Elidore.
by Joseph Jacobs · from Collected Folk Tales
Adapted Version
Elidore was a boy who lived with monks. He did not like to study. The monks scolded him often. They gave him extra work. Elidore was not happy.
One day, he ran away. He went into the big forest. He walked for a long time. He ate berries from bushes. He was very tired.
He found a cave by a river. Two little men stood there. "Come with us," they said. "We have a fun land." Elidore went with them.
They walked through a dark tunnel. Then they came to a sunny place. It had green fields and rivers. It was very pretty.
The little men took him to their king. The king was kind. "You can play with my son," he said. Elidore was happy.
He played games every day. The little men were honest. They never told lies. They had little horses. They drank sweet milk.
After a while, Elidore missed his mother. He asked the king to visit her. The king said yes. "You must promise to come back," he said. Elidore promised.
He went to his mother's house. She was so happy to see him. Elidore told her about the little men. He told her about their yellow play balls.
His mother wanted a yellow ball. "Bring me one next time," she said. Elidore loved his mother. He said he would.
Soon, Elidore went back to the little men. He took a yellow ball without asking. He ran through the tunnel to his mother.
He heard tiny feet behind him. He ran faster. Near his mother's door, he slipped. He fell down. The ball rolled away.
Two little men picked up the ball. They looked at Elidore. They looked very sad. Then they went away. Elidore felt bad.
He tried to find the sunny land again. He looked and looked. But the cave was gone. He could not go back.
Elidore grew up. He became a monk. He was old now. He remembered the little men. He cried sometimes. He had broken his promise. He had been greedy. He lost his special friends. It is important to keep promises.
Original Story
ELIDORE.
the days of Henry Beauclerc of England there was a little lad named Elidore, who was being brought up to be a cleric. Day after day he would trudge from his mother's house, and she was a widow, up to the monks' Scriptorium. There he would learn his A B C, to read it and to write it. But he was a lazy little rogue was this Elidore, and as fast as he learned to write one letter, he forgot another; so it was very little progress he was making. Now when the good monks saw this they remembered the saying of the Book: "Spare the rod and spoil the child," and whenever Elidore forgot a letter they tried to make him remember it with the rod. At first they used it seldom and lightly, but Elidore was not a boy to be driven, and the more they thwacked him the less he learned: so the thwackings became more frequent and more severe, till Elidore could not stand them any longer. So one day when he was twelve years old he upped with him and offed with him into the [165] great forest near St. David's. There for two long days and two long nights he wandered about eating nothing but hips and haws. At last he found himself at the mouth of a cave, at the side of a river, and there he sank down, all tired and exhausted. Suddenly two little pigmies appeared to him and said: "Come with us, and we will lead you into a land full of games and sports:" so Elidore raised himself and went with these two; at first through an underground passage all in the dark, but soon they came out into a most beautiful country, with rivers and meadows, woods and plains, as pleasant as can be; only this there was curious about it, that the sun never shone and clouds [166] were always over the sky, so that neither sun was seen by day, nor moon and stars at night.
The two little men led Elidore before their king, who asked why and whence he came. Elidore told him, and the king said: "Thou shalt attend on my son," and waved him away. So for a long time Elidore waited on the king's son, and joined in all the games and sports of the little men.
They were little, but they were not dwarfs, for all their limbs were of suitable size one with another. Their hair was fair, and hung upon their shoulders like that of women. They had little horses, about the size of greyhounds; and did not eat flesh, fowl, or fish, but lived on milk flavoured with saffron. And as they had such curious ways, so they had strange thoughts. No oath took they, but never a lie they spoke. They would jeer and scoff at men for their struggles, lying, and treachery. Yet though they were so good they worshipped none, unless you might say they were worshippers of Truth.
After a time Elidore began to long to see boys and men of his own size, and he begged permission to go and visit his mother. So the King gave him permission: so the little men led him along the passage, and guided him through the forest, till he came near his mother's cottage, and when he entered, was not she rejoiced to see her dear son again? "Where have you been? What have you done?" she cried; and he had to tell her all that had happened to him. She begged of him to stay with her, but he had promised the King to go back. And soon he returned, after making his mother promise not to [167] tell where he was, or with whom. Henceforth Elidore lived, partly with the little men, and partly with his mother. Now one day, when he was with his mother, he told her of the yellow balls they used in their play, and which she felt sure must be of gold. So she begged of him that the next time he came back to her he would bring with him one of these balls. When the time came for him to go back to his mother again, he did not wait for the little men to guide him back, as he now knew the road. But seizing one of the yellow balls with which he used to play, he rushed home through the passage. Now as he got near his mother's house he seemed to hear tiny footsteps behind him, and he rushed up to the door as quickly as he could. Just as he reached it his foot slipped, and he fell down, and the ball rolled out of his hand, just to the feet of his mother. At that moment two little men rushed forward, seized the ball and ran away, making faces, and spitting at the boy as they passed him. Elidore remained with his mother for a time; but he missed the play and games of the little men, and determined to go back to them. But when he came to where the cave had been, near the river where the underground passage commenced, he could not find it again, and though he searched again and again in the years to come, he could not get back to that fair country. So after a time he went back to the monastery, and became in due course a monk. And men used to come and seek him out, and ask him what had happened to him when he was in the Land of the Little Men. Nor could he ever speak of that happy time without shedding tears.
Now it happened once, when this Elidore was old, that David, Bishop of St. David's, came to visit his monastery and ask him about the manners and customs of the little [168] men, and above all, he was curious to know what language they spoke; and Elidore told him some of their words. When they asked for water, they would say: Udor udorum ; and when they wanted salt, they would say: Hapru udorum . And from this, the Bishop, who was a learned man, discovered that they spoke some sort of Greek. For Udor is Greek for Water , and Hap for Salt .
Hence we know that the Britons came from Troy, being descendants from Brito, son of Priam, King of Troy.
[169]
Story DNA
Moral
Greed and breaking trust can lead to the loss of extraordinary opportunities and happiness.
Plot Summary
A lazy boy named Elidore runs away from harsh monastic discipline and discovers a hidden land of truthful, playful little men. He lives happily among them, occasionally visiting his mother. When his mother persuades him to steal one of the little men's yellow balls, he is caught, shamed, and forever barred from returning to their world. Elidore eventually becomes a monk, forever mourning his lost paradise, and in old age, shares details of the little men's language with a curious bishop.
Themes
Emotional Arc
frustration to wonder to longing to sorrowful acceptance
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Henry I (Beauclerc) reigned 1100-1135. St. David's is a real cathedral city in Wales. The ending about Britons from Troy is a pseudohistorical legend common in medieval British chronicles.
Plot Beats (15)
- Elidore, a lazy boy, struggles with his studies at a monastery and is frequently beaten by monks.
- At age twelve, Elidore runs away into a forest and wanders for two days, eating only wild berries.
- He finds a cave entrance and is met by two pigmies who invite him to their land.
- Elidore follows them through a dark passage into a beautiful, perpetually cloudy country.
- He is presented to the king of the little men and assigned to attend the king's son.
- Elidore lives happily among the little men, playing games and observing their unique, truthful, and non-violent culture.
- He eventually longs for his own kind and is permitted to visit his mother, promising the king he will return.
- Elidore makes several visits to his mother, who learns of the little men's yellow balls.
- His mother convinces him to bring her one of the yellow balls, believing them to be gold.
- Elidore attempts to steal a ball, but slips near his mother's house, dropping it.
- Two little men appear, retrieve the ball, and scornfully spit at Elidore before disappearing.
- Elidore tries repeatedly to find the entrance to the little men's land but fails.
- He eventually returns to the monastery, becomes a monk, and tearfully recounts his story in old age.
- Bishop David visits Elidore, learns some words of the little men's language, and deduces they spoke a form of Greek.
- The story concludes with a speculative historical note connecting Britons to Troy via the little men's language.
Characters
Elidore ★ protagonist
None explicitly mentioned, but implied to be a normal human boy.
Attire: Simple, likely peasant clothing suitable for a boy being trained as a cleric in medieval England.
Lazy, rebellious, adventurous, longing for companionship, nostalgic.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult male protagonist with a determined expression, windswept chestnut hair, and keen hazel eyes. He wears a forest-green tunic over a cream-colored shirt, brown leather trousers, and sturdy travel boots. A dark blue cloak is clasped at his shoulder, and his hand rests confidently on the hilt of a simple sword at his belt. He stands in a heroic, slightly forward-leaning pose, ready for adventure. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Elidore's Mother ◆ supporting
None explicitly mentioned.
Attire: Simple, likely peasant dress of a widow in medieval England.
Loving, concerned, somewhat greedy (desiring the 'gold' ball).
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged woman with kind, tired eyes and gentle wrinkles at their corners. Her hair is a soft brown streaked with silver, pulled back in a loose bun with a few stray strands framing her face. She wears a simple, long-sleeved dress of faded blue wool, covered by a clean, cream-colored apron. Her posture is slightly stooped but warm, as she stands in a cozy cottage interior, holding a woven basket filled with herbs. A single, soft beam of light from a nearby window illuminates her. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King of the Little Men ◆ supporting
Little, but with all limbs of suitable size, fair hair hanging to shoulders.
Attire: Implied to be distinct from Elidore's, but not specified. Likely simple, natural attire.
Authoritative, just, curious, grants permission.
Image Prompt & Upload
A regal elderly man with a long white beard and kind, weathered face, standing proudly at a short stature. He wears an ornate golden crown adorned with tiny gemstones, a rich crimson velvet robe trimmed with ermine fur, and a royal blue tunic with gold embroidery. A jeweled scepter rests in one hand while the other hand gestures warmly outward. His posture is dignified and upright despite his small frame, with a benevolent yet authoritative expression. He has bright twinkling eyes, rosy cheeks, and neatly groomed hair beneath his crown. Leather boots peek from beneath his flowing robe, and a golden chain of office hangs around his neck. His clothing suggests medieval fairy tale royalty with intricate details and noble bearing. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature
The Little Men ◆ supporting
Little, but not dwarfs, with all limbs of suitable size. Fair hair hanging to shoulders.
Attire: Implied to be simple, natural attire, suitable for their environment.
Playful, honest, critical of human flaws, mischievous (making faces and spitting).
Image Prompt & Upload
A group of seven small, elderly men with long, bushy beards and wrinkled, cheerful faces. They wear identical pointed red caps, earth-toned tunics, brown leather belts, and sturdy boots. Each holds a different mining tool—pickaxes, shovels, and lanterns. They stand in a close, friendly cluster, looking directly at the viewer with bright, twinkling eyes and warm smiles. Their posture is sturdy and proud. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Bishop David of St. David's ○ minor
None explicitly mentioned.
Attire: Ecclesiastical robes of a medieval bishop.
Learned, curious, astute.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man with kind eyes and a neatly trimmed gray beard, dressed in a long black cassock with purple sash and piping. He wears a large pectoral cross and a zucchetto skullcap. He stands with a gentle, solemn expression, hands clasped before him. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Monks' Scriptorium
A place where Elidore learned his ABCs, read, and wrote. It implies a setting for study and discipline.
Mood: Strict, disciplinary, academic, oppressive for Elidore.
Elidore's early education and the reason for his escape.
Image Prompt & Upload
Early morning light filters through tall, arched stained-glass windows, casting pools of soft gold and sapphire onto the stone floor of a vaulted scriptorium. Dust motes drift in the sunbeams. Long, dark oak tables are covered with scattered vellum parchments, quill pens, and open leather-bound books. Clay pots of ink sit beside meticulously organized scrolls on wooden shelves lining the walls. The air feels still and reverent, with a faint scent of old paper and beeswax. A single, unlit candle rests on a heavy writing desk, its surface worn smooth from use. The architecture is simple, solid, and disciplined, with high, ribbed ceilings and a sense of quiet, studious focus. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
Great Forest near St. David's
A vast forest where Elidore wandered for two days and nights, eating hips and haws.
Mood: Wild, desolate, survivalist, initially frightening.
Elidore's escape from the monastery and his initial struggle for survival.
Image Prompt & Upload
Misty dawn in a vast ancient forest, soft golden light filtering through towering oak and beech trees draped in lichen. A carpet of fallen leaves in shades of russet and gold covers the forest floor, dotted with clusters of bright red rosehips and crimson hawthorn berries. Thick moss blankets gnarled roots and weathered stones. Sunbeams pierce the canopy, illuminating floating dust motes and delicate spiderwebs. A faint, ethereal mist clings to the ground between the massive trunks, suggesting deep, endless woods. Cool, serene atmosphere with a sense of quiet solitude and timeless wilderness. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Mouth of a Cave by a River
The entrance to an underground passage, located at the side of a river, where Elidore collapsed from exhaustion.
Mood: Mysterious, liminal, a gateway to another world.
Elidore's discovery by the little men and his entry into their land.
Image Prompt & Upload
Late afternoon, golden hour light slants across a wide, slow-moving river. The water reflects the warm sky and dark, moss-covered cliffs. A large, shadowy cave mouth yawns open in the rocky bank, its entrance littered with smooth, water-worn stones and fallen autumn leaves. The dark interior of the cave hints at deep, cool mystery, contrasting with the sun-dappled riverbank. Mist hangs faintly in the air near the water's surface. The atmosphere is still, quiet, and slightly melancholic. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Land of the Little Men (Underground Country)
A beautiful country with rivers, meadows, woods, and plains. Curiously, the sun never shone, and clouds were always over the sky, so neither sun nor moon/stars were visible.
Mood: Magical, enchanting, playful, yet subtly alien and mysterious.
Elidore's time living with the little men, playing games, and serving their king.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast underground cavern country illuminated by soft, diffused light filtering through a permanent ceiling of luminous, pale clouds. Rolling meadows of emerald and silver grass flow into dark, mossy woods of twisted, bioluminescent fungi-trees. Gentle rivers of crystal-clear water wind through the landscape, reflecting the ambient glow. Mushroom-shaped homes with round doors and thatched roofs are nestled into hillsides, their windows emitting a warm, amber light. The air is still and misty, with no shadows cast, creating a serene, dreamlike atmosphere in hues of soft green, grey, and pearl. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Elidore's Mother's Cottage
A humble home where Elidore's widowed mother lives. It's a place of reunion and comfort.
Mood: Warm, loving, familiar, a place of longing and temptation.
Elidore's visits home, his mother's joy, and the incident with the golden ball.
Image Prompt & Upload
A humble thatched-roof cottage nestled in a clearing at dusk, its warm golden light spilling from small windows and a slightly ajar wooden door. A well-tended garden with herbs and wildflowers surrounds the stone foundation, and a winding dirt path leads to the front. The scene is framed by ancient, whispering oak trees, their leaves catching the last purple and orange hues of sunset. Fireflies begin to glow in the twilight air, and a soft mist hangs near the mossy ground, creating a feeling of deep peace and welcome. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
