The Fish And The Ring
by Joseph Jacobs
The Girl and the Ring
Once, a Baron could see the future. He had a little son. He looked in a big book. The book said: 'Son will marry poor girl.' The Baron was not happy.
The Baron found the poor baby girl. He took her from her father. He left her in a basket by river. Then he rode away.
The baby girl did not sink. She floated and floated. A kind fisher found her. He took her home. She lived with him.
Many years later, the girl was big. The Baron saw her by the river. He knew who she was. He made a plan.
The Baron gave the girl a letter. "Take this to my brother," he said. The letter said, "Send this girl far away."
The girl walked a long way. She met some kind people. They read the letter. They felt sorry for her. They changed the letter.
The letter said: 'Marry her to my son.' The Uncle read it. He married the girl to the son. They were happy.
The Baron came to visit. He saw the girl was married. He was very angry. He took off his gold ring. He threw it into the sea. "Go away!" he said. "Come back only if you find this ring."
The girl was sad. She walked and walked. She found work in a big house. She worked in the kitchen.
The Baron and his son visited the house. The girl saw them. She hid in the kitchen.
The girl cleaned a big fish for dinner. Inside the fish, she saw a shiny thing. It was the Baron's gold ring! She was so happy.
The girl cooked the fish. It was very good. The people asked, "Who cooked this?" The girl came out. She had the ring on her thumb.
The Baron saw the ring. He could not believe it. He tried and tried, but fate was stronger. He said, "You are my son's wife."
They all went home. They were happy always. And so, the Baron learned that you cannot change what is meant to be. The girl and the son were happy always.
Original Story
THE FISH AND THE RING Once upon a time, there was a mighty baron in the North Countrie who was a great magician that knew everything that would come to pass. So one day, when his little boy was four years old, he looked into the Book of Fate to see what would happen to him. And to his dismay, he found that his son would wed a lowly maid that had just been born in a house under the shadow of York Minster. Now the Baron knew the father of the little girl was very, very poor, and he had five children already. So he called for his horse, and rode into York; and passed by the father's house, and saw him sitting by the door, sad and doleful. So he dismounted and went up to him and said: “What is the matter, my good man?” And the man said: “Well, your honour, the fact is, I've five children already, and now a sixth's come, a little lass, and where to get the bread from to fill their mouths, that's more than I can say.” “Don't be downhearted, my man,” said the Baron. “If that's your trouble, I can help you. I'll take away the last little one, and you wont have to bother about her.” “Thank you kindly, sir,” said the man; and he went in and brought out the lass and gave her to the Baron, who mounted his horse and rode away with her. And when he got by the bank of the river Ouse, he threw the little, thing into the river, and rode off to his castle. But the little lass didn't sink; her clothes kept her up for a time, and she floated, and she floated, till she was cast ashore just in front of a fisherman's hut. There the fisherman found her, and took pity on the poor little thing and took her into his house, and she lived there till she was fifteen years old, and a fine handsome girl. One day it happened that the Baron went out hunting with some companions along the banks of the River Ouse, and stopped at the fisherman's hut to get a drink, and the girl came out to give it to them. They all noticed her beauty, and one of them said to the Baron: “You can read fates, Baron, whom will she marry, d'ye think?” “Oh! that's easy to guess,” said the Baron; “some yokel or other. But I'll cast her horoscope. Come here girl, and tell me on what day you were born?” “I don't know, sir,” said the girl, “I was picked up just here after having been brought down by the river about fifteen years ago.” Then the Baron knew who she was, and when they went away, he rode back and said to the girl: “Hark ye, girl, I will make your fortune. Take this letter to my brother in Scarborough, and you will be settled for life.” And the girl took the letter and said she would go. Now this was what he had written in the letter: “Dear Brother,—Take the bearer and put her to death immediately. “Yours affectionately, “Albert.” So soon after the girl set out for Scarborough, and slept for the night at a little inn. Now that very night a band of robbers broke into the inn, and searched the girl, who had no money, and only the letter. So they opened this and read it, and thought it a shame. The captain of the robbers took a pen and paper and wrote this letter: “Dear Brother,—Take the bearer and marry her to my son immediately. “Yours affectionately, “Albert.” And then he gave it to the girl, bidding her begone. So she went on to the Baron's brother at Scarborough, a noble knight, with whom the Baron's son was staying. When she gave the letter to his brother, he gave orders for the wedding to be prepared at once, and they were married that very day. Soon after, the Baron himself came to his brother's castle, and what was his surprise to find that the very thing he had plotted against had come to pass. But he was not to be put off that way; and he took out the girl for a walk, as he said, along the cliffs. And when he got her all alone, he took her by the arms, and was going to throw her over. But she begged hard for her life. “I have not done anything,” she said: “if you will only spare me, I will do whatever you wish. I will never see you or your son again till you desire it.” Then the Baron took off his gold ring and threw it into the sea, saying: “Never let me see your face till you can show me that ring;” and he let her go. The poor girl wandered on and on, till at last she came to a great noble's castle, and she asked to have some work given to her; and they made her the scullion girl of the castle, for she had been used to such work in the fisherman's hut. Now one day, who should she see coming up to the noble's house but the Baron and his brother and his son, her husband. She didn't know what to do; but thought they would not see her in the castle kitchen. So she went back to her work with a sigh, and set to cleaning a huge big fish that was to be boiled for their dinner. And, as she was cleaning it, she saw something shine inside it, and what do you think she found? Why, there was the Baron's ring, the very one he had thrown over the cliff at Scarborough. She was right glad to see it, you may be sure. Then she cooked the fish as nicely as she could, and served it up. Well, when the fish came on the table, the guests liked it so well that they asked the noble who cooked it. He said he didn't know, but called to his servants: “Ho, there, send up the cook that cooked that fine fish.” So they went down to the kitchen and told the girl she was wanted in the hall. Then she washed and tidied herself and put the Baron's gold ring on her thumb and went up into the hall. When the banqueters saw such a young and beautiful cook they were surprised. But the Baron was in a tower of a temper, and started up as if he would do her some violence. So the girl went up to him with her hand before her with the ring on it; and she put it down before him on the table. Then at last the Baron saw that no one could fight against Fate, and he handed her to a seat and announced to all the company that this was his son's true wife; and he took her and his son home to his castle; and they all lived as happy as could be ever afterwards.
Moral of the Story
One cannot escape or alter the course of destiny, no matter how hard one tries.
Characters
The Baron ⚔ antagonist
A man of imposing stature, likely of a sturdy build befitting a powerful lord in the North Countrie. His features would suggest a stern and determined disposition, perhaps with a slightly weathered look from his travels and age.
Attire: Rich, dark wool or velvet tunic, possibly embroidered with a family crest, worn over a fine linen shirt. Trousers and sturdy leather boots suitable for riding and hunting. A heavy cloak for travel. His attire would reflect his status as a 'mighty baron'.
Wants: To defy his son's prophesied marriage to a 'lowly maid' and maintain his family's noble status.
Flaw: His arrogance and belief that he can outwit fate; his cruelty and lack of compassion.
Starts as a powerful, cruel man attempting to thwart fate, but ultimately learns that 'no one could fight against Fate' and accepts his son's wife.
Cunning, determined, superstitious (believing in fate but trying to defy it), cruel, ultimately accepting of destiny.
The Lowly Maid ★ protagonist
A slender and graceful young woman, growing into a 'fine handsome girl' by age fifteen. Her early life of hardship might suggest a resilient, lean build, but her beauty is noted by all.
Attire: Initially, simple, coarse linen or homespun wool dresses in muted colors (cream, grey, light blue) suitable for a fisherman's daughter or scullion. Later, when tidied for the hall, she might wear a slightly finer, but still modest, dress. Her clothing would be clean and well-maintained despite its simplicity.
Wants: To survive, to find her place in the world, and eventually, to prove her worth and claim her rightful place.
Flaw: Her initial vulnerability and lack of power against the Baron's schemes.
Starts as an abandoned infant, grows into a humble maid, is repeatedly targeted by the Baron, but through fate and her own actions, she marries his son and ultimately reveals herself as his true wife, achieving happiness and status.
Resilient, kind, obedient, resourceful, innocent, determined.
The Fisherman ◆ supporting
A man of sturdy, weathered build, typical of someone who works outdoors by the river. His hands would be calloused and strong. He would not be tall, but robust.
Attire: Practical, durable clothing suitable for his trade: a coarse wool tunic or shirt, sturdy breeches, and heavy leather boots. His clothes would be mended and well-worn, in earthy tones like brown, grey, or dark blue.
Wants: To provide for himself and to care for the child he found, out of simple human kindness.
Flaw: His humble status and lack of power in the wider world.
Remains consistent, a figure of simple goodness who provides a safe home for the Lowly Maid.
Compassionate, kind-hearted, practical, humble.
The Robber Captain ◆ supporting
A rugged and imposing figure, likely strong and agile from his life of banditry. He would have a commanding presence among his men.
Attire: Practical, dark, and somewhat worn leather and wool clothing, designed for stealth and movement. Perhaps a dark cloak and sturdy boots. He might have a distinctive bandanna or a piece of rough jewelry.
Wants: Initially to rob, but then to right a wrong he perceives in the Baron's letter.
Flaw: His life of crime, but also his unexpected sense of justice.
A minor character who acts as an agent of fate, changing the Lowly Maid's destiny through an act of unexpected kindness.
Ruthless (as a robber), but surprisingly honorable, pragmatic, and capable of empathy.
The Baron's Son ◆ supporting
A young man of noble bearing, likely well-built and handsome, reflecting his aristocratic upbringing. He would be of a similar stature to his father, but without the same hardened features.
Attire: Fine, well-tailored clothing befitting a nobleman's son: a doublet and hose in rich fabrics like velvet or silk, perhaps in colors like deep blue or crimson, with subtle embroidery. Fine leather boots and a sword at his hip.
Wants: To fulfill his family's expectations, and later, to accept his wife as dictated by his uncle.
Flaw: His passive nature and lack of agency in his own fate, initially.
Starts as a pawn in his father's schemes, unknowingly marries the Lowly Maid, and eventually accepts her as his true wife.
Likely honorable, perhaps a bit naive, obedient to his uncle's (and later, his father's) commands.
The Noble Knight (Baron's Brother) ◆ supporting
A man of distinguished appearance, likely well-built and carrying himself with the dignity of a knight. He would be slightly older than the Baron's Son, but perhaps younger than the Baron.
Attire: Elegant but practical attire befitting a knight: a finely made tunic over a chainmail shirt (if not in full armor), sturdy breeches, and polished leather boots. A cloak of quality wool and a sword at his side.
Wants: To fulfill his brother's (the Baron's) requests, as he understands them, and to uphold his noble duties.
Flaw: His unquestioning obedience to what he believes are his brother's wishes.
Remains consistent, acting as an honorable figure who unknowingly facilitates fate's plan.
Honorable, dutiful, perhaps a bit literal-minded (following the letter of the letter), kind.
Locations
House under York Minster
A very poor, humble dwelling, likely a small, half-timbered house with a thatched or tiled roof, situated in the shadow of the imposing Gothic cathedral of York Minster. The father sits by the door, indicating a simple, open entrance.
Mood: doleful, impoverished, desperate
The Baron discovers the birth of the lowly maid destined to marry his son and takes her away.
River Ouse Bank
The muddy or grassy bank of the River Ouse, a slow-moving river in Yorkshire, England. The river is wide enough to carry a floating infant downstream.
Mood: desolate, dangerous, yet ultimately salvific
The Baron throws the infant girl into the river; she is later found by a fisherman.
Fisherman's Hut
A humble, rustic dwelling belonging to a fisherman, likely made of rough-hewn timber or wattle and daub, with a simple thatched roof. It is situated directly on the bank of the River Ouse, allowing for easy access to the water.
Mood: simple, nurturing, isolated
The foundling girl grows up here. The Baron encounters her again, setting his next plot in motion.
Cliffs of Scarborough
Dramatic, windswept white or grey limestone cliffs overlooking the North Sea at Scarborough. The terrain is rugged and exposed, with sparse, hardy vegetation clinging to the cliff edges. The sea below is vast and potentially turbulent.
Mood: perilous, dramatic, desperate
The Baron attempts to throw the girl off the cliff and casts his ring into the sea.
Noble's Castle Kitchen
A bustling, large medieval castle kitchen, likely with rough-hewn stone walls, a massive open hearth for cooking, and heavy timber beams across the ceiling. There would be large wooden workbenches, copper pots and pans, and various cooking implements. The air would be warm and filled with the smells of food.
Mood: busy, functional, warm, surprisingly pivotal
The girl works as a scullion and miraculously finds the Baron's ring inside a fish.
Story DNA
Moral
One cannot escape or alter the course of destiny, no matter how hard one tries.
Plot Summary
A powerful Baron, who can see the future, discovers his son is destined to marry a poor girl. He repeatedly tries to thwart this fate, first by attempting to drown the infant, then by sending the grown girl with a letter ordering her death, which is altered by robbers to command her marriage to his son. After the marriage, the Baron banishes her, throwing his ring into the sea and forbidding her return until she can produce it. Years later, working as a scullion, she finds the ring inside a fish she is preparing for the Baron's dinner. She presents the ring, and the Baron, finally accepting destiny, welcomes her into his family.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This tale is a variant of a widespread European folk motif (ATU 930: The Prophecy) where a child's fated marriage to a noble is thwarted by attempts on their life, only for fate to prevail.
Plot Beats (14)
- A powerful Baron, a magician, learns his son is fated to marry a poor girl.
- He attempts to prevent this by throwing the infant girl into the River Ouse.
- The girl survives, floats to shore, and is adopted by a fisherman.
- Fifteen years later, the Baron encounters the beautiful girl at the fisherman's hut and realizes who she is.
- He gives her a letter to deliver to his brother, which secretly orders her death.
- Robbers intercept the girl, read the letter, and change it to command her marriage to the Baron's son.
- The Baron's brother, following the altered letter, marries the girl to the Baron's son.
- The Baron arrives, discovers the marriage, and, furious, throws his ring into the sea, banishing the girl until she can produce it.
- The girl wanders and finds work as a scullion in a noble's castle.
- The Baron, his brother, and his son visit the castle for dinner.
- While cleaning a fish for their meal, the girl discovers the Baron's lost ring inside it.
- She prepares the fish, and when asked to present herself as the cook, she appears with the ring.
- The Baron, seeing the ring, finally accepts that fate cannot be defied and welcomes her as his son's wife.
- The Baron takes his son and daughter-in-law home, and they live happily ever after.
