The Great Gray Wolf
by Katharine Pyle · from As the Goose Flies
Adapted Version
Ellen and Gander walked in a big forest. The sun shone through the tall trees.
Ellen and Gander walked. The forest was deep. It was green. They saw many trees. A big Wolf stood near Ellen. He looked hungry. "Hello!" said the Wolf. "Where are you going?" Ellen felt scared. The Wolf watched her. He wanted to catch her.
"I will walk with you," said the Wolf. Ellen did not like this. Her heart beat fast. She walked faster. Gander walked with her. The Wolf walked too. "Look!" said the Wolf. He smiled. "A house! It is made of cake. It is made of bread. You can eat it. No one lives there now."
Gander hissed. "He is bad," he told Ellen. "He wants to hurt us." Ellen knew it. "We must run!" she said. They ran to the house. Ellen ran fast. Gander ran too. They got to the door. Ellen went inside. She shut the door. She locked it. The Wolf came. He was very angry.
Ellen looked around. "This is a witch's house!" she said. She saw a big cage. It was made of iron. The cage door was open. Gander looked at the cage. He thought of a plan. "I can trick the Wolf," he said. "You must help me." Ellen listened closely.
Ellen hid in a cupboard. Gander opened the door. The Wolf saw him. He ran inside the house. He looked for Ellen. The Wolf saw Gander. Gander flew into the cage. "I will catch you!" cried the Wolf. He jumped into the cage. He wanted Gander.
Gander flew over the Wolf's head. Ellen came out. She shut the cage door. She turned the key. Tick-a-lock! The Wolf was inside. He was trapped. The Wolf howled loudly. He was very angry. But Ellen and Gander were safe. They left the house. They walked away from the Wolf.
They met a Huntsman. "A Wolf is in the house," Ellen said. "He is in a cage. 'A Wolf!' said Huntsman. "I know this Wolf. He is a bad one." The Huntsman smiled. "I will take him away. He will not hurt anyone."
Ellen said thank you. She walked with Gander. They were brave. They were clever. They were safe now. Their adventure was over.
Ellen and Gander were very happy. They were safe and brave. They knew cleverness and teamwork were very good.
Original Story
The Great Gray Wolf
On and on went Ellen and the gander, following the pointing of the leaves, and all the while the forest kept growing deeper and greener and lonelier.
There were no flowers now as there had been at first, but here and there on the trees or ground grew wonderful fungi. Some were yellow as gold, some were red as blood, and still others were streaked and spotted as beautifully as sea-shells. The only flowers to be seen were the wax-white "Indian-pipes" and there were whole clumps of them.
Ellen had just stooped to pick some, when suddenly the gander hissed, and at the same moment a harsh voice spoke so close to her ear that it made her start, "Good morning!"
Ellen glanced around, and there, standing close to her, was an enormous gray wolf, ragged and scarred. The sound of his paws had been so muffled by the moss that she had not heard him coming.
"Good morning," answered Ellen, her heart beating a little faster at sight of him.
"Where are you going this pleasant day?" asked the wolf.
"I am on my way to the Queerbodies' house."
"The Queerbodies! I never heard of them. Are they good to eat?" said the wolf. Then he added hastily, "No, no; I don't mean that. I meant are they pleasant, merry people?"
"I don't know," answered Ellen. "I've never seen them, and I'm not sure whether I can find them at all. But if I mean to get to their house to-day I think I'd better be going; so good-bye," and she began to walk on, for she did not like to be there in that lonely spot with a great gray wolf for company.
The wolf, however, trotted along beside her. "Not good-bye," he said, "for I have nothing to do just now, so I'll just go with you part of the way for the sake of the walk and the company."
Ellen said nothing, but quickened her steps, while the gander and the gray wolf kept up with her, the one on one side, the other on the other.
Presently the wolf began again. "Now about those Queerbodies, it's curious I never heard of them, for I thought I knew everybody hereabouts: the dwarfs, and Little Red Riding Hood, and the three bears, and—" he hesitated for a moment, and then added with a gulp, "and the woodsmen; but no Queerbodies that I ever heard tell of."
"Who lives there?" asked Ellen, pointing to a little house she had just caught sight of in a dank and lonely glade. It had occurred to her that she might stop there for a glass of water and so rid herself of the wolf's company.
The wolf grinned, as though he guessed her thought. "Nobody lives there now. Queer looking house isn't it?"
Ellen thought it was indeed a queer looking house. "Why, what is it made of?" she asked.
"Bread and cake and barley sugar. But wouldn't you like to see it closer? You might eat some of it, too, if you like, for no one ever visits it now except the wind and rain."
Ellen walked over toward the house, while the wolf stopped a moment to bite out a burr that had stuck between his toes. "I'll be with you in a moment," he called after her.
"Mistress," said the gander stretching up its neck to whisper in Ellen's ear, "that old Gray-coat means no good to us."
"He frightens me," Ellen whispered back, "but what can I do?"
"He isn't looking now. Let's slip inside the house and lock the door."
Ellen glanced back over her shoulder. The wolf was still busy over the burr, but it was some distance to the house. "Do you think we can get there before him?" she asked.
"We can but try."
"Come, then," and Ellen began to run toward the house; while the gander ran beside her, helping himself along with his wings.
At the noise they made, the wolf looked up, and then with a howl of rage came tearing after them with long swift bounds. By the time Ellen and the gander were on the threshold of the house he was at the foot of the steps, but, turning, the little girl slammed the door and shot the bolt into place.
With a howl of rage, the wolf flung himself against it so that it shook again, and Ellen and the gander trembled as they stood within; but the good door held, the bolt was true, and the wolf might do his worst; they were safe from him for the time at least.
Finding that he could do nothing, old Gray-coat sat down panting, his fierce eyes fixed upon the house. "Wait a bit," he muttered to himself. "You have escaped me this time, but I have as much time to spend as you, and how will it be when you have to come out again?"
Ellen, who heard this, looked at the gander. "What he says is true," she whispered. "We are safe now, but we can't stay here; and how are we to get away without his catching us?"
"Let us think about that, perhaps we can contrive some way," the gander made answer.
He began to look about. The inside of the house was not built of cake and bread like the outside, but of wood, and the furniture was wooden also. At one end of the room was a great iron cage with a door and a padlock and key to fasten it. The cage was open at the top, but the bars were too high for any one but a monkey to climb out over them.
"I believe I know exactly what house this is," Ellen cried suddenly. "It's the house where Hänsel and Gretel came when they were lost in the forest; the house where the wicked witch lived. And this is the cage where she kept Hänsel. You know she put him in the cage and shut the door and fastened him in."
Stooping, she picked up some hard red bits of shell from the floor. "Crabs' claws! Yes, now I know it's the same. Don't you know the story says, 'the best of food was cooked for poor Hänsel, but Gretel received nothing to eat but crabs' claws.'"
The gander walked into the cage and looked it over carefully. "Mistress, I believe I can get rid of the wolf," he said.
"How is that?"
"In this way," and the gander began to tell his scheme, while the little girl listened eagerly. "Yes, yes," she cried; "that might do. And I'm to hide in the cupboard while you open the door. Yes, and then to slip out and fasten the lock. Yes, I'll do it."
After they had their plan all arranged Ellen did as she said. She tiptoed across the floor and hid herself in the closet.
The gander waited until she was safely settled and all was quiet, and then he waddled over to the house door and peeped out through the keyhole. There at the foot of the steps sat the wolf, his red tongue hanging out over his long white teeth, his fierce eyes fixed on the house.
Suddenly with a rattle and noise the gander unbolted the door and flung it open. Like a flash the wolf bounded up and into the house. He gave a glance about him. Ellen was not to be seen, because she was hiding in the cupboard, but there was the plump white gander. It had flown away from the door as if in a great fright and into the cage. "Just where it is easy to catch you!" cried the wolf, as he bounded into the cage in pursuit of it, every tooth in his head showing.
The gander, however, was not to be so easily caught as the wolf had thought. In a moment it spread its wings and flew up over his head, while at the same time Ellen slipped out of the cupboard and shut the cage door, turning the key, tick-a-lock.
There was the wolf safely fastened behind the iron bars, but the gander flew out over the top of the cage and alighted on the floor at Ellen's side. "Come, Mistress," he said, "the way is clear now, and we can journey on as soon as we choose."
How the wicked old wolf did howl and threaten! But it was no good. Ellen and the gander let him make all the noise he chose, but they left him there. All they would do was to promise to send the first woodsman they met in the woods to take charge of the cruel old Gray-coat.
They had scarcely travelled beyond sound of his howls when they met a huntsman with horn and gun journeying along under the trees. He greeted the two, and would have passed on, but Ellen stopped him.
"If you please," said she, "there's a wolf fastened in a cage in the little cake house back there. If you live near here would you mind taking care of him and seeing that he gets food and water?"
"A wolf!" cried the huntsman. "Who caught it?"
"This gander and I," and Ellen began telling the huntsman all about their meeting it, and what a narrow escape they had had.
The huntsman could not wonder enough. "I know that old wolf well enough," he said. "You have had a narrow escape, child. That is the same wolf that came so near to eating up Red Riding Hood." The man then went on to say that he would get some of his fellows and they would bind the wolf and carry him to King Thrush-beard, who was making a collection of wild animals.
He begged the little girl to come with him as the king would be sure to give a large reward for such a large, fierce beast, but Ellen said she had no time. She must hasten on if she wished to reach the Queerbodies' house that day.
"Then at least accept this horn," and the huntsman unslung the one that he carried at his shoulder. "It is all I have to offer you, but it may serve to remind you of your adventure."
Ellen thought the horn very pretty, and was delighted. She thanked the huntsman, and then, bidding him good-by, she and her gander started forward once more upon their journey.
Story DNA
Moral
Even the smallest and seemingly weakest can overcome great danger through cleverness and cooperation.
Plot Summary
Ellen and her gander are traveling through a deep forest when they encounter a menacing gray wolf who begins to follow them. The wolf tries to lure Ellen to a house made of cake, which the gander recognizes as a trap. They manage to lock themselves inside, and Ellen realizes it's the witch's house from Hänsel and Gretel. The gander devises a clever plan to trick the wolf into the house's iron cage, where Ellen locks him. They leave the trapped wolf and later meet a huntsman, who promises to take the notorious wolf to King Thrush-beard, allowing Ellen and the gander to continue their journey safely.
Themes
Emotional Arc
fear to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Katharine Pyle was an American author and illustrator known for her fairy tales and children's books, often drawing on traditional European folklore.
Plot Beats (15)
- Ellen and her gander journey through a deep, lonely forest, observing fungi and Indian-pipes.
- A large, ragged gray wolf suddenly appears and greets Ellen, asking about her destination and making a suspicious comment about eating the 'Queerbodies'.
- The wolf insists on accompanying Ellen and the gander, making Ellen uneasy.
- The wolf points out a house made of bread and cake, tempting Ellen to approach it.
- The gander warns Ellen that the wolf means them harm, and they decide to run to the house and lock themselves inside.
- They successfully reach the house and bolt the door just as the enraged wolf arrives.
- Trapped inside, Ellen realizes it is the witch's house from Hänsel and Gretel, complete with the iron cage.
- The gander devises a plan to trick the wolf into the cage.
- Ellen hides in a cupboard, and the gander unbolts the door, luring the wolf inside.
- The wolf, seeing only the gander, bounds into the cage in pursuit.
- The gander flies over the wolf's head, and Ellen emerges to shut and lock the cage door, trapping the wolf.
- Ellen and the gander leave the howling wolf behind, promising to send help.
- They encounter a huntsman, to whom Ellen recounts their adventure and asks him to care for the wolf.
- The huntsman recognizes the wolf as the one who nearly ate Red Riding Hood and promises to take him to King Thrush-beard.
- Ellen declines a reward to continue her journey, but accepts a horn from the huntsman as a memento.
Characters
Ellen ★ protagonist
A small, nimble girl, likely of average height and slender build for her age, allowing her to slip into a cupboard easily and run quickly.
Attire: A simple, practical European peasant dress suitable for travel through a forest, perhaps made of sturdy linen or wool in muted colors like brown, green, or blue, with a plain apron over it. Sturdy, low-heeled shoes or boots for walking.
Wants: To reach the Queerbodies' house and complete her journey. To escape danger and ensure her safety and that of her gander.
Flaw: Her initial fear and vulnerability as a child alone in a dangerous forest.
Transforms from a somewhat naive and fearful child into a resourceful and brave individual who outsmarts a dangerous predator.
Cautious, observant, quick-thinking, brave, and polite. She is initially frightened but acts decisively when a plan is formed.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young European peasant girl, child-aged, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has fair skin, a round face, and wide, observant blue eyes. Her light brown hair is pulled back into a simple, practical braid. She wears a sturdy, knee-length forest-green linen dress with a plain cream-colored apron over it, and practical brown leather walking boots. She holds a small, polished brass hunting horn in her right hand. Her expression is determined and slightly wary. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Gander ◆ supporting
A large, plump, and strong white gander, capable of running quickly and flying short distances. Its size is significant enough to be a noticeable companion to a child.
Attire: Its natural plumage of pristine white feathers.
Wants: To protect Ellen and ensure their safe journey. To outsmart the wolf.
Flaw: Physically smaller and less powerful than the wolf, relying on wit over strength.
Remains consistently brave and resourceful, proving its value as a protector and friend.
Loyal, protective, intelligent, cunning, and brave. Acts as Ellen's guardian and strategist.
Image Prompt & Upload
A large, plump, adult white gander standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. It has pristine white feathers, a long neck, bright, intelligent black eyes, and a strong orange beak. Its posture is alert and confident. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Great Gray Wolf ⚔ antagonist
An enormous, ragged, and scarred gray wolf. His fur is likely matted and disheveled from living in the wild, showing signs of past struggles. His paws are muffled by moss, indicating a stealthy nature.
Attire: His natural, ragged gray fur.
Wants: To capture and eat Ellen and the gander. To satisfy his hunger and predatory instincts.
Flaw: Overconfidence and underestimation of his prey's intelligence. His rage can make him predictable.
Remains consistently villainous, but is ultimately outsmarted and captured, failing to achieve his goal.
Cunning, deceptive, patient, fierce, and easily enraged when thwarted. He is a classic predator, driven by hunger and a desire to trick his prey.
Image Prompt & Upload
An enormous, adult gray wolf standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. Its fur is ragged and scarred, predominantly dark gray with lighter patches around its muzzle and belly. It has fierce, intelligent red eyes, a long snout, and sharp, visible white teeth. Its posture is powerful and predatory, with a hint of cunning in its expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Huntsman ○ minor
A sturdy, capable man of the woods, likely of average height and muscular build from his profession. His face would be weathered from outdoor life.
Attire: Practical, durable European hunting attire of the period, likely made of sturdy wool or leather in greens, browns, or grays. He would wear a jerkin or tunic, breeches, and tall leather boots. A wide leather belt would hold his tools.
Wants: To carry out his duties as a huntsman, to help those in need, and to capture dangerous animals for the king.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but his trust in Ellen's story could be seen as a slight naivety if the story were different.
A static character who provides assistance and information, reinforcing the danger of the wolf and the bravery of Ellen.
Helpful, knowledgeable about the forest and its dangers, appreciative of bravery, and honorable.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy, adult European huntsman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a rugged, weathered face with a short beard and keen brown eyes. His dark brown hair is practical and short. He wears a forest-green wool jerkin over a cream linen shirt, sturdy brown leather breeches, and tall, laced leather boots. A wide leather belt holds a pouch. A polished brass hunting horn is slung over his left shoulder, and he holds a long, dark wood and metal hunting gun in his right hand. His expression is serious and capable. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Deep Forest Path
A winding path through a dense, green, and increasingly lonely forest. The ground is covered with moss, muffling sounds. There are no typical flowers, but striking fungi in yellow, red, and beautifully streaked patterns grow on trees and the ground. Clumps of wax-white 'Indian-pipes' are also present.
Mood: Initially peaceful, becoming increasingly eerie and tense as the wolf appears.
Ellen and the gander encounter the Great Gray Wolf.
Image Prompt & Upload
A winding, ancient forest path carpeted with thick, emerald-green moss, leading into a dense, dark-green canopy that filters the morning light into dappled patterns. Large, gnarled tree roots crisscross the path, and vibrant, fantastical fungi in shades of golden yellow, blood red, and iridescent streaks cling to tree trunks and damp earth. Clusters of ghostly white 'Indian-pipes' glow softly in the undergrowth. The air is still and humid, with a sense of deep quiet. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Witch's Gingerbread House
A small, peculiar house situated in a dank and lonely glade. Its exterior is made entirely of edible materials: bread, cake, and barley sugar, giving it a whimsical yet unsettling appearance. The interior, however, is constructed of wood, with wooden furniture. A prominent feature is a large, open-topped iron cage with a door, padlock, and key.
Mood: Initially inviting and curious, quickly turning into a place of entrapment and suspense, with a historical echo of danger.
Ellen and the gander take refuge from the wolf and devise a plan to trap him, recognizing it as the house from 'Hansel and Gretel'.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, whimsical yet eerie cottage nestled in a damp, shadowy glade, its walls crafted from golden-brown bread and frosted white cake, with shimmering barley sugar windows. The interior reveals rough-hewn timber walls and simple wooden furniture, illuminated by a soft, filtered light from the small windows. Dominating one end of the room is a formidable, open-topped iron cage with thick, dark bars, a heavy wooden door, and a prominent iron padlock. Scattered on the wooden floor near the cage are a few hard, red bits of crab shell. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
