as a massive torrent of water bursts forth, destroying the building. After rescuing the horses and witnessing the magical appearance of Irene's grandmother, Curdie explains how the goblins inadvertently flooded their own domain. The king offers Curdie a prestigious position, but Curdie, demonstrating loyalty to his parents, declines, earning the king's respect and a promise of a gift for his mother before they all depart into the night.
Themes
Emotional Arc
calm to peril to relief and reward
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
George MacDonald's works often blend Christian allegory with traditional fairy tale elements, focusing on themes of spiritual growth and moral choice. This story is a continuation of 'The Princess and the Goblin' and 'The Princess and Curdie'.
Plot Beats (12)
- Princess Irene enters the hall, guided by an invisible thread, and tells her father she hears a noise.
- The king and then the entire company hear a distant thundering noise rapidly approaching.
- Curdie, having listened to the ground, urgently advises the king to evacuate everyone to the mountain without explanation.
- The king, trusting Curdie, immediately orders the evacuation, and they barely escape as a huge torrent of water erupts from the hall.
- Curdie ensures his parents are safe, while the king and princess watch the destructive flood from the mountain.
- Curdie explains that the goblins' plan to flood the mine backfired, instead flooding their own tunnels and the king's house through the passage they made.
- Curdie leads the men-at-arms to rescue the terrified horses from the rapidly rising water in the stables.
- Princess Irene points out a globe of silver light, her grandmother's lamp, from which a white bird emerges, circles them, and then vanishes with the light.
- Curdie returns with a fur for Irene and reports that dead goblins are being swept away by the current, caught in their own trap.
- The king offers Curdie a position in his bodyguard, but Curdie declines, stating his loyalty to his parents.
- The king respects Curdie's decision and promises to send his mother a red petticoat, as requested by Curdie.
- The king thanks the miners for their hospitality and commands his servants to obey Curdie, before riding away with his company into the night.
Characters
Princess Irene ★ protagonist
Small and delicate, with an ethereal quality. Her movements are often guided by an unseen force, suggesting a grace beyond her years. She is likely fair-skinned, given the European fairy tale context.
Attire: A simple, light dress, perhaps of fine linen or cotton, suitable for a princess but not overly elaborate, as she is often in situations where practicality is needed. The color is not specified but would likely be soft, like cream or pale blue.
Wants: To understand the world around her, to connect with her family, and to follow her inner guidance.
Flaw: Her physical smallness and dependence on others for protection in dangerous situations.
She remains largely consistent, serving as a beacon of innocence and wisdom, but her experiences reinforce her trust in Curdie and her understanding of the world's hidden dangers.
Perceptive, calm, trusting, kind, and wise beyond her years. She possesses a unique connection to the magical elements of her world.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, fair-skinned European girl, appearing around 7-8 years old, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has soft, light brown hair styled in two simple braids that reach her shoulders, large, observant blue eyes, and a gentle, serene expression. She wears a pale blue linen dress with a simple, high neckline and long sleeves, and soft leather slippers. Her right hand is slightly extended, forefinger pointing forward as if feeling an unseen thread. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Curdie ★ protagonist
A sturdy, agile young man, likely of average height with a strong build, accustomed to physical labor in the mines and mountains. His movements are quick and decisive.
Attire: Practical, durable clothing suitable for a miner and mountain dweller. Likely dark, sturdy trousers, a simple tunic or shirt made of rough wool or linen, and strong leather boots. His clothes might show signs of wear and tear.
Wants: To protect those he cares about, especially his family and the Princess, and to use his knowledge and skills for the greater good.
Flaw: His strong loyalty to his family can make him hesitant to accept opportunities that would separate him from them.
He demonstrates his continued heroism and loyalty, solidifying his role as a trusted protector and friend to the royal family, while also reaffirming his commitment to his own family.
Brave, quick-thinking, loyal, humble, and deeply devoted to his family. He is resourceful and has a strong sense of responsibility.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy young European man, appearing around 18-20 years old, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has short, practical dark brown hair, sharp hazel eyes, and a determined expression. He wears a dark grey wool tunic, well-worn brown leather trousers, and sturdy, laced leather boots. His hands are calloused, and his posture is alert and ready. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King ◆ supporting
A commanding figure, likely tall and broad-shouldered, befitting a wise and respected ruler. He moves with authority and confidence.
Attire: Royal but practical attire, suitable for a king who is also a man of action. Perhaps a tunic of rich, dark fabric like wool or velvet, possibly embroidered, over trousers, and a cloak. Not overly ornate for a sudden evacuation. A simple circlet or crown might be implied but not explicitly worn during the escape.
Wants: To protect his daughter and his people, and to rule justly.
Flaw: His reliance on others for specific knowledge, such as Curdie's understanding of the underground.
His trust in Curdie is reaffirmed, and he demonstrates his commitment to his subjects and his family, showing himself to be a truly good king.
Wise, trusting, decisive, caring, and grateful. He values loyalty and good counsel.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dignified European man, appearing around 45-55 years old, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a strong, kind face with a neatly trimmed dark beard streaked with grey, and wise, observant grey eyes. His dark brown hair is styled neatly, slightly receding at the temples. He wears a deep blue wool tunic with subtle silver embroidery at the collar, dark trousers, and sturdy leather boots. His posture is regal and protective. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Curdie's Mother ○ minor
A sturdy, hardworking woman, likely of a modest build, accustomed to a life of labor. Her hands might be calloused.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant clothing: a long, dark linen or wool skirt, a plain blouse, and a sturdy apron. Her clothes would be clean but well-worn. The desire for a 'red petticoat' suggests her current attire is likely drab.
Wants: To ensure her family's safety and well-being, and to support her son.
Flaw: Her humility and self-effacement, which sometimes lead her to downplay her own needs.
She receives a promise of a red petticoat, symbolizing recognition and a small comfort for her hard life, and her son's loyalty to her is publicly acknowledged.
Loving, humble, self-sacrificing, and practical. She prioritizes her son's well-being.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged European woman, appearing around 40-50 years old, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, slightly lined face with warm brown eyes, and dark brown hair pulled back in a neat bun. She wears a plain, dark grey linen blouse, a long, dark blue wool skirt, and a simple cream-colored apron tied at the waist. Her hands are clasped gently in front of her. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Peter (Curdie's Father) ○ minor
A strong, weathered man, likely of a similar build to Curdie, reflecting years of mining work. His hands would be strong and calloused.
Attire: Practical, durable miner's clothing: sturdy trousers, a simple, dark tunic, and heavy boots. His clothes would show the wear of his profession.
Wants: To provide for his family and support his son.
Flaw: His quiet nature means he doesn't often speak up for himself.
He is recognized by the King for his son's heroism, bringing a moment of pride and acknowledgment to his humble life.
Humble, hardworking, and deeply proud of his son. He is a man of few words but strong actions.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged European man, appearing around 45-55 years old, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a weathered, honest face with deep-set brown eyes, and short, dark brown hair streaked with grey. He wears a dark brown, rough-spun wool tunic, sturdy grey trousers, and heavy leather work boots. His hands are large and calloused, and his posture is solid and humble. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Harper ○ minor
Likely slender and artistic, with sensitive hands accustomed to playing his instrument. His posture would be graceful when playing.
Attire: Fine but not overly military attire, suitable for a court musician. Perhaps a tunic of a rich color like forest green or deep red, made of wool or linen, with some simple embroidery, and soft leather shoes.
Wants: To entertain and to serve the King through his music.
Flaw: His role is primarily observational and artistic, not one of direct action in a crisis.
He serves as an initial indicator of the impending crisis by ceasing his song, highlighting his sensitivity to the environment.
Observant, artistic, and sensitive to atmosphere. He is quick to react to changes in his surroundings.
Image Prompt & Upload
A slender European man, appearing around 30-40 years old, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a thoughtful, sensitive face with expressive blue eyes, and medium-length light brown hair that falls to his shoulders. He wears a deep forest green linen tunic with subtle gold trim at the collar and cuffs, dark trousers, and soft leather slippers. He holds a small, intricately carved wooden harp in his left arm, his right hand resting gently on the strings. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Sir Walter ○ minor
A knight, likely of a strong, martial build, accustomed to military service. His posture would be upright and formal.
Attire: The attire of a knight or nobleman in the King's court. Perhaps a tunic of fine wool, possibly with the King's colors or crest, over trousers, and sturdy boots. He would not be in full armor inside the hall.
Wants: To serve the King and offer counsel.
Flaw: His reliance on conventional explanations, leading him to misinterpret the initial signs of danger.
He serves as a foil to Curdie's unique insight, highlighting the difference between conventional wisdom and true understanding of the magical world.
Loyal, observant, and quick to offer his opinion, though sometimes mistaken.
Image Prompt & Upload
A strong European man, appearing around 35-45 years old, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a noble, serious face with a neatly trimmed dark beard, and observant grey eyes. His dark brown hair is cut short and practical. He wears a deep red wool tunic with a subtle gold lion crest embroidered on the chest, dark trousers, and polished leather boots. His posture is upright and formal. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Grandmother's Lamp ○ minor
A great globe of light, shining like the purest silver, high in the air. It is not a physical lamp in the traditional sense but a manifestation of magical light.
Wants: To signal the Grandmother's presence and provide a means for her to interact with the world, specifically to send the white bird.
Flaw: N/A
It appears to reassure Irene and the others of the Grandmother's safety and awareness, then vanishes, signifying the end of its immediate purpose.
Mysterious, protective, and omniscient. It represents the Grandmother's watchful presence and power.
Image Prompt & Upload
A large, perfectly spherical globe of intensely bright, pure silver light, floating high in the air. The light emanates softly, without harsh edges, and appears ethereal and magical. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The White Bird ○ minor
A pure white bird, descending with outstretched wings. It moves with grace and purpose.
Wants: To deliver a message of reassurance from the Grandmother to Irene, Curdie, and the King.
Flaw: N/A
It appears briefly to deliver a silent message of reassurance, then vanishes, fulfilling its role as a magical envoy.
Serene, purposeful, and reassuring. It acts as a messenger of comfort and safety.
Image Prompt & Upload
A pristine, pure white pigeon-like bird, captured mid-flight with its wings fully outstretched. Its feathers are immaculate and smooth, and its form is graceful. It is depicted in a gentle, descending arc. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
King's Great Hall
A grand hall within the king's house, likely with a large open doorway, where the king, his guests, and harper are gathered. The harper plays his instrument and sings ballads here. The floor is solid enough for Curdie to lay his ear to it.
Mood: Initially calm and festive, quickly turns tense and urgent as the subterranean roar grows louder.
Princess Irene enters, the subterranean roar is first heard and identified, and Curdie warns the king, leading to the evacuation.
Image Prompt & Upload
A grand, high-ceilinged medieval European great hall, constructed of rough-hewn stone blocks and heavy timber beams. A large, arched doorway stands open, revealing deep darkness beyond. Torches in sconces cast flickering, warm light on the stone walls and the faces of seated nobles. A harper sits with his instrument, his face etched with concern. The floor is made of large, worn flagstones. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
King's Courtyard and Mountain Slope
The open courtyard outside the king's house, leading to a gate and then up a mountain slope. The ground trembles, and a torrent of turbid water rushes from the house. The mountain slope provides safety from the flood.
Mood: Chaotic, terrifying, urgent, then relieved and watchful.
The king and his company evacuate, narrowly escaping the flood. Curdie rescues the horses. The silver globe of light and white bird appear.
Image Prompt & Upload
A chaotic night scene outside a medieval European stone castle, with a massive torrent of muddy, foamy water gushing from the main entrance and lower windows, swirling through a cobblestone courtyard. Figures on horseback and on foot are scrambling up a steep, rocky mountain slope in the foreground, illuminated by a faint, ethereal silver glow high above the castle. The sky is dark and starless, adding to the sense of urgency. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The New Stream / Mountain Road
A newly formed, roaring stream that has devoured half the original road down the mountain. The king's company rides alongside it into the starry night.
Mood: Somber, reflective, but with a sense of forward movement and new beginnings.
The king, princess, and their company ride away, leaving the flooded area behind, as Curdie decides to stay with his parents.
Image Prompt & Upload
A winding, partially destroyed mountain road at night, with a powerful, newly formed river of dark, churning water rushing alongside it, reflecting the faint starlight. The road is carved into a steep, rocky mountainside, with sparse, gnarled pine trees clinging to the slopes. The sky above is a deep, inky blue, filled with countless bright stars. A small procession of riders on horseback moves carefully along the remaining path. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
