INTELLIGENCE and LUCK
by Unknown · from Folk Tales Every Child Should Know
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, Intelligence and Luck met. They talked. Luck and Intelligence argued. They saw Vanek. He worked in a field. They chose him.
Intelligence went into Vanek. Vanek disliked work. He wanted new work. He wanted to be a gardener. He wanted to work for The King.
Vanek learned fast. He worked hard. The garden became pretty. The Old Gardener was happy. The King liked Vanek. The King liked the garden.
The Princess came to the garden. She was very lovely. But she did not talk. She was sad. The King wanted her to speak. He made a promise.
Vanek saw The Princess. He felt smart. He had an idea.
Vanek went to The Princess. He saw her small dog. He talked to the dog. He told a story. "A man made a doll. Other man dressed it. I made it talk. Who owns the doll?"
The Princess heard Vanek. She spoke! She said, "The doll belongs to you. You made it talk." All were surprised. The King heard her voice.
Vanek smiled. He said, "You spoke! The King made a promise. You are mine now."
The Bad Helper was angry. He did not like Vanek. He said, "Vanek is a gardener. He cannot marry The Princess." He told The King, 'Send Vanek away.' The King agreed.
Vanek was sad. Guards took him away. Luck came to help him. A guard raised his sword. The sword broke! It snapped in two.
A man rode fast. He had good news. The Princess talked to The King. She said, "Vanek is good. Keep your promise." The King agreed. Vanek became a prince. The Bad Helper left the kingdom.
Vanek married The Princess. They were very happy. Intelligence saw Luck's help. Luck was very strong. Intelligence knew this. They were still friends.
Being smart is good. Luck helps too!
Original Story
INTELLIGENCE AND LUCK
Once upon a time Luck met Intelligence on a garden-seat. "Make room for me!" said Luck. Intelligence was then as yet inexperienced, and didn't know who ought to make room for whom. He said: "Why should I make room for you? you're no better than I." "He's the better man," answered Luck, "who performs most. See you there yon peasant's son who's ploughing in the field? Enter into him, and if he gets on better through you than through me, I'll always submissively make way for you, whensoever and wheresoever we meet." Intelligence agreed, and entered at once into the ploughboy's head. As soon as the ploughboy felt that he had intelligence in his head, he began to think: "Why must I follow the plough to the day of my death? I can go somewhere else and make my fortune more easily." He left off ploughing, put up the plough, and drove home. "Daddy," says he, "I don't like this peasant's life; I'd rather learn to be a gardener." His father said: "What ails you, Vanek? have you lost your wits?" However, he bethought himself and said: "Well, if you will, learn, and God be with you! Your brother will be heir to the cottage after me." Vanek lost the cottage, but he didn't care for that, but went and put himself apprentice to the king's gardener. For every little that the gardener showed him, Vanek comprehended ever so much more. Ere long he didn't even obey the gardener's orders as to how he ought to do anything, but did everything his own way. At first the gardener was angry, but, seeing everything thus getting on better, he was content. "I see that you've more intelligence than I," said he, and henceforth let Vanek garden as he thought fit. In no long space of time Vanek made the garden so beautiful that the king took great delight in it, and frequently walked in it with the queen and with his only daughter.
The princess was a very beautiful damsel, but ever since she was twelve years old she had ceased speaking, and no one ever heard a single word from her. The king was much grieved, and caused a proclamation to be made that whoever should bring it to pass that she should speak again, should be her husband. Many young kings, princes, and other great lords announced themselves one after the other, but all went away as they had come; no one succeeded in causing her to speak. "Why shouldn't I try my luck?" thought Vanek; "who knows whether I mayn't succeed in bringing her to answer when I ask her a question?" He at once caused himself to be announced at the palace, and the king and his councillors conducted him into the room where the princess was. The king's daughter had a pretty little dog, and was very fond of him, because he was so clever, understanding everything that she wanted. When Vanek went into the room with the king and his councillors, he made as if he didn't even see the princess, but turned to the dog and said: "I have heard, doggie, that you are very clever, and I come to you for advice. We are three companions in travel, a sculptor, a tailor, and myself. Once upon a time we were going through a forest and were obliged to pass the night in it. To be safe from wolves, we made a fire, and agreed to keep watch one after the other. The sculptor kept watch first, and for amusement to kill time took a log and carved a damsel out of it. When it was finished, he woke the tailor to keep watch in his turn. The tailor, seeing the wooden damsel, asked what it meant. 'As you see,' said the sculptor, 'I was weary, and didn't know what to do with myself, so I carved a damsel out of a log; if you find time hang heavy on your hands, you can dress her.' The tailor at once took out his scissors, needle and thread, cut out the clothes, stitched away, and, when they were ready, dressed the damsel in them. He then called me to come and keep watch. I, too, asked him what the meaning of all this was. 'As you see,' said the tailor, 'the sculptor found time hang heavy on his hands and carved a damsel out of a log, and I for the same reason clothed her; and if you find time hanging on your hands, you can teach her to speak.' And by morning dawn I had actually taught her to speak. But in the morning when my companions woke up, each wanted to possess the damsel. The sculptor said, 'I made her;' the tailor, 'I clothed her.' I, too, maintained my right. Tell me, therefore, doggie, to which of us the damsel belongs." The dog said nothing, but instead of the dog the princess replied: "To whom can she belong but to yourself? What's the good of the sculptor's damsel without life? What's the good of the tailor's dressing without speech? You gave her the best gift, life and speech, and therefore she by right belongs to you." "You have passed your own sentence," said Vanek; "I have given you speech again and a new life, and you therefore by right belong to me." Then said one of the king's councillors: "His Royal Grace will give you a plenteous reward for succeeding in unloosing his daughter's tongue; but you cannot have her to wife, as you are of mean lineage." The king said: "You are of mean lineage; I will give you a plenteous reward instead of our daughter." But Vanek wouldn't hear of any other reward, and said: "The king promised without any exception, that whoever caused his daughter to speak again should be her husband. A king's word is law; and if the king wants others to observe his laws, he must first keep them himself. Therefore the king must give me his daughter." "Seize and bind him!" shouted the councillor. "Whoever says the king must do anything, offers an insult to his Majesty, and is worthy of death. May it please your Majesty to order this malefactor to be executed with the sword?" The king said: "Let him be executed." Vanek was immediately bound and led to execution. When they came to the place of execution Luck was there waiting for him, and said secretly to Intelligence: "See how this man has got on through you, till he has to lose his head! Make way, and let me take your place!" As soon as Luck entered Vanek, the executioners sword broke against the scaffold, just as if some one had snapped it; and before they brought him another, up rode a trumpeter on horseback from the city, galloping as swift as a bird, trumpeted merrily, and waved a white flag, and after him came the royal carriage for Vanek. This is what had happened: The princess had told her father at home that Vanek had but spoken the truth, and the king's word ought not to be broken. If Vanek were of mean lineage the king could easily make him a prince. The king said: "You're right; let him be a prince!" The royal carriage was immediately sent for Vanek, and the councillor who had irritated the king against him was executed in his stead. Afterward, when Vanek and the princess were going together in a carriage from the wedding, Intelligence happened to be somewhere on the road, and seeing that he couldn't help meeting Luck, bent his head and slipped on one side, just as if cold water had been thrown upon him. And from that time forth it is said that Intelligence has always given a wide berth to Luck whenever he has had to meet him.
XII
Story DNA
Moral
While intelligence can open doors and create opportunities, true success and fortune often require the unpredictable intervention of luck.
Plot Summary
Intelligence and Luck debate their importance, agreeing to test their influence on a peasant boy, Vanek. With Intelligence, Vanek leaves his farm, becomes a skilled royal gardener, and uses a clever riddle to make the king's mute princess speak, claiming her as his promised bride. Despite his low birth, the princess's intervention and Luck's timely assistance at his execution save Vanek, who then marries the princess and becomes a prince, demonstrating that both intelligence and luck are crucial for ultimate success.
Themes
Emotional Arc
struggle to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects common societal structures and beliefs about social class and justice prevalent in many pre-modern European cultures.
Plot Beats (12)
- Intelligence and Luck meet and agree to a contest: whoever helps a peasant boy more will be deemed superior.
- Intelligence enters Vanek, who immediately decides to leave his peasant life and become a gardener.
- Vanek's intelligence helps him quickly master gardening, making the king's garden beautiful and gaining royal favor.
- The king's mute daughter, the princess, frequently visits the garden, and the king has promised her hand to anyone who can make her speak.
- Vanek, confident in his intelligence, decides to try and make the princess speak.
- Vanek tells a riddle to the princess's dog about three companions (sculptor, tailor, himself) and a wooden maiden, asking who owns her after she is given life and speech.
- The princess, compelled by the riddle, speaks to declare the maiden belongs to the one who gave her life and speech.
- Vanek declares the princess has passed her own sentence and belongs to him, having given her speech and a new life.
- A royal councillor objects to Vanek's low birth and convinces the king to execute Vanek for daring to demand the princess.
- At the execution, Luck secretly enters Vanek, causing the executioner's sword to break.
- A trumpeter arrives with news that the princess convinced the king to honor his word, make Vanek a prince, and execute the councillor instead.
- Vanek marries the princess, and Intelligence, seeing Luck's decisive role, thereafter always avoids Luck.
Characters
Luck
Appears as a confident, perhaps slightly flamboyant, figure. Given the context of meeting Intelligence on a garden-seat, likely has a relaxed but assured posture. No specific height or build mentioned, but carries an air of self-importance.
Attire: No specific wardrobe described, but one might infer a slightly more opulent or eye-catching attire than Intelligence, perhaps in bright colors or with subtle shimmering elements, reflecting its nature.
Wants: To prove its superiority over Intelligence and assert its influence in human affairs.
Flaw: Can be momentarily outmaneuvered by pure intellect, but its power is ultimately undeniable.
Starts confident, is momentarily challenged by Intelligence's success, but ultimately reasserts its dominance, causing Intelligence to defer to it.
Confident, assertive, competitive, somewhat mischievous, ultimately powerful.
Intelligence
Initially described as 'inexperienced,' suggesting a perhaps more earnest or less worldly appearance than Luck. No specific height or build mentioned, but likely carries a thoughtful, perhaps slightly academic, demeanor.
Attire: No specific wardrobe described, but one might infer a more understated, perhaps scholarly, attire compared to Luck, in muted or deep colors, reflecting its thoughtful nature.
Wants: To prove its worth and demonstrate its ability to improve human lives.
Flaw: Can be outmaneuvered by the unpredictable nature of Luck, and its logical plans can be undone by unforeseen circumstances.
Starts confident in its abilities, demonstrates its power through Vanek, but ultimately concedes to Luck's superior influence in the final outcome.
Initially questioning, competitive, analytical, capable of strategic thinking, ultimately resigned.
Vanek
Initially a peasant's son, suggesting a sturdy, perhaps lean build from manual labor. As he becomes a gardener and then a prince, his appearance would likely become more refined, though his underlying physical strength would remain. Given the story's likely Eastern European origin (Vanek is a Czech diminutive), he would have fair skin, possibly light to medium brown hair, and average height.
Attire: Starts in typical peasant attire: a coarse linen tunic, simple trousers, and sturdy leather boots, possibly a felt cap. As a gardener, he would wear practical, durable clothes, perhaps a slightly finer linen shirt and breeches. As a prince, he would wear well-tailored court attire, possibly a velvet doublet and hose, with a fine linen shirt, but still retaining a practical, unpretentious feel.
Wants: To improve his station in life, to make his fortune, and to uphold justice and the king's word.
Flaw: His strong principles and directness can put him in danger, as seen when he challenges the king's councillor.
Transforms from a humble ploughboy to a royal gardener, then to a prince and husband to the princess, demonstrating the power of intelligence and luck.
Intelligent, ambitious, quick-witted, determined, principled, resourceful.
The Princess
Described as 'a very beautiful damsel.' Given the Eastern European context, she would likely have fair skin, delicate features, and a graceful build. Her beauty is a key aspect, making her a desirable prize.
Attire: Royal attire, but not overly ostentatious. Perhaps a well-fitted gown of fine silk or brocade in soft, elegant colors (e.g., pale blue, rose, cream), with subtle embroidery. She might wear a simple, elegant necklace or hair ornament.
Wants: To find someone who can understand and connect with her, to uphold truth and justice.
Flaw: Her inability to speak for many years, which isolates her.
Starts as a silent, beautiful enigma, is 'unloosed' by Vanek's cleverness, and then uses her voice to advocate for him, ultimately marrying him.
Initially silent and withdrawn, but intelligent, observant, and principled, as shown by her decisive speech and her later argument to her father.
The King
A monarch, likely of a dignified and somewhat imposing presence. Given the Eastern European context, he would have fair skin, perhaps a beard, and a regal bearing. He is clearly a man of authority.
Attire: Royal robes of the era, perhaps a rich velvet cloak over a brocade tunic, with a jeweled crown or circlet. Colors would be deep and regal, like crimson, royal blue, or purple, with gold embroidery.
Wants: To see his daughter speak again, to maintain his royal authority and the integrity of his word.
Flaw: Can be influenced by his councillors and initially prioritizes lineage over his promise.
Starts as a grieving father who makes a promise, then tries to renege on it due to social pressures, but is convinced by his daughter to uphold his word, becoming a more just ruler.
Grieving (for his daughter), honorable (initially), easily swayed by councillors, but ultimately just and willing to admit his mistakes.
The King's Councillor
Likely a man of some age and authority, perhaps with a lean or slightly portly build, reflecting a life of courtly intrigue rather than manual labor. He would have a formal appearance.
Attire: Formal court attire, perhaps a dark, somber velvet doublet and hose, with a starched ruff or high collar, indicating his position and conservative nature. No crown, but perhaps a chain of office.
Wants: To maintain the social hierarchy, to protect the king's 'honor' (and his own influence), and to prevent a commoner from marrying the princess.
Flaw: His arrogance and rigid adherence to social status lead to his downfall.
Starts as a powerful advisor who successfully sways the king against Vanek, but his cruelty and rigid views lead to his own execution.
Arrogant, class-conscious, manipulative, rigid, power-hungry, cruel.
The King's Gardener
An older, experienced man, likely with a weathered appearance from working outdoors. He would have a practical, sturdy build.
Attire: Practical, durable gardener's clothes: a sturdy linen smock or tunic, canvas trousers, and leather boots. Perhaps a wide-brimmed hat to protect from the sun. Colors would be earthy and functional.
Wants: To maintain the king's garden and to pass on his knowledge.
Flaw: Initially resistant to new methods.
Starts as the master, but quickly recognizes Vanek's superior intelligence and allows him to take the lead, becoming a supportive mentor.
Initially traditional and set in his ways, but open-minded, observant, and willing to learn from others, even his apprentice.
Locations
Garden-seat
A simple garden-seat, likely made of wood or stone, situated within a pleasant garden setting where Intelligence and Luck first meet.
Mood: Neutral, conversational, a place of initial encounter.
The initial meeting and challenge between Luck and Intelligence.
Peasant's Field
An open agricultural field where a peasant's son is ploughing, with rich, turned earth and distant views of a cottage.
Mood: Laborious, rural, a place of humble beginnings.
Vanek's initial life as a ploughboy before Intelligence enters him and he decides to change his path.
King's Palace Garden
A meticulously maintained royal garden, made beautiful by Vanek, where the king, queen, and princess frequently walk.
Mood: Beautiful, serene, a place of royal leisure and quiet observation.
Vanek's success as a gardener and the setting for the princess's daily walks.
Princess's Room in the Palace
A private chamber within the royal palace, where the silent princess resides with her beloved dog. It's where Vanek attempts to make her speak.
Mood: Elegant, quiet, expectant, a place of challenge and revelation.
Vanek's clever ruse to make the princess speak, leading to her recovery of speech.
Place of Execution
An open area, likely outside the city walls or in a public square, where executions are carried out. A scaffold is present.
Mood: Grim, tense, dramatic, a place of impending doom and sudden reversal.
Vanek's near-execution, where Luck intervenes and his fate is dramatically reversed.