Bluebeard's House
by Katharine Pyle · from As the Goose Flies
Adapted Version
Ellen and Gander went on an adventure. They came to a big, white mist. What was inside the mist?
Ellen and The Gander stopped. A big mist was in front. It looked like soft clouds. They saw big shadows in the mist. The shadows moved very fast. "They are big," said Ellen. "What are they?"
Ellen felt a little scared. The shadows were very big. "They look like giants," she said. The Gander looked too. "We can ask for help," he said. A big house stood nearby. They walked to the house.
Ellen knocked on the door. No one came. The Gander knocked with his bill. No one came. Ellen climbed on The Gander. She knocked again. A lady opened the door. It was Fatima. Sister Anne came.
Fatima was very happy to see Ellen. "Come inside," she said. "Tell your story." Ellen came inside. The Gander came too. Fatima smiled. She wanted to know everything.
Ellen told Fatima her story. She looked for a special house. She saw big shadows. "They look like giants," Ellen said. "I feel a little scared." Fatima listened closely.
Fatima was very curious. She was always curious. This made her sad once. Now she saw the mist. She saw the big shadows. Fatima wanted to know about them. "I want to see them," she said.
Sister Anne spoke then. "Fatima is very curious," she said. "This can be tricky. It made her sad. She looked at Ellen.
Fatima looked at Ellen. "Please go into the mist," she asked. "Come back and tell me. "Tell me about shadows." She held Ellen's hand. Fatima was very eager.
Fatima gave Ellen a key. "This is a magic key," she said. "It will open all locks. It helps you return. The key was gold.
Sister Anne wanted them to rest. "Stay for a while," she said. But Fatima was too eager. "Go now!" she cried. Ellen and The Gander were ready.
Ellen and The Gander went to the mist. They walked right into it. Fatima called after them. "Come back soon!" she cried. "Tell me everything!" The mist closed around them.
Original Story
Bluebeard's House
"Mistress, do you see that gray mist before us?" said the gander. "I think we have reached the border of the Fairy Tale Country, and beyond that mist lies the country of the Queerbodies."
Ellen drew rein, and the gander allowed himself to sink slowly to the ground. There he folded and settled his wings, and he and his mistress stood looking at the wall of mist before them. It was like the mist that hangs over streams in the early morning. They could not tell at all how high it was. Sometimes it looked quite low, and sometimes it seemed to reach up to the sky itself so that they could not tell where one ended and the other began.
"Look," cried Ellen in a whisper. "Do you suppose that is one of the Queerbodies?"
A gigantic shadow had appeared upon the wall of mist. It moved with such tremendous strides that it was out of sight in a moment. And now they saw other shadows. Some seemed to be bending over and taking up handfuls of earth and examining them as if in search of something. Others seemed to reach up as if after invisible fruit. Some were talking and nodding together, and every now and then one would turn and hurry away, as if suddenly remembering some business.
They were not all as big as the first shadow, though some of them stretched up so high that their heads and shoulders were lost in the grayness of the sky.
"They must be the Queerbodies," said the gander in a low tone, "for I'm sure they're not fairy tales."
"But they look so big,—like giants. Do you think they'll hurt us? Just suppose they were wicked giants who ate children like so many radishes." Ellen had read some place in a fairy story of giants who did that.
"Maybe we'd better stop and ask some place," suggested the gander. "If they ate children I'm sure they'd eat ganders too, for some people who don't eat children at all eat ganders."
Then Ellen looked about and saw that not far away stood a very large, fine house. It was not by any means as magnificent as Aladdin's, but still it was very handsome.
"Let us ask at that house," said Ellen. "They live so close to the mist that I'm sure they must know what goes on beyond, even if they have never been there."
The gander was more than willing for this; so he took Ellen up and flew with her to the house. There she alighted and mounted the steps, but the door was so very grand and tall that she could not reach the knocker, and had to knock with her knuckles.
There was a moment's silence, and then a voice within called, "Sister Anne, Sister Anne, did you hear anything?"
Another voice answered, "I heard the brushing of the vine leaves against the lattice, but I heard nothing else."
"Your knuckles are too soft, Mistress," said the gander; "let me knock," and with his bill he struck against the door.
Again the same voice within called, "Sister Anne, Sister Anne, do you hear nothing now?" And the second voice answered, "I hear a woodpecker tapping upon a branch outside, but that is all."
"Mistress, it is no use," said the gander, "you will have to climb upon my back so as to reach the knocker, or they will never hear us."
So Ellen climbed upon the gander's back and then she found she could just reach the knocker. Rap, rap, rap! she struck upon the door.
"Sister Anne, Sister Anne, do you still hear nothing?" cried the first voice.
"Yes, now I hear some one knocking upon the door."
In a moment the door opened and a lady stood in the doorway gazing with wonder at the child and the gander.
"What is it, Sister? Who is there?" called the first voice impatiently.
"It's a child," answered the lady in the doorway. "A real child it looks like."
Almost instantly another lady came hurrying down the hall and joined the one at the door. She was more beautiful than the first, but her face had a scared look as though she had once had such a fright that she had never gotten over it.
"Why, yes, it is a real child," she cried. "You are a real child, aren't you? Where did you come from, and where are you going? Is that your gander? What are you going to do with it?"
There were so many questions that Ellen hardly knew which to answer first, but she began, "I came through the nursery wall, and I'm trying to find the Queerbodies' house, and this is Mother Goose's gander. She just lent it to me for awhile."
"Going to the Queerbodies' house!" The beautiful lady glanced at her sister. Then she took Ellen by the hand and drew her gently in. "Come in and tell me all about it."
"I think I must hurry on," said Ellen. "It's been a longer journey than I thought;" but she allowed herself to be drawn in.
The room where the strange ladies took her was very magnificently furnished, and there the beautiful one whose name was Fatima made her sit in a big armed chair. She offered another chair to the gander and he seated himself in it as gravely as possible, resting his wings on the arms. "And now," cried Fatima eagerly, "tell me all about it."
So Ellen began and told her about her journey, while Fatima listened with her chin in her hand, and her eyes never leaving the child's face. Sister Anne listened too. "But now," Ellen ended, "I feel afraid to go any further, for it looks as though there were giants beyond that mist. Do you know whether they're cross giants or not?"
Fatima started up and clasped her hands. "Oh if I only knew what they are like," she cried. "I watch from my window and long so to know what they are doing and how they look that sometimes it seems as if I could not bear it. Some day I know I shall go through the mist just to find out."
"Fatima! Fatima!" cried Sister Anne warningly. Then she added, turning to Ellen, "She's so curious. She always has been so, and that's what all her troubles came from."
"Oh yes," murmured Fatima, dropping back in her chair. "I suppose you know my story? I suppose you've heard of Bluebeard, haven't you?" and leaning forward again she looked eagerly at Ellen.
"Oh yes, I have all about him in a book at home. It has colored pictures, and there's a picture of Fatima with her hair all down, and one of Sister Anne up on the tower and the brothers coming in, and ever so many more."
"Oh yes, I shall never forget that time when my brothers came rushing in. And then that day when I looked in the room and saw all the heads in a row and dropped the key—" Fatima shuddered, and hid her face in her hands.
"Are you really that Fatima?" asked Ellen. She was afraid it was hardly polite to ask, but she did want so much to know.
"Yes, she is," Sister Anne answered for her, for Fatima seemed unable to speak. "And I often remind her of all the troubles her curiosity brought on her that time. A little more and her head would have been chopped off; but she doesn't seem to have learned anything. She'd go off to the Queerbodies' country now if I'd let her, just so as to see what they're like. Then the first thing she knew they'd be making her into another story, and she'd never get back."
"Yes, I do want to know," cried Fatima. She leaned forward, and caught Ellen by the wrist so suddenly that it startled her. "Couldn't you come back and tell me all about it," she cried.
"Why I—I don't know whether I come back this way; I hoped there was a shorter way home," and Ellen's lip trembled, for she was getting a little tired of her long journeyings in spite of her wish to find the lost story.
"Then your gander; maybe he could come back."
"Oh yes," answered the gander, "I'll have to come back this way. But the thing is, do we want to go any further. I didn't like the looks of those giants myself."
"Oh yes," urged Fatima. "I wouldn't be afraid. Maybe it's only their shadows that are so big. And then I tell you what; I'll give you something that may help you along. Look!" With fingers that trembled with eagerness she drew a key-ring from her pocket and slipped from it a key. The key seemed to be of pure gold, but upon one side of it was a rusty spot. Ellen wondered whether it was the key that had unlocked the door of the forbidden chamber.
"Take this," said Fatima. "It is a magic key, and there is never a lock it will not fit nor a catch it will not undo."
Ellen was slow about taking it. She glanced at the gander. "I don't believe I want to go back, but I don't know."
The gander answered her look. "We'll go on then," he said, "and if we have that key they can't keep us locked up, and my wings will be always good to carry us out of trouble."
"And you'll bring me back word?" cried Fatima.
"Yes, I will," the gander promised.
And now Fatima was eager for them to go. It seemed as though she could not wait to have her curiosity satisfied. Sister Anne would have had them stay and rest awhile and have some refreshment after their long journey, but Fatima could not hide her impatience to have them start. And indeed Ellen and the gander were in as much haste as she.
Fatima went with them to the very edge of the wall of mist and the last thing they heard as they plunged into it was her voice calling after them, "Don't forget, you are to bring me word, and make haste; make haste."
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Ellen and Mother Goose's gander arrive at the border of Fairy Tale Country, facing a mysterious mist and giant, shadowy figures called 'Queerbodies.' Seeking answers, they visit a grand house where they meet Fatima and Sister Anne from the Bluebeard story. Fatima, still haunted by her past curiosity but consumed by a new desire to understand the Queerbodies, implores Ellen and the gander to venture into the mist and return with information. She gives them a magic key to aid their journey, and despite Sister Anne's warnings, rushes them into the unknown, eagerly awaiting their report.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to apprehension to continued curiosity
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Katharine Pyle was an American author and illustrator of children's books, often reinterpreting traditional tales or creating new ones in a similar vein. This story acts as a meta-narrative, bringing together characters from different fairy tales.
Plot Beats (11)
- Ellen and the gander arrive at the edge of the Fairy Tale Country, encountering a mysterious mist and giant shadows they call 'Queerbodies'.
- Frightened by the size of the shadows, Ellen and the gander decide to seek information at a large, handsome house nearby.
- They struggle to get the attention of the residents inside the house, who are revealed to be Sister Anne and Fatima.
- Fatima, recognizing Ellen as a 'real child', eagerly invites them in to learn about their journey.
- Ellen explains her quest to find the Queerbodies' house and her apprehension about the giants.
- Fatima reveals herself as the Fatima from the Bluebeard story, still haunted by her past but consumed by curiosity about the Queerbodies.
- Sister Anne warns Ellen about Fatima's dangerous curiosity, which nearly cost her life in the Bluebeard tale.
- Fatima implores Ellen and the gander to go into the mist and return to tell her what the Queerbodies are like.
- To aid their journey and ensure their return, Fatima gives Ellen a magic key, hinting at its past use in her own story.
- Despite Sister Anne's desire for them to rest, Fatima's impatience drives Ellen and the gander to depart immediately.
- Ellen and the gander enter the mist, with Fatima's urgent pleas to 'make haste' and 'bring word' echoing behind them.
Characters
Ellen ★ protagonist
A young girl, likely of average height and build for a child, with an appearance that makes the ladies of Bluebeard's house recognize her as a 'real child'. Her lip trembles when she is tired, indicating a sensitive or perhaps slightly weary demeanor from her journey.
Attire: Not explicitly described, but would be simple, practical clothing suitable for a child on a journey in a European fairy tale setting, perhaps a plain dress and sturdy shoes.
Wants: To find the 'Queerbodies' house' and presumably a 'lost story', and eventually to find a shorter way home.
Flaw: Her youth and inexperience make her easily frightened by the unknown (giants) and somewhat easily persuaded by others' eagerness (Fatima's curiosity).
She begins as an eager adventurer but becomes tired and a little fearful, accepting a magical item and a promise to return, indicating a shift from pure exploration to a more focused mission.
Curious, a little timid, polite, adventurous (initially), and somewhat easily swayed. She is observant, noticing the shadows in the mist.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl, approximately 8 years old, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has fair skin, round blue eyes, and light brown hair tied back in a simple braid. She wears a practical, long-sleeved cream linen dress with a simple blue trim at the collar and cuffs, and sturdy brown leather shoes. She holds a golden key with a noticeable rusty spot in her right hand. Her expression is a mix of curiosity and slight apprehension. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Gander ◆ supporting
A large, strong gander, capable of carrying a child. He has powerful wings that he can fold and settle gravely. His bill is strong enough to knock on a grand door.
Attire: Natural gander plumage, likely white or grey feathers.
Wants: To protect Ellen and help her on her journey, while also ensuring his own safety. He is committed to his promise to Mother Goose.
Flaw: His caution can sometimes make him hesitant to proceed, though he ultimately follows Ellen's lead or makes practical decisions.
Remains consistent as a cautious and loyal companion, making practical decisions for their safety.
Cautious, practical, loyal, observant, and a bit of a realist. He is protective of Ellen and wary of danger.
Image Prompt & Upload
A large, majestic white gander standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. Its feathers are pristine white, and it has bright orange webbed feet and a strong orange bill. Its eyes are intelligent and observant. Its wings are folded neatly against its body, and it stands with a grave, dignified posture. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Fatima ◆ supporting
A beautiful woman, described as more beautiful than her sister, but with a perpetually scared look on her face, as though she has never recovered from a past fright. She has trembling fingers when excited.
Attire: Magnificent and rich clothing, befitting a lady of a grand house from a European fairy tale, perhaps a flowing gown of fine fabric, though specific colors or styles are not mentioned. Given the story's origin, a French or European Renaissance-era gown would be appropriate.
Wants: To satisfy her insatiable curiosity about the unknown 'Queerbodies' and the world beyond the mist, driven by a desire to know what she cannot see.
Flaw: Her overwhelming curiosity, which Sister Anne warns led to all her troubles and could lead to more. Her past trauma also makes her vulnerable.
Remains consistent in her character, still driven by the same curiosity that caused her past troubles, showing little change or learning from her trauma.
Intensely curious, eager, easily excitable, and still deeply traumatized by her past. She is impatient and somewhat self-absorbed in her desire for information.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful adult woman, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has fair skin, wide, expressive dark eyes, and long, wavy dark brown hair that falls past her shoulders. Her face holds a perpetually scared and slightly anxious expression. She wears a magnificent, flowing gown of deep sapphire blue velvet with intricate gold embroidery along the neckline and cuffs, typical of a French Renaissance noblewoman. She holds a small, ornate golden key with a distinct rusty spot in her trembling right hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Sister Anne ◆ supporting
A lady, less beautiful than Fatima, but with a more grounded and less frightened demeanor. She is observant, hearing subtle sounds.
Attire: Fine clothing, befitting a lady of a grand house, similar in style to Fatima's but perhaps less ostentatious, reflecting her more practical nature. A European Renaissance-era gown would be appropriate.
Wants: To protect her sister, Fatima, from her own dangerous curiosity and to ensure the safety of visitors.
Flaw: Her inability to fully control Fatima's impulses, despite her warnings.
Remains consistent as the cautious and protective sister, serving as a foil to Fatima's impulsiveness.
Cautious, practical, protective of her sister, and a voice of reason. She is observant and remembers past lessons.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult woman, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has fair skin, calm, observant brown eyes, and light brown hair neatly styled in a modest bun. Her expression is serious and slightly concerned, with a hint of weariness. She wears a modest but elegant gown of forest green brocade with a high neckline and long sleeves, typical of a French Renaissance lady, less ornate than her sister's. 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.
Locations
Border of the Fairy Tale Country
A wall of gray mist, like that hanging over streams in the early morning, marking the boundary to the country of the Queerbodies. Its height is uncertain, sometimes appearing low, sometimes reaching the sky.
Mood: Mysterious, foreboding, uncertain, liminal
Ellen and the gander arrive at the boundary of a new, unknown land and encounter the first signs of its inhabitants.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dense, ethereal wall of swirling gray mist hangs heavy in the air, obscuring the horizon entirely. The ground beneath is indistinct, possibly damp earth or short, muted grass, fading into the fog. Vague, colossal shadows move within the mist, suggesting immense, unseen forms. The light is soft and diffused, characteristic of a very early, overcast morning. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Bluebeard's House (Exterior)
A very large, fine house, not as magnificent as Aladdin's but still handsome, standing not far from the mist. It has a very grand and tall door with a knocker.
Mood: Imposing, slightly eerie, grand, historical
Ellen and the gander approach the house to ask for information about the Queerbodies, and struggle to reach the knocker.
Image Prompt & Upload
A stately, large French country manor house from the Renaissance period, built of pale, cut stone with a steeply pitched slate roof. A grand, tall oak door with heavy iron fittings and a large, ornate knocker stands at the center, accessed by a short flight of stone steps. Lush green ivy or climbing roses with delicate leaves brush against a wooden lattice beside the door. The morning light casts soft shadows, highlighting the architectural details. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Bluebeard's House (Interior - Main Room)
A very magnificently furnished room within the house, where Fatima and Sister Anne receive Ellen and the gander. It contains a big armed chair.
Mood: Luxurious, slightly tense, curious, historical
Ellen recounts her journey to Fatima and Sister Anne, and Fatima reveals her identity and her intense curiosity about the Queerbodies.
Image Prompt & Upload
A lavishly furnished salon in a 17th-century French chateau, featuring walls adorned with intricate tapestries depicting pastoral scenes and dark, polished wood paneling. A large, velvet-upholstered fauteuil (armed chair) with carved wooden arms sits prominently on a patterned Aubusson rug. Sunlight streams softly through tall, leaded-glass windows, illuminating dust motes in the air and highlighting the rich textures of the heavy brocade drapes. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
