[THE STORY of BLUE BEARD](#contents)
by Unknown · from Favorite Fairy Tales
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Adapted Version
A rich man had a very blue beard! His name was Mr. Blue Beard. He wanted a wife. He asked Lily to marry him. Lily said yes. They were married.
One day, Mr. Blue Beard left. He gave Lily many keys. "You can open any door," he said. "Not this one." He showed a small key. "This room is a secret. Do not open it. This is very important."
Lily felt very curious. She took the small key. She went to the secret door. Her hand shook a little. She put the key in. The door opened. Inside were old, broken toys. There were sad, forgotten things.
Lily was very sad. She dropped the key. The key fell on the floor. It got very dirty. Lily picked it up. She tried to clean it. The dirt did not go away. The key stayed dirty.
Mr. Blue Beard came home early. Lily was surprised. He asked for his keys. Lily gave them to him.
Mr. Blue Beard saw the dirty key. He knew Lily opened the door. He was very angry. "You did not listen to me!" he said. "You must leave my house now. Go away!"
Lily was very scared. "Please wait!" she cried. "Let me say goodbye to Ann. My sister Ann is here." Mr. Blue Beard said, "You have a little time. Not much time."
Lily told Ann to go up. "Look for our brothers," she said. "They will come today. Look for them." Ann ran up the tower. She looked far away.
Mr. Blue Beard called, "Come down now!" Lily asked, "Ann, do you see them?" Ann said, "I see sun and grass." Mr. Blue Beard called again.
Mr. Blue Beard was very mad. "Come down now!" he shouted. Lily asked, "Ann, see anyone?" Ann looked. "I see dust!" she called. "Two men are coming!"
Mr. Blue Beard grabbed Lily. He wanted to push her out of the house. He was very angry. He did not want her there. He pulled her arm.
Just then, the brothers came in. They saw Mr. Blue Beard. They told him to stop. Mr. Blue Beard was scared. He ran away from the house. He never came back. Lily was safe now.
Lily was safe and happy. She shared her big house. She shared her nice things. The brothers were happy too. Lily found a kind new friend. They lived happily ever after.
It is good to listen to rules. But if you are in trouble, your family and friends will always help you!
Original Story
THE STORY OF BLUE BEARD
MANY years ago there was a rich man who had a singular blue beard, which made him very ugly. Being left a widower, he wished to marry one of the two beautiful daughters of a neighboring lady, and at last the younger of these girls consented to be his wife.
About a month after the marriage, Blue Beard told his bride that he must leave her for a time, as he had some business to attend to at a distance. He gave her his keys, and told her to make free of everything and entertain her friends while he was absent, but ending by drawing one key from the bunch and saying:
"This small key belongs to the room at the end of the long gallery—and that, my dear, is the one room you must not enter, nor even put the key into the lock. Should you disobey, your punishment would be dreadful."
Blue Beard set out on his journey, and for a time his wife found pleasure in showing her friends all her magnificence; but again and again she wondered what could be the reason why she was not to visit the room at the end of the long gallery. At last her curiosity became such that she could not resist the temptation to take just one peep within the forbidden door. When she reached the door she stopped for a few moments to think of her husband's warning, that he would not fail to keep his word should she disobey him. But she was so very curious to know what was inside, that she determined to venture in spite of everything.
So, with a trembling hand, she put the key into the lock, and the door immediately opened. The window shutters being closed, she at first saw nothing; but in a short time she noticed that the floor was covered with clotted blood, on which the bodies of several dead women were lying. (These were all the wives whom Blue Beard had married, and murdered one after another!) She was ready to sink with fear, and the key of the door, which she held in her hand, fell on the floor. When she had somewhat recovered from her fright, she took it up, locked the door and hurried to her own room, terrified by what she had seen.
As she observed that the key had got stained with blood in falling on the floor, she wiped it two or three times to clean it; but the blood still remained; she next washed it; but the blood did not go; she then scoured it with brickdust, and afterwards with sand. But notwithstanding all she could do, the blood was still there, for the key was a fairy, who was Blue Beard's friend, so that as fast as she got the stain off one side it appeared again on the other. Early in the evening Blue Beard returned, saying he had not proceeded far before he was met by a messenger, who told him that the business was concluded without his presence being necessary. His wife said everything she could think of to make him believe that she was delighted at his unexpected return.
The next morning, he asked for the keys. She gave them, but, as she could not help showing her fright, Blue Beard easily guessed what had happened.
"How is it," said he, "that the key of the closet upon the ground floor is not here."
"Is it not?" said the wife. "I must have left it on my dressing table."
"Be sure you give it me by and by," replied Blue Beard.
After going several times backwards and forwards, pretending to look for the key, she was at last obliged to give it to Blue Beard. He looked at it attentively, and then said:
"How came this blood upon the key?"
"I am sure I do not know," replied the lady, turning as pale as death.
"You do not know?" said Blue Beard sternly. "But I know well enough. You have been in the closet on the ground floor. Very well, madam; since you are so mightily fond of this closet, you shall certainly take your place among the ladies you saw there."
His wife, almost dead with fear, fell upon her knees, asked his pardon a thousand times for her disobedience, and begged him to forgive her, looking all the time so sorrowful and lovely that she would have melted any heart that was not harder than a rock.
But Blue Beard answered:
"No, no, madam; you shall die this very minute."
"Alas," said the poor creature, "if I must die, allow me, at least, a little time to say my prayers!"
"I give you," replied the cruel Blue Beard, "half a quarter of an hour—not one moment longer."
When Bluebeard had left her to herself, she called her sister; and, after telling her that she had but half a quarter of an hour to live:
"Please," said she, "Sister Ann" (this was her sister's name), "run up to the tower, and see if my brothers are in sight; they promised to come and visit me to-day; and if you see them, make a sign for them to gallop on as fast as possible."
Her sister instantly did as she was desired, and the terrified lady every minute called out:
"Sister Ann, do you see anyone coming?"
And her sister answered:
"I see nothing but the sun, which makes a dust, and the grass, which looks green."
In the meanwhile, Blue Beard, with a great simitar in his hand, bawled as loud as he could:
"Come down instantly, or I will fetch you."
"One moment longer, I beseech you," replied she, and again called softly to her sister:
"Sister Ann, do you see anyone coming?"
To which she answered:
"I see nothing but the sun, which makes a dust, and the grass, which looks green."
Blue Beard again bawled out:
"Come down, I say, this very moment, or I shall come and fetch you."
"I am coming; indeed I will come in one minute," sobbed his unhappy wife. Then she once more cried out:
"Sister Ann, do you see anyone coming?"
"I see," said her sister, "a cloud of dust a little to the left."
"Do you think it is my brothers?" continued the wife.
"Alas, no, dear sister," replied she, "it is only a flock of sheep!"
"Will you come down or not, madam?" said Blue Beard, in the greatest rage imaginable.
"Only one moment more," answered she. And then she called out for the last time:
"Sister Ann! do you see no one coming?"
"I see," replied her sister, "two men on horseback coming to the house; but they are still at a great distance."
"God be praised!" cried she; "it is my brothers. Give them a sign to make what haste they can."
At the same moment Blue Beard cried out so loud for her to come down, that his voice shook the whole house. The poor lady, with her hair loose and her eyes swimming in tears, came down, and fell on her knees before Blue Beard, and was going to beg him to spare her life, but he interrupted her, saying: "All this is of no use, for you shall die;" then, seizing her with one hand by the hair, and raising the simitar he held in the other, he was going with one blow to strike off her head.
The unfortunate woman, turning toward him, desired to have a single moment allowed her to compose herself.
"No, no," said Blue Beard; "I will give you no more time, I am determined. You have had too much already."
Again he raised his arm. Just at this instant a loud knocking was heard at the gates, which made Blue Beard wait for a moment to see who it was. The gates were opened, and two officers entered with their swords in their hands. Blue Beard, seeing they were his wife's brothers, endeavored to escape, but they pursued and seized him before he had got twenty steps, and, plunging their swords into his body, laid him dead at their feet.
The poor wife, who was almost as dead as her husband, was unable at first to rise and embrace her brothers, but she soon recovered.
As Blue Beard had no heirs, she found herself the possessor of his great riches. She used part of her vast fortune in giving a marriage dowry to her sister Ann, who soon after was married. With another part she bought captains' commissions for her two brothers; and the rest she presented to a most worthy gentleman whom she married soon after, and whose kind treatment soon made her forget Blue Beard's cruelty.
Story DNA
Moral
Unchecked curiosity can lead to terrible consequences, but justice can prevail.
Plot Summary
A wealthy man with a blue beard marries a young woman and entrusts her with his castle keys, forbidding her from one room. Overwhelmed by curiosity, she enters the forbidden room, discovering the murdered bodies of his previous wives, and the key becomes magically stained with blood. Blue Beard returns unexpectedly, discovers her disobedience, and condemns her to death. As she desperately awaits her brothers' arrival, Blue Beard prepares to kill her, but her brothers burst in at the last moment, slaying Blue Beard and saving their sister, who then inherits his fortune and lives a happy life.
Themes
Emotional Arc
fear to terror to relief and triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The tale is often linked to historical figures like Gilles de Rais, a 15th-century French nobleman and serial killer, though the direct connection is debated. It reflects societal anxieties about unknown dangers within marriage and the consequences of female curiosity in patriarchal societies.
Plot Beats (13)
- A rich man with a blue beard marries a young woman.
- Blue Beard leaves on a journey, giving his wife all keys but forbidding her from one specific room.
- Overcome by curiosity, the wife enters the forbidden room and discovers the bloody corpses of Blue Beard's former wives.
- The key falls and becomes permanently stained with blood, a magical indicator of her disobedience.
- Blue Beard unexpectedly returns early and immediately asks for the keys.
- He discovers the blood-stained key, realizes his wife's transgression, and declares she must die.
- The wife pleads for time to pray, which Blue Beard grants, giving her a quarter of an hour.
- She sends her sister, Ann, to the tower to look for their brothers, who are expected to visit.
- Blue Beard repeatedly calls for his wife to come down, while Sister Ann reports seeing nothing but the landscape.
- As Blue Beard's rage intensifies, Sister Ann finally spots two horsemen approaching.
- Blue Beard seizes his wife, preparing to strike her down.
- Just as he raises his sword, the brothers burst in, kill Blue Beard, and save their sister.
- The wife inherits Blue Beard's vast wealth, uses it to provide for her sister and brothers, and remarries happily.
Characters
Blue Beard
A rich man of imposing stature, likely tall and broad-shouldered, with a stern and unforgiving countenance. His most distinguishing feature is his singular blue beard, which is noted as making him very ugly. His build is strong, capable of wielding a scimitar with deadly intent.
Attire: As a rich man, he would wear luxurious, dark-colored garments appropriate for a wealthy nobleman of the period, possibly a velvet doublet over a fine linen shirt, breeches, and polished leather boots. His clothing would be of high quality, perhaps with subtle embroidery, but always conveying a sense of power and severity rather than flamboyant display.
Wants: To maintain absolute control over his wives and to punish any disobedience, ultimately driven by a psychopathic need to murder them.
Flaw: Overconfidence and a tendency to gloat, which leads him to delay his final act, allowing his wife time to call for help. His rage also makes him predictable.
He remains static in his cruelty, ultimately meeting his demise at the hands of his wife's brothers. He does not change or learn.
Cruel, deceptive, possessive, impatient, and utterly ruthless. He shows no mercy or empathy, even towards his pleading wife.
Blue Beard's Wife
A beautiful young woman, described as one of two beautiful daughters. She is likely of slender build, with a delicate appearance that contrasts with Blue Beard's harshness. Her physical reactions to fear (turning pale, trembling) suggest a sensitive constitution.
Attire: As Blue Beard's wife, she would wear magnificent and luxurious gowns, likely of rich fabrics like silk or brocade, in vibrant colors, reflecting her new wealth. Her attire would be fashionable for a noblewoman of the period, perhaps with intricate embroidery or lace, and appropriate jewelry.
Wants: Initially, to enjoy her new life of luxury. Later, her primary motivation is to survive Blue Beard's wrath and to protect herself.
Flaw: Her overwhelming curiosity, which leads her to disobey Blue Beard's command and discover his secret.
She transforms from a curious and somewhat naive bride into a terrified but resourceful survivor. She learns the true nature of her husband and, after his death, uses her newfound wealth wisely, finding happiness and security.
Curious, initially naive, easily frightened, resourceful under pressure, loving towards her sister and brothers, and ultimately resilient.
Sister Ann
Described as the sister of the beautiful wife, implying she also possesses beauty. She is agile enough to run up to the tower quickly. Her appearance would be similar to her sister's, perhaps slightly older or younger.
Attire: As the sister of a wealthy woman, she would also be dressed in fine, though perhaps not as magnificent, attire. A well-made gown of good quality fabric, perhaps linen or wool, in a pleasant color, suitable for visiting her sister's grand estate.
Wants: To help her sister and save her from Blue Beard.
Flaw: Her inability to see her brothers sooner, which prolongs her sister's agony.
She remains a steadfast and loyal sister throughout the ordeal. After Blue Beard's death, she receives a marriage dowry from her sister and marries soon after, finding her own happiness.
Loyal, observant, helpful, and calm under pressure, despite the dire circumstances.
The Brothers
Two strong, capable men, described as officers, implying a military background. They are skilled with swords and ride horses. Their build would be athletic and robust.
Attire: As officers, they would wear military uniforms of the era, possibly consisting of a sturdy tunic or coat, breeches, and tall riding boots. Their attire would be practical for travel and combat, perhaps with some insignia of their rank. They would carry swords.
Wants: To visit their sister and, upon realizing her danger, to rescue her from Blue Beard.
Flaw: Their distance from the house, which causes a delay in their arrival.
They arrive as saviors, fulfilling their role without significant personal change, but their actions lead to the resolution of the conflict.
Brave, decisive, protective, and loyal to their sister.
Locations
Blue Beard's Castle
A grand, opulent castle, likely of French Renaissance or Baroque style, given the story's origin. It contains a long gallery and numerous rooms, suggesting wealth and scale. The overall atmosphere is initially one of luxury and freedom, but quickly turns to dread and confinement.
Mood: Initially luxurious and inviting, quickly becomes oppressive, terrifying, and suspenseful.
The primary setting for the entire story, where Blue Beard's wife explores, discovers the secret, and faces her impending doom before being rescued.
The Forbidden Room
A hidden room at the end of a long gallery within Blue Beard's castle. The window shutters are closed, plunging it into darkness. The floor is covered in clotted blood, and the bodies of several dead women are strewn across it. The air is heavy with the scent of decay and fear.
Mood: Horrifying, macabre, claustrophobic, and utterly terrifying.
The climax of the wife's curiosity and the turning point of the story, where she discovers Blue Beard's gruesome secret.
The Castle Tower
A high vantage point within Blue Beard's castle, likely a turret or a battlements walk, offering a view of the surrounding countryside. From here, Sister Ann scans the horizon for their brothers.
Mood: Anxious, hopeful, desperate, with a sense of urgency and impending doom.
Sister Ann's lookout for the brothers, creating intense suspense as Blue Beard's wife awaits rescue.