THE OGRE COURTING
by Juliana Horatia Ewing · from Old-Fashioned Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Once there was a very big Ogre. He was strong, but not very smart. He made people scared. He was very big. He was very strong. People did not like him.
The Big Ogre wanted a wife. He saw Clever Molly. She was small. She was very clever. She was a good worker. The Big Ogre wanted her.
The Big Ogre went to Molly's Dad. He asked for Clever Molly. Molly's Dad was scared. Clever Molly told him what to say. "Come to supper next week," he said.
Clever Molly made a big stew. She made good juice. The Big Ogre ate a lot. Molly made stew from old food. Made juice from old apples. The Big Ogre was happy. He thought Molly was smart.
Molly's Dad spoke to the Big Ogre. Clever Molly told him what to say. ""Give much money for Molly," he said. The Big Ogre gave much gold. He wanted Clever Molly.
Clever Molly had more ideas. She told the Big Ogre. "I want a new house," she said. "I want a soft bed too. It must be full of soft feathers."
The Big Ogre built the new house. He worked very hard. Clever Molly watched him. She told him what to do. The house was finished.
Snow fell from the sky. Clever Molly called the Big Ogre. "Now fill the bed," she said. "The goose feathers are falling. They are white and soft. Ogre looked outside."
The Big Ogre brought in snow. He put it on the bed. The snow melted quickly. The room got very cold. The snow did not melt then. The bed was full.
The Big Ogre slept on the bed. It was very cold. He woke up feeling sore. He felt very cold. He felt very sore. Molly was too clever. He did not want Molly.
He ran away fast. He ran to his home. He did not feel well. He was scared of Molly.
Molly's Dad went to the Ogre. He asked for more money. The Ogre had no money. He gave his geese.
Molly had much gold. Molly had many geese. She married a good man. She was very happy. The Big Ogre was not strong. He was not so scary.
Clever Molly and her dad were happy. The Big Ogre was not so strong anymore. He learned smart is better than strong!
Original Story
THE OGRE COURTING.
In days when ogres were still the terror of certain districts, there was one who had long kept a whole neighbourhood in fear without any one daring to dispute his tyranny.
By thefts and exactions, by heavy ransoms from merchants too old and tough to be eaten, in one way and another, the Ogre had become very rich; and although those who knew could tell of huge cellars full of gold and jewels, and yards and barns groaning with the weight of stolen goods, the richer he grew the more anxious and covetous he became. Moreover, day by day, he added to his stores; for though (like most ogres) he was as stupid as he was strong, no one had ever been found, by force or fraud, to get the better of him.
What he took from the people was not their heaviest grievance. Even to be killed and eaten by him was not the chance they thought of most. A man can die but once; and if he is a sailor, a shark may eat him, which is not so much better than being devoured by an ogre. No, that was not the worst. The worst was this—he would keep getting married. And as he liked little wives, all the short women lived in fear and dread. And as his wives always died very soon, he was constantly courting fresh ones.
Some said he ate his wives; some said he tormented, and others, that he only worked them to death. Everybody knew it was not a desirable match, and yet there was not a father who dare refuse his daughter if she were asked for. The Ogre only cared for two things in a woman—he liked her to be little, and a good housewife.
Now it was when the Ogre had just lost his twenty-fourth wife (within the memory of man) that these two qualities were eminently united in the person of the smallest and most notable woman of the district, the daughter of a certain poor farmer. He was so poor that he could not afford properly to dower his daughter, who had in consequence remained single beyond her first youth. Everybody felt sure that Managing Molly must now be married to the Ogre. The tall girls stretched themselves till they looked like maypoles, and said, "Poor thing!" The slatterns gossiped from house to house, the heels of their shoes clacking as they went, and cried that this was what came of being too thrifty.
And sure enough, in due time, the giant widower came to the farmer as he was in the field looking over his crops, and proposed for Molly there and then. The farmer was so much put out that he did not know what he said in reply, either when he was saying it, or afterwards, when his friends asked about it. But he remembered that the Ogre had invited himself to sup at the farm that day week.
Managing Molly did not distress herself at the news.
"Do what I bid you, and say as I say," said she to her father, "and if the Ogre does not change his mind, at any rate you shall not come empty-handed out of the business."
By his daughter's desire the farmer now procured a large number of hares, and a barrel of white wine, which expenses completely emptied his slender stocking, and on the day of the Ogre's visit, she made a delicious and savoury stew with the hares in the biggest pickling tub, and the wine-barrel was set on a bench near the table.
When the Ogre came, Molly served up the stew, and the Ogre sat down to sup, his head just touching the kitchen rafters. The stew was perfect, and there was plenty of it. For what Molly and her father ate was hardly to be counted in the tubful. The Ogre was very much pleased, and said politely:
"I'm afraid, my dear, that you have been put to great trouble and expense on my account, I have a large appetite, and like to sup well."
"Don't mention it, sir," said Molly. "The fewer rats the more corn. How do you cook them?"
"Not one of all the extravagant hussies I have had as wives ever cooked them at all," said the Ogre; and he thought to himself, "Such a stew out of rats! What frugality! What a housewife!"
When he broached the wine, he was no less pleased, for it was of the best.
"This, at any rate, must have cost you a great deal, neighbour," said he, drinking the farmer's health as Molly left the room.
"I don't know that rotten apples could be better used," said the farmer; "but I leave all that to Molly. Do you brew at home?"
"We give our rotten apples to the pigs," growled the Ogre. "But things will be better ordered when she is my wife."
The Ogre was now in great haste to conclude the match, and asked what dowry the farmer would give his daughter.
"I should never dream of giving a dowry with Molly," said the farmer, boldly. "Whoever gets her, gets dowry enough. On the contrary, I shall expect a good round sum from the man who deprives me of her. Our wealthiest farmer is just widowed, and therefore sure to be in a hurry for marriage. He has an eye to the main chance, and would not grudge to pay well for such a wife, I'll warrant."
"I'm no churl myself," said the Ogre, who was anxious to secure his thrifty bride at any price; and he named a large sum of money, thinking, "We shall live on rats henceforward, and the beef and mutton will soon cover the dowry."
"Double that, and we'll see," said the farmer, stoutly.
But the Ogre became angry, and cried; "What are you thinking of, man? Who is to hinder my carrying your lass off, without 'with your leave' or 'by your leave,' dowry or none?"
"How little you know her!" said the farmer. "She is so firm that she would be cut to pieces sooner than give you any benefit of her thrift, unless you dealt fairly in the matter."
"Well, well," said the Ogre, "let us meet each other." And he named a sum larger than he at first proposed, and less than the farmer had asked. This the farmer agreed to, as it was enough to make him prosperous for life.
"Bring it in a sack to-morrow morning," said he to the Ogre, "and then you can speak to Molly; she's gone to bed now."
The next morning, accordingly, the Ogre appeared, carrying the dowry in a sack, and Molly came to meet him.
"There are two things," said she, "I would ask of any lover of mine: a new farmhouse, built as I should direct, with a view to economy; and a feather-bed of fresh goose feathers, filled when the old woman plucks her geese. If I don't sleep well, I cannot work well."
"That is better than asking for finery," thought the Ogre; "and after all the house will be my own." So, to save the expense of labour, he built it himself, and worked hard, day after day, under Molly's orders, till winter came. Then it was finished.
"Now for the feather-bed," said Molly. "I'll sew up the ticking, and when the old woman plucks her geese, I'll let you know."
When it snows, they say the old woman up yonder is plucking her geese, and so at the first snowstorm Molly sent for the Ogre.
"Now you see the feathers falling," said she, "so fill the bed."
"How am I to catch them?" cried the Ogre.
"Stupid! don't you see them lying there in a heap?" cried Molly; "get a shovel, and set to work."
The Ogre accordingly carried in shovelfuls of snow to the bed, but as it melted as fast as he put it in, his labour never seemed done. Towards night the room got so cold that the snow would not melt, and now the bed was soon filled.
Molly hastily covered it with sheets and blankets, and said: "Pray rest here to-night, and tell me if the bed is not comfort itself. To-morrow we will be married."
So the tired Ogre lay down on the bed he had filled, but, do what he would, he could not get warm.
"The sheets must be damp," said he, and in the morning he woke with such horrible pains in his bones that he could hardly move, and half the bed had melted away. "It's no use," he groaned, "she's a very managing woman, but to sleep on such a bed would be the death of me." And he went off home as quickly as he could, before Managing Molly could call upon him to be married; for she was so managing that he was more than half afraid of her already.
When Molly found that he had gone, she sent the farmer after him.
"What does he want?" cried the Ogre, when they told him the farmer was at the door.
"He says the bride is waiting for you," was the reply.
"Tell him I'm too ill to be married," said the Ogre.
But the messenger soon returned:
"He says she wants to know what you will give her to make up for the disappointment."
"She's got the dowry, and the farm, and the feather-bed," groaned the Ogre; "what more does she want?"
But again the messenger returned:
"She says you've pressed the feather-bed flat, and she wants some more goose feathers."
"There are geese enough in the yard," yelled the Ogre, "Let him drive them home; and if he has another word to say, put him down to roast."
The farmer, who overheard this order, lost no time in taking his leave, and as he passed through the yard he drove home as fine a flock of geese as you will see on a common.
It is said that the Ogre never recovered from the effects of sleeping on the old woman's goose feathers, and was less powerful than before.
As for Managing Molly, being now well dowered, she had no lack of offers of marriage, and was soon mated to her mind.
Story DNA
Moral
Even the most powerful bully can be outsmarted by wit and cunning.
Plot Summary
A terrifying, wealthy Ogre, known for his habit of marrying and quickly losing small wives, sets his sights on the district's most capable and smallest woman, Managing Molly. Molly, through a series of clever deceptions, convinces the Ogre she is incredibly frugal and valuable, leading him to pay a large dowry and build her a house. Her final trick involves making the Ogre fill a feather-bed with snow, causing him to become gravely ill after sleeping on it. The Ogre, terrified of Molly's managing ways and his illness, flees, leaving Molly wealthy and free to marry a man of her own choosing.
Themes
Emotional Arc
fear to relief and triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects a common folk tale trope of the clever commoner outwitting a powerful, brutish figure, often with a focus on domestic skills.
Plot Beats (13)
- An Ogre terrorizes a district, known for his wealth, stupidity, strength, and habit of marrying and quickly losing small, good housewives.
- The Ogre, having lost his twenty-fourth wife, decides to court Managing Molly, the smallest and most capable housewife in the district.
- The Ogre proposes to Molly's father, who, instructed by Molly, agrees to a supper invitation.
- Molly prepares a lavish supper of hare stew and fine wine, but tells the Ogre she made the stew from rats and the wine from rotten apples, impressing him with her frugality.
- Molly's father, again instructed by Molly, demands a large dowry from the Ogre, arguing Molly is a valuable wife, and secures a substantial sum.
- Molly further demands a new, economically built farmhouse and a feather-bed filled with fresh goose feathers as conditions for marriage.
- The Ogre, to save money, builds the farmhouse himself under Molly's strict supervision.
- Molly sends for the Ogre during the first snowstorm, telling him to fill the feather-bed with the 'goose feathers' (snow) falling outside.
- The Ogre struggles to fill the bed as the snow melts, but eventually succeeds when the room becomes cold enough for the snow to freeze.
- The Ogre sleeps on the icy snow-bed and wakes up with terrible pains, realizing he cannot marry Molly due to her extreme managing ways.
- The Ogre flees home, too ill and intimidated to proceed with the marriage.
- Molly sends her father to demand compensation for the broken engagement, eventually securing the Ogre's geese as further payment.
- The Ogre never fully recovers from his illness, becoming less powerful, while Molly, now rich, marries a man of her choice.
Characters
The Ogre ⚔ antagonist
A giant, monstrous figure of immense strength, his head capable of touching kitchen rafters. His build is likely broad and powerful, reflecting his physical dominance and ability to carry large sacks and build houses himself. His skin is not explicitly described but would likely be rough or coarse, befitting a creature of his nature.
Attire: Not explicitly described, but implied to be practical and perhaps crude, suitable for a creature who lives by exaction and theft. Likely simple, durable garments rather than fine clothes.
Wants: To accumulate wealth, maintain his tyrannical power, and find a 'little wife' who is a good housewife to manage his domestic affairs, primarily driven by his covetousness and desire for comfort.
Flaw: Stupidity, gullibility, fear of cleverness, susceptibility to illness, and an overwhelming desire for a thrifty wife, which makes him vulnerable to Molly's schemes.
Starts as an unchallenged tyrant, confident in his power and ability to get what he wants. He is gradually outsmarted and manipulated by Molly, becoming increasingly frustrated, ill, and ultimately fearful, losing some of his power and retreating from the district.
Stupid, strong, covetous, anxious, tyrannical, easily pleased by good food/drink, somewhat polite when courting, quick to anger, fearful when outsmarted, easily manipulated by cleverness.
Image Prompt & Upload
A giant, brutish male ogre standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a broad, powerful build, with rough, green-tinged skin and a fearsome, somewhat stupid expression. His head is large, with prominent brow ridges and small, beady eyes. He wears a simple, dark brown tunic made of coarse fabric, cinched at the waist with a thick leather belt, and dark, sturdy trousers. His posture is slightly hunched but still imposing. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Managing Molly ★ protagonist
The smallest woman in the district, implying a petite and slender build. Her physical description is otherwise minimal, but her actions suggest she is nimble and capable despite her size. Given the implied European setting (likely British, given the author), she would have fair skin.
Attire: Practical, thrifty peasant clothing. Likely a simple, durable dress made of linen or wool, perhaps with an apron, reflecting her role as a good housewife. Colors would be muted and natural, common for the era and social standing.
Wants: To protect herself from the Ogre, secure a better future for herself and her father, and ultimately find a suitable husband of her own choosing.
Flaw: Her small stature makes her physically vulnerable, but she overcomes this with her intellect.
Begins as an unmarried woman facing a terrifying forced marriage to the Ogre. Through her cleverness, she not only escapes this fate but also secures a substantial dowry for herself and prosperity for her father, ultimately marrying a man of her own choice.
Intelligent, resourceful, fearless, thrifty, managing, determined, cunning, bold, practical, and a good housewife.
Image Prompt & Upload
A petite young woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has fair skin, a round face with intelligent, bright blue eyes, and light brown hair neatly braided and coiled at the back of her head. She wears a practical, long-sleeved cream linen dress with a simple, dark green wool apron tied over it, and sturdy brown leather shoes. Her posture is upright and confident, with a knowing, determined expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Farmer ◆ supporting
A poor farmer, likely of average build, showing signs of a life of labor. Given the implied European setting, he would have fair skin. His appearance would reflect his humble means.
Attire: Simple, worn peasant clothing. Likely a coarse linen shirt, practical trousers, and perhaps a waistcoat or jacket, all in muted, earthy tones, reflecting his poverty and occupation.
Wants: To protect his daughter and improve his family's impoverished circumstances, though he lacks the courage to do so independently.
Flaw: Fear and timidity, which make him vulnerable to the Ogre's threats.
Begins as a fearful and impoverished man facing the loss of his daughter to the Ogre. Through Molly's guidance, he gains wealth and confidence, ultimately becoming prosperous and escaping the Ogre's tyranny.
Poor, fearful, easily put out, initially timid, but capable of boldness when prompted by Molly, and ultimately grateful for his daughter's cleverness.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged male farmer standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a lean build, fair skin, a weathered face with a short, unkempt brown beard, and tired blue eyes. He wears a simple, patched grey linen shirt, dark brown wool trousers, and sturdy, mud-stained leather boots. His posture is slightly stooped, and his expression is one of weary concern. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Farmer's Field
An open agricultural field, likely with crops growing, where the poor farmer is overseeing his harvest. It's a place of daily labor and exposure to the elements.
Mood: Initially mundane and hardworking, then tense and fearful due to the Ogre's sudden appearance.
The Ogre approaches the farmer and proposes marriage to Molly, initiating the main conflict.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide-angle view of a European farmer's field in late summer, with rows of golden wheat stretching to the horizon under a clear blue sky. A few scattered wildflowers grow along the edges of the field. In the foreground, a lone, weathered farmer stands, his back slightly bent, surveying his crops. The light is bright and even, casting soft shadows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Farmer's Kitchen
A rustic, humble farmhouse kitchen, likely with a low ceiling where the Ogre's head can touch the rafters. It contains a large pickling tub, a table, and a bench. The space is functional and well-used.
Mood: Initially domestic and seemingly hospitable, but underlying tension and Molly's cunning create a deceptive atmosphere.
Molly serves the Ogre the hare stew and 'rotten apple' wine, cleverly deceiving him about her thriftiness and setting the stage for her demands.
Image Prompt & Upload
A cozy, dimly lit European farmhouse kitchen interior. Rough-hewn wooden rafters crisscross overhead, nearly touching the head of a giant figure seated at a sturdy, scrubbed wooden table. A large, dark pickling tub sits on the table, filled with stew. A wooden bench is pulled up to the table, and a barrel of wine rests nearby. Warm, flickering firelight from an unseen hearth casts dancing shadows on the timbered walls. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The New Farmhouse Bedroom
A newly constructed bedroom within the farmhouse Molly directed the Ogre to build. It is initially cold and empty, later filled with snow for the 'feather-bed'.
Mood: Initially sterile and cold, becoming increasingly frigid and uncomfortable, leading to the Ogre's physical distress.
The Ogre attempts to fill the 'feather-bed' with snow and then sleeps on it, suffering from the cold and ultimately deciding against marrying Molly.
Image Prompt & Upload
A stark, newly built European farmhouse bedroom in the dead of winter. The room is constructed of simple, unpainted timber planks, with a small, unglazed window showing swirling snow outside. A basic wooden bed frame is piled high with melting snow, which has formed a slushy mound. The air is visibly cold, with a faint mist rising from the melting snow. Cool, pale moonlight filters through the window, casting long, blue shadows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
