THE CAMPHOR-WORM
by Laurence Housman · from The Field of Clover
Adapted Version
Once, a kind boy named Noodle lived. He loved Princess Melilot very much. She was under a spell. Noodle wanted to help her. He asked the Wise Old Woman. "How can I save her?" he asked. The woman knew many things.
"You must find the Big Worm," she said. "It lives in dark, heavy water. The water is very deep. The Big Worm can feel strange. It is a very hard quest. Be brave. Noodle was not afraid.
Noodle took sweet honey. It came from a magic rose. He put a special ring on. He got on his Magic Plough. "Take me back fast," he told the Plough. "Take me to Princess Melilot."
They came to a black lake. The water was very dark. Noodle jumped into the lake. The water felt heavy. He put honey in his mouth. The sweet smell went into the water. It called the Big Worm.
A big shape moved below him. The Big Worm came up. Its snout was black. Noodle felt a strange feeling. But he was brave. He put his lips on its snout. He gave the Worm air.
The Big Worm breathed out. A tiny bubble came out. It was special air. Noodle caught it in his mouth. He held it very carefully. This bubble was for Melilot.
Noodle swam to the shore. He swam very fast. He must not lose the bubble. He did not breathe out. He reached the land. He fell onto the Magic Plough. He was very tired.
The Magic Plough went very fast. It flew like the wind. Noodle held on tight. He was still very tired. He held the bubble safe. He thought of Melilot.
Noodle felt very weak. The Plough reached the garden. It found Princess Melilot. The Plough lifted her gently. It brought her to Noodle. She lay close to him.
Noodle kissed Princess Melilot. He gave her the bubble. The bubble went into her. Her eyes opened wide. She could see and hear. The spell was broken.
Melilot hugged Noodle. She was very happy. "Oh, Noodle," she said. "You are very brave. I love you." Noodle smiled.
Noodle and Melilot got married. They were king and queen. Their land was very happy. Everyone was joyful. Noodle's love made him very strong and brave.
Original Story
THE CAMPHOR-WORM
ell me quickly of the Camphor-Worm, cried the youth as he feasted his eyes on the Princess's loveliness, made more unendurable by the awakening within of love. 'Where and what is it?' 'It is not so far as was the way to the Burning Rose,' answered the crone; 'an hour on the back of the Plough shall bring it near to you; but the danger and difficulty of this quest is more, not less. For to reach the Camphor-Worm you need to be a diver in deep waters, whose weight crushes a man; and to touch its lips you must master the loathing of your nature; and to carry away its breath you must have strength of will and endurance beyond what is mortal.' 'You trouble me with things I need not know,' cried Noodle. 'Tell me,' he said, 'how I may reach the Camphor-Worm; and of it and its ways.'
'By this path, and by that,' said the old woman, pointing him, 'go on till you come to the thick waters of the Bitter Lake; they are blacker than night, and their weight is heavier than lead, and in the depths dwells the Camphor-Worm. Once a year, when the air is sweetest with the scents of summer, she rises to breathe, lifting her black snout through the surface of the waters. Then she draws fresh air into her lungs, flavoured with leaves and flowers, and after she has breathed it in she lets go the last bubble of the breath she drew from the summer of the year before; and it is this bubble of breath alone that will give back life to the five senses of Princess Melilot. But the Worm's time for rising is far; and how you shall bear the weight in the depths of those waters, or make the Worm give up the bubble before her time, or at last bear back the bubble to lay it on the lips of the Princess so that she may wake,—these are things I know not the way of, for to my eyes they seem dark with difficulty and peril.'
Then Noodle, opening the petals of the Burning Rose as it lay upon the heart of Melilot, drew out honey from its centre, filling his hand with the golden crumblings of fragrance; and he leapt upon the Galloping Plough, urging it in the way the Princess's nurse had pointed out to him. As they went he caressed it with all the names under heaven, stroking it with his hand and praising it for the delicacy of its steering: saying, 'O my moonbeam, if thou wouldst save the life of thy master, or restore the five senses of the Princess Melilot, thou must surpass thyself to-day. Listen, thou heaven-sent limb, thou miracle of quicksilver, and have a long mind to my words; for in a short while I shall have no speech left in me till the thing be done, and the deliverance, from head to feet, of my Beloved accomplished.'
Even while he spoke they came to the edge of the Bitter Lake—a small pool, but its waters were blacker than night, and heavier than lead to the eye. Then Noodle leapt down from the Plough, and caressed it for the last time, saying: 'Set thy face for the garden where the Princess Melilot is; and when I am come back to thee speechless out of the Lake and am striding thee once more, then wait not for a word but carry me to her with more speed than thou hast ever mustered to my aid till now; go faster than wind or lightning or than the eye of man can see! So, by good fortune, I may live till I reach her lips; but if thou tarry at all I am a dead man. And when thou art come to Melilot set thy share beneath the roots of her feet, and take her up to me out of the ground. Do this tenderly, but abate not speed till it be done!'
Then the youth put into his mouth the honey of the Burning Rose, and into his lips the Sweetener, and stripped himself as a bather to the pool. And the Plough, remembering its master's word, turned and set its face to where lay the garden with Melilot waiting to be relieved of her enchantment. Whereat Noodle, bowing his head, and blessing it with lips of farewell, turned shortly and slid down into the blackness of the lake.
The weight of that water was like a vice upon his limbs, and around his throat, as he swam out into the centre of the pool. As he went he breathed upon the water, and the scent of the honey of the Burning Rose passing through the Sweetener made an incomparable fragrance, gentle, and subtle, and wooing to the senses.
When he came to the middle of the lake he stayed breathing full breaths, till the air deepened with fragrance around him. Presently underneath him he felt the movement of a great thing coming up from the bottom of the pool. It touched his feet and came grazing along his side; and all at once shuddering and horror took hold upon him, for his whole nature was filled with loathing of its touch.
Out of the pool's surface before him rose a great black snout, that opened, showing a round hole. Then he thought of Melilot and her beauty laid fast under a charm, and drawing a full breath he laid his lips containing the ring, the Sweetener, to the lips of the Worm.
The Worm began to breathe. As the Worm drank the air out of him, he drew in more through his nostrils, and more and more, till the great gills were filled and satisfied.
Then the Worm let go the last bubble of air which remained from the year before, and had lain ever since in its body, by which alone life could be given back to the five senses of Melilot. Then drawing in its head it lowered itself once more to the bottom of the pool; and Noodle, feeling in his mouth the precious globule of air, fastened his lips upon it and shot out for shore.
Against the weight of those leaden waters a longing to gasp possessed him; but he knew that with the least breath the bubble would be lost, and all his labour undone. Not too soon his feet caught hold of the bank, and drew him free to land. He cast himself speechless across the back of the Galloping Plough and clung.
The Plough gathered itself together and sprang away through space. Remembering its master's word it showed itself a miracle of speed; like lightning became its flight.
The eye of Noodle grew blind to the passing of things; he could take no count of the collapsing leagues. More and more grew the amazingness of the Plough's leaps, things only to be measured by miles, and counted as joltings on the way; while fast to the back of it clung Noodle, and endured, praying that shortness of breath might not overmaster him, or the check of his lungs give way and burst him to the emptiness of a drum. His senses rocked and swayed; he felt the gates of his resolve slackening and forcing themselves apart; and still the Galloping Plough plunged him blindly along through space.
But now the shrill crying of the crone struck in upon his ears, and he stretched open his arms for the accomplishment of the deliverance. Even in that nick of time was the end of the thing brought about; for the Plough, guiding itself as a thread to the needle's eye, gave the uprooting stroke to the white feet of Melilot; and Noodle, swooning for the last gasp, saw all at once her beauty swaying level to his gaze and her body bending down upon his.
Then he fastened his lips upon hers, and loosed the bubble from his mouth; and panting and sobbing themselves back to life they hung in each other's arms. She warmed and ripened in his embrace, opening upon him the light of her eyes; and the greatness and beauty of the reward abashed him and bore him down to earth.
He heard the old crone clucking and crowing, like a hen over its egg, of the happiness that had come to her old years; till recognising the youth's state she covered him over with a cloak amid exclamations of astonishment.
The Princess saw nothing but her lover's face and the happy feasting of his eyes. She bent her head nearer and nearer to his, and the story of what he had done became a dream that she remembered, and that waking made true. 'O you Noodle,' she said, laughing, 'you wise, wise Noodle!' And then everything was finished, for she had kissed him!
So Noodle and the Princess were married, and came to the throne together and reigned over a happy land. The Fire-eaters were their friends, and the gifts of fortune were theirs. The Galloping Plough made all the waste places fertile; and the water of the Thirsty Well rose and ran in rivers through the land; and over the walls of their palace, where they had planted it, grew the flower of the Burning Rose.
Story DNA
Moral
True love inspires one to overcome immense challenges and personal revulsion for the sake of another.
Plot Summary
Noodle falls in love with the enchanted Princess Melilot, whose five senses are lost. An old crone reveals that only the breath of the Camphor-Worm, found in the crushing depths of the Bitter Lake, can save her. Noodle, armed with honey from the Burning Rose and a magical Sweetener, dives into the lake, endures its immense pressure and his own revulsion to exchange breath with the Worm, securing the life-giving bubble. He then races back on his loyal Galloping Plough, barely clinging to life, and transfers the breath to Melilot just as he collapses. She awakens, and they marry, ruling a prosperous land where the magic of their quest continues to bless them.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Laurence Housman was a British writer and illustrator, known for his fairy tales and fantasy works, often with a poetic and symbolic style, drawing on traditional European fairy tale motifs.
Plot Beats (12)
- Noodle, smitten with the enchanted Princess Melilot, asks an old crone how to save her.
- The crone reveals the quest for the Camphor-Worm's breath, explaining its extreme difficulty and danger, including the crushing weight of the Bitter Lake, the loathing of the Worm, and the need for immense endurance.
- Noodle, undeterred, takes honey from the Burning Rose and the Sweetener, then mounts his magical Galloping Plough, instructing it to return him swiftly to Melilot after his task.
- He arrives at the Bitter Lake, dives in, and endures the crushing weight of its black waters, breathing the fragrant honey to attract the Worm.
- The Camphor-Worm rises, and Noodle, overcoming his revulsion, presses his lips to its snout, exchanging breath.
- The Worm releases the precious bubble of air from the previous year, which Noodle secures in his mouth.
- Noodle swims back to shore, fighting the urge to gasp and lose the bubble, then collapses speechless onto the waiting Plough.
- The Plough races back at incredible speed, while Noodle clings on, struggling to maintain his breath and consciousness.
- Just as Noodle is about to give out, the Plough reaches Melilot's garden, uproots her, and brings her to him.
- Noodle presses his lips to Melilot's, releasing the bubble, and she awakens, her senses restored.
- Melilot and Noodle embrace, and she expresses her love and admiration for his heroic deed.
- Noodle and Melilot marry, become king and queen, and their land flourishes with the help of the magical elements from their quest.
Characters
Noodle ★ protagonist
Lean and agile build, capable of enduring immense physical strain and the crushing weight of water. His movements are swift and decisive when motivated.
Attire: Initially wears typical clothing for a young man, but strips down 'as a bather' before entering the lake, implying simple undergarments or nothing at all for the task. His clothing would be practical, perhaps a tunic and breeches of linen or wool, in muted colors.
Wants: To restore Princess Melilot's five senses and awaken her from enchantment, driven by his deep love for her.
Flaw: His initial naivety and impatience, as well as the physical limitations of a human body against immense magical forces (like the weight of the Bitter Lake).
Transforms from a somewhat 'noodle-headed' youth into a wise and enduring hero, proving his love and strength. He becomes a king.
Courageous, determined, loving, somewhat naive (as indicated by his name 'Noodle' and his initial dismissal of the crone's warnings), and incredibly resilient.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man with a lean, athletic build, fair skin, and determined blue eyes. His light brown hair is short and slightly disheveled. He wears simple, practical linen breeches and a sleeveless tunic in muted earth tones, suggesting a bather. He is clenching his jaw, showing immense willpower, with a small, clear bubble of air visible at his lips. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Princess Melilot ◆ supporting
Of exquisite beauty, described as 'loveliness made more unendurable by the awakening within of love.' She is initially enchanted, lying still, but her body is graceful and capable of swaying and bending. Her skin is fair, and she is delicate in appearance.
Attire: Likely wears fine, flowing gowns befitting a princess. Given the fairy tale context, this would be a medieval or Renaissance-inspired dress, perhaps made of silk or velvet, in soft, regal colors like pale blue, cream, or rose, with delicate embroidery.
Wants: To be awakened from her enchantment and reunited with her love.
Flaw: Her enchanted state renders her helpless and reliant on others for rescue.
From an enchanted, passive state to a fully awakened, loving, and active queen, sharing the throne with Noodle.
Initially passive due to enchantment. Upon waking, she is loving, playful (calling Noodle 'wise, wise Noodle' and laughing), and deeply appreciative.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful young woman with fair skin, delicate features, and long, flowing golden-blonde hair. Her eyes are a soft blue, and she has a gentle, loving smile. She wears a flowing gown of pale rose silk with delicate silver embroidery along the neckline and sleeves, typical of a medieval princess. Her posture is graceful and slightly leaning forward, as if embracing someone. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Crone ◆ supporting
An old woman, likely frail but with a sharp mind. Her face would be lined with age, and her hands gnarled. She is the Princess's nurse, suggesting a caring but wise demeanor.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing befitting an elderly nurse or wise woman. Likely a dark, coarse wool dress or gown, perhaps with a linen apron and a head covering (wimple or kerchief).
Wants: To guide Noodle in his quest to save Princess Melilot, and to see her beloved charge restored.
Flaw: Her advanced age prevents her from actively participating in the dangerous quest.
Remains largely unchanged, serving as a wise guide. Her arc culminates in joy and astonishment at the successful completion of the quest.
Wise, cautious, knowledgeable about ancient lore and dangers, caring towards the Princess, and ultimately joyful when the quest succeeds.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly woman with a deeply wrinkled face, sharp, dark eyes, and thin white hair pulled back in a simple bun. She has a slightly hunched posture. She wears a dark grey, coarse wool dress with a simple white linen wimple covering her head and neck. Her hands are gnarled and she is pointing a finger. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Camphor-Worm ◆ supporting
A 'great thing' dwelling in the depths of the Bitter Lake. It has a 'great black snout' that rises from the water, opening to show a 'round hole.' It possesses 'great gills.' Its touch evokes 'shuddering and horror' and 'loathing.' It is immense in size.
Attire: None, as it is a creature.
Wants: To breathe fresh air once a year and release the previous year's breath.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but it is susceptible to the lure of the Burning Rose's fragrance.
Remains unchanged, serving as a magical obstacle and source of the cure.
Instinctual, ancient, and indifferent to human concerns. It simply exists and performs its annual breathing ritual.
Image Prompt & Upload
A colossal, serpentine creature with smooth, dark grey-black skin, like polished stone. Its head is a blunt, rounded snout with a large, perfectly circular opening for a mouth. Two large, dark gills are visible on its neck. It is emerging from dark, heavy-looking water, its body partially submerged. The creature's form is ancient and immense, evoking a sense of primal dread. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Galloping Plough ◆ supporting
A magical plough capable of immense speed and intelligent action. It is described as a 'miracle of quicksilver' and a 'heaven-sent limb.' It has a 'share' (the blade of the plough) that can be used to lift things.
Attire: None, as it is an object.
Wants: To serve its master, Noodle, and aid in the quest to save Princess Melilot.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but it is an instrument, guided by its master.
Remains unchanged, serving as a crucial tool and companion for Noodle.
Loyal, obedient, and incredibly powerful. It 'remembers its master's word' and shows itself a 'miracle of speed.'
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy, antique-style wooden plough, with a polished metal share at the front. The wood is dark, aged oak, and the metal is a dull, functional iron. It has no visible means of propulsion but appears to be moving at an incredible speed, with subtle streaks of light trailing behind it, suggesting magical velocity. It is positioned as if mid-leap or mid-stride. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Princess Melilot's Chamber/Garden
The place where Princess Melilot lies enchanted, with the Burning Rose resting on her heart. Implied to be a private chamber or a secluded part of a palace garden, given the presence of the crone and the intimate nature of the scene.
Mood: Somber, hopeful, expectant, with an undercurrent of urgency due to the Princess's enchantment.
Noodle receives instructions for his quest, extracts the honey from the Burning Rose, and ultimately returns to revive the Princess.
Image Prompt & Upload
A serene, sun-dappled chamber within a classical European palace, perhaps with tall arched windows looking out onto a lush, manicured garden. Princess Melilot lies on a draped bed, her face pale but beautiful. The room is adorned with delicate tapestries and carved wooden furniture. Soft, filtered light illuminates the scene, creating a gentle, hopeful atmosphere. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Bitter Lake
A small pool whose waters are blacker than night and heavier than lead. It is the dwelling place of the Camphor-Worm. The surrounding landscape is likely desolate or wild, contrasting with the palace garden.
Mood: Foreboding, dangerous, mysterious, heavy with an oppressive sense of dread due to the black, leaden waters.
Noodle confronts the Camphor-Worm in its depths, obtains the life-giving bubble of air, and barely escapes with his life.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, perfectly still pool of water, intensely black and reflecting no light, nestled within a sparse, ancient European forest. The water's surface is like polished obsidian, hinting at immense depth and weight. The surrounding trees are gnarled and dark, casting long, somber shadows. The sky above is a muted, overcast grey, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Reigning Palace and Fertile Land
The palace where Noodle and Melilot reign, surrounded by a happy and fertile land. The Burning Rose grows over its walls, and the Galloping Plough makes waste places fertile, while the Thirsty Well's water runs in rivers.
Mood: Joyful, prosperous, peaceful, magical, symbolizing the successful outcome of the quest.
The happy ending, showing the lasting impact of Noodle's quest and the prosperity of their kingdom.
Image Prompt & Upload
A magnificent, yet welcoming, European palace with warm, golden stone walls and intricate carvings, bathed in the soft light of a perpetual golden hour. Over its walls, the vibrant, fiery petals of the Burning Rose cascade. Beyond the palace, a lush, verdant landscape stretches, crisscrossed by sparkling rivers and dotted with bountiful fields, all under a clear, benevolent sky. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
