The Little Bull-Calf
by Unknown · from More English Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Once, there was a boy. He had a little bull-calf. They were good friends. His father gave him the bull-calf. Then his father was gone.
The Boy's new father was not kind. He did not like the Bull-Calf.
A Wise Man came. He told them to go. Find a happy place.
The Bull-Calf spoke. "I fight bad animals. I fight Big Dragon. I help you. Then I go."
"Climb a tree," said the Bull-Calf. "When I go, take my special bag. Hit the Big Dragon."
The Boy watched. The Bull-Calf fought animals. It fought the Big Dragon. The Bull-Calf was gone.
The Boy came down. He took the special bag.
The Boy walked. He saw a Princess. Big Dragon wanted to take her.
The Boy stayed. The Big Dragon came. The Boy used the special bag. The Big Dragon went away.
The Boy left. The Princess gave him a ring. She put it in his hair.
The King found his Princess safe. He looked for her helper. The King wanted to thank him. He offered a big reward. He offered his daughter. He offered his kingdom. The helper must have the ring.
Many men came. They said they helped. They did not have the ring. The King sent them away.
The Boy heard the news. He went to the King. The King saw the Boy. The Boy looked small. The King did not listen. The Princess saw the Boy. She knew his kind eyes. She saw the ring in his hair.
The Boy showed the ring. It was shiny. The King saw the ring. The Princess smiled.
The King was happy. The Boy was the helper. The Boy married the Princess. He became the new King.
His mean father came. The new King saw him. He did not want him near. He sent him away.
The Boy was kind and brave. He became a good king. Good things happen to good people. The Boy was a good king. He was happy. Being kind and brave is good.
Original Story
The Little Bull-Calf
Centuries of years ago, when almost all this part of the country was wilderness, there was a little boy, who lived in a poor bit of property and his father gave him a little bull-calf, and with it he gave him everything he wanted for it.
But soon after his father died, and his mother got married again to a man that turned out to be a very vicious step-father, who couldn't abide the little boy. So at last the step-father said: "If you bring that bull-calf into this house, I'll kill it." What a villain he was, wasn't he?
Now this little boy used to go out and feed his bull-calf every day with barley bread, and when he did so this time, an old man came up to him—we can guess who that was, eh?—and said to him: "You and your bull-calf had better go away and seek your fortune."
So he went on and he went on and he went on, as far as I could tell you till to-morrow night, and he went up to a farmhouse and begged a crust of bread, and when he got back he broke it in two and gave half of it to the bull-calf. And he went to another house and begged a bit of cheese crud, and when he went back he wanted to give half of it to the bull-calf. "No," says the bull-calf, "I'm going across the field, into the wild-wood wilderness country, where there'll be tigers, leopards, wolves, monkeys, and a fiery dragon, and I'll kill them all except the fiery dragon, and he'll kill me."
The little boy did cry, and said: "Oh, no, my little bull-calf; I hope he won't kill you."
"Yes, he will," said the little bull-calf, "so you climb up that tree, so that no one can come nigh you but the monkeys, and if they come the cheese crud will save you. And when I'm killed, the dragon will go away for a bit, then you must come down the tree and skin me, and take out my bladder and blow it out, and it will kill everything you hit with it. So when the fiery dragon comes back, you hit it with my bladder and cut its tongue out."
(We know there were fiery dragons in those days, like George and his dragon in the legend; but, there! it's not the same world nowadays. The world is turned topsy-turvy since then, like as if you'd turn it over with a spade!)
Of course, he did all the little bull-calf told him. He climbed up the tree, and the monkeys climbed up the tree after him. But he held the cheese crud in his hand, and said: "I'll squeeze your heart like the flint-stone." So the monkey cocked his eye as much as to say: "If you can squeeze a flint-stone to make the juice come out of it, you can squeeze me." But he didn't say anything, for a monkey's cunning, but down he went. And all the while the little bull-calf was fighting all the wild beasts on the ground, and the little lad was clapping his hands up the tree, and calling out: "Go in, my little bull-calf! Well fought, little bull-calf!" And he mastered everything except the fiery dragon, but the fiery dragon killed the little bull-calf.
But the lad waited and waited till he saw the dragon go away, then he came down and skinned the little bull-calf, and took out its bladder and went after the dragon. And as he went on, what should he see but a king's daughter, staked down by the hair of her head, for she had been put there for the dragon to destroy her.
So he went up and untied her hair, but she said: "My time has come for the dragon to destroy me; go away, you can do no good." But he said: "No! I can master it, and I won't go"; and for all her begging and praying he would stop.
And soon he heard it coming, roaring and raging from afar off, and at last it came near, spitting fire, and with a tongue like a great spear, and you could hear it roaring for miles, and it was making for the place where the king's daughter was staked down. But when it came up to them, the lad just hit it on the head with the bladder and the dragon fell down dead, but before it died, it bit off the little boy's forefinger.
THE LITTLE BULL-CALF
Then the lad cut out the dragon's tongue and said to the king's daughter: "I've done all I can, I must leave you." And sorry she was he had to go, and before he went she tied a diamond ring in his hair, and said good-bye to him.
By-and-by, who should come along but the old king, lamenting and weeping, expecting to see nothing of his daughter but the prints of the place where she had been. But he was surprised to find her there alive and safe, and he said: "How came you to be saved?" So she told him how she had been saved, and he took her home to his castle again.
Well, he put it into all the papers to find out who saved his daughter, and who had the dragon's tongue and the princess's diamond ring, and was without his forefinger. Whoever could show these signs should marry his daughter and have his kingdom after his death. Well, any number of gentlemen came from all parts of England, with forefingers cut off, and with diamond rings and all kinds of tongues, wild beasts' tongues and foreign tongues. But they couldn't show any dragons' tongues, so they were turned away.
At last the little boy turned up, looking very ragged and desolated like, and the king's daughter cast her eye on him, till her father grew very angry and ordered them to turn the little beggar boy away. "Father," says she; "I know something of that boy."
Well, still the fine gentlemen came, bringing up their dragons' tongues that weren't dragons' tongues, and at last the little boy came up, dressed a little better. So the old king says: "I see you've got an eye on that boy. If it has to be him it must be him." But all the others were fit to kill him, and cried out: "Pooh, pooh, turn that boy out, it can't be him." But the king said: "Now, my boy, let's see what you have to show." Well, he showed the diamond ring with her name on it, and the fiery dragon's tongue. How the others were thunderstruck when he showed his proofs! But the king told him: "You shall have my daughter and my estate."
So he married the princess, and afterwards got the king's estate. Then his step-father came and wanted to own him, but the young king didn't know such a man.
Story DNA
Moral
Goodness and courage, even in humble beginnings, will eventually be recognized and rewarded.
Plot Summary
A young boy, mistreated by his stepfather, leaves home with his loyal bull-calf. The bull-calf sacrifices itself to fight wild beasts and a dragon, instructing the boy to use its magical bladder as a weapon. The boy uses this weapon to kill the dragon, saving a princess who was staked out as a sacrifice, and takes the dragon's tongue as proof. The king searches for his daughter's rescuer, and despite his ragged appearance, the boy eventually presents the dragon's tongue, a diamond ring from the princess, and his missing forefinger as undeniable proof. He marries the princess, inherits the kingdom, and justly disowns his cruel stepfather.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects a pre-industrial society where kings ruled, and wilderness was a significant part of the landscape. The mention of 'papers' for the king's announcement suggests a slightly later period than pure medieval, perhaps early modern.
Plot Beats (16)
- A young boy receives a bull-calf from his father, who soon dies.
- The boy's new stepfather is cruel and threatens to kill the bull-calf.
- An old man advises the boy and bull-calf to leave and seek their fortune.
- The bull-calf tells the boy it must fight wild beasts and a fiery dragon, and will die.
- The bull-calf instructs the boy to climb a tree, and after its death, to skin it, take its bladder, and use it as a weapon against the dragon.
- The bull-calf fights and kills all the wild beasts but is killed by the fiery dragon.
- The boy follows the bull-calf's instructions, skins it, and takes its bladder.
- The boy finds a king's daughter staked down, awaiting sacrifice to the dragon.
- The boy refuses to leave the princess and uses the bull-calf's bladder to kill the returning dragon, losing his forefinger in the process.
- The boy cuts out the dragon's tongue and leaves, with the princess tying a diamond ring in his hair as a token.
- The king finds his daughter alive and searches for her rescuer, offering his kingdom and her hand in marriage to whoever possesses the dragon's tongue, the ring, and a missing forefinger.
- Many imposters come forward with false proofs, but are rejected.
- The ragged boy is initially dismissed by the king, but the princess recognizes him.
- The boy, now better dressed, presents the diamond ring, the dragon's tongue, and his missing forefinger as proof.
- The king accepts his proof, and the boy marries the princess and inherits the kingdom.
- The boy, now king, rejects his former cruel stepfather.
Characters
The Little Boy
Small and slender, with the typical build of a young boy who has experienced hardship. He is described as 'ragged and desolated' initially, suggesting a lean frame and perhaps a pale complexion from poor living conditions. He loses his forefinger during the dragon fight.
Attire: Initially, very poor and tattered clothing, likely simple homespun linen or wool in muted, undyed colors, patched and worn. Later, he appears 'dressed a little better,' implying slightly cleaner, less ragged, but still modest attire, perhaps a simple tunic and breeches of coarse fabric.
Wants: To survive, to protect his bull-calf, to find his fortune, and later, to prove his worth and claim his rightful place.
Flaw: His initial vulnerability due to his youth and lack of social standing, making him easily dismissed by others.
Transforms from a vulnerable, displaced child into a heroic dragon-slayer, a rescuer of a princess, and ultimately, a king. He learns to trust his instincts and the guidance of his animal companion, proving that true worth is not determined by birth or wealth.
Kind, brave, resourceful, loyal (to his bull-calf), persistent, humble.
The Little Bull-Calf
A robust, healthy young bull-calf, larger than average, with strong legs and a sturdy body. Its hide would be a rich, earthy brown, perhaps with some white markings, indicative of a well-fed and cared-for animal.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To protect the little boy and guide him to his destiny, even at the cost of its own life.
Flaw: Its physical vulnerability to the fiery dragon, despite its strength against other beasts.
Serves as the boy's mentor and protector, ultimately sacrificing itself to provide the boy with the means to defeat the dragon and fulfill his destiny. Its death is a pivotal moment, enabling the boy's transformation.
Wise, brave, self-sacrificing, loyal, prophetic, strategic.
The Vicious Step-Father
Likely a burly or imposing figure, perhaps with a harsh countenance. His 'vicious' nature suggests a lack of care for his appearance, or perhaps a rough, unkempt look. He would be of average height for an English man of the period, with a strong, perhaps intimidating build.
Attire: Simple, practical, but perhaps ill-fitting or stained peasant clothing, such as a coarse wool tunic and breeches, in dark, drab colors. Nothing refined, reflecting his cruel nature and likely lower social standing.
Wants: To rid himself of the little boy and his bull-calf, viewing them as burdens. Later, to gain wealth and status by falsely claiming kinship with the new king.
Flaw: His cruelty and short-sightedness, which ultimately prevent him from benefiting from the boy's success.
Remains static in his villainy, serving as the initial catalyst for the boy's journey. His attempt to claim the boy later highlights his opportunistic nature, but he is ultimately rejected.
Vicious, cruel, intolerant, abusive, greedy (later, when trying to claim the boy).
The Old Man
An old man, perhaps with a slight stoop from age, but with a kind and knowing demeanor. His appearance would be humble, fitting the wilderness setting, but not ragged. He would be of average height for an elderly English man.
Attire: Simple, practical, and well-worn but clean peasant clothing, likely a long, dark wool cloak or tunic, suitable for traveling in the wilderness. Earthy, muted tones.
Wants: To guide the little boy towards his destiny and help him escape his cruel home life.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, as he acts as a benevolent, almost supernatural guide.
A static character who serves as a catalyst, appearing only once to set the boy on his journey.
Wise, benevolent, mysterious, guiding.
The Fiery Dragon
A massive, terrifying dragon, scaled and powerful. Its most distinctive features are its ability to spit fire and its tongue, described as 'like a great spear.' Its body would be covered in tough, possibly reddish or dark, iridescent scales.
Attire: None, as it is a creature.
Wants: To guard its territory, to destroy the king's daughter as a sacrifice, to assert its dominance.
Flaw: Vulnerable to the magical bladder of the bull-calf, which can kill it with a single blow.
A static force of evil that is ultimately defeated, serving as the ultimate test for the protagonist.
Ferocious, destructive, territorial, relentless.
The King's Daughter
A beautiful young woman, as befits a princess, but initially in distress. Her hair is long enough to be staked down, suggesting considerable length. She would have a delicate build, contrasting with the harshness of her situation. Her skin would be fair and unblemished, reflecting her royal upbringing.
Attire: Royal attire, but perhaps somewhat disheveled from being staked down. This would be a fine gown of silk or velvet, in rich colors like blue, green, or crimson, possibly embroidered with gold thread, indicative of an English princess. She would wear a diamond ring.
Wants: To survive, and later, to honor her rescuer and ensure he receives his due.
Flaw: Her initial helplessness and resignation to her fate.
Transforms from a helpless victim to an active participant in ensuring her rescuer is recognized and rewarded. She becomes a loving wife and queen.
Resigned (initially), grateful, kind, observant, loyal (to the boy who saved her).
The Old King
An elderly king, likely with a regal but perhaps weary appearance due to his daughter's peril. He would be of average height for an English man, with a dignified bearing. His age would show in his posture and facial lines.
Attire: Rich, formal royal attire, such as a heavy velvet robe in a deep color (e.g., crimson or purple), trimmed with ermine or gold embroidery, over a fine tunic. He would wear a golden crown, perhaps simple but dignified.
Wants: To save his daughter, to find and reward her true rescuer, and to ensure the stability of his kingdom.
Flaw: His initial prejudice against the little boy due to his appearance and social standing.
Initially blinded by grief and social prejudice, he ultimately upholds his promise and recognizes the true hero, demonstrating his underlying sense of justice.
Grieving (initially), relieved, just (eventually), somewhat prejudiced (against the ragged boy), discerning.
Locations
Wild-wood Wilderness Country
A dense, untamed forest, implied to be ancient and vast, teeming with dangerous wild animals like tigers, leopards, wolves, and monkeys. The ground is likely covered in natural debris, with large, climbable trees. It is the lair of a fiery dragon.
Mood: Perilous, wild, ancient, and magical, with an underlying sense of dread due to the dragon's presence.
The bull-calf fights and is killed by the dragon here, and the boy later confronts and slays the dragon, saving the princess.
King's Castle
A grand medieval English castle, likely built of grey stone, with large halls, perhaps tapestries, and a throne room. It serves as the residence of the King and Princess.
Mood: Regal, formal, initially sorrowful due to the princess's peril, then hopeful and ultimately celebratory.
The King brings his daughter back here after her rescue. It is where the competition to find her savior takes place, and where the boy ultimately reveals his proofs and marries the princess.