THE WICKED STEPMOTHER
by Unknown · from Serbian Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Lily is a kind girl. She lives with her Father. Her Unkind Stepmother does not like Lily. Lily is very pretty. The Unkind Stepmother wants Lily to go. Father takes Lily to the forest. He leaves her there.
Lily walks alone in the big forest. She feels a little sad. It gets dark. Lily climbs a tall tree. She sleeps in the tree. Wild animals are near. Lily is safe there.
Next day, Lily walks. She sees a big, pretty house. Lily goes inside. She has a small cake. A Rooster comes. Lily gives him cake. Doggy comes. Lily gives him cake. Kitty comes. Lily gives her cake. Leo the Lion comes. Lily gives him cake. He is friendly.
A big, friendly man comes in. He wears a bear skin. The animals are happy. The man takes off his bear skin. He is Prince Leo. He is handsome. Prince Leo sees Lily. He knows she is kind. Prince Leo asks Lily to stay. He asks her to be his princess. Lily says yes.
Lily becomes a princess. She lives with Prince Leo. One day, Lily goes to her Father's house. She wears a gold dress. The Unkind Stepmother sees Lily. She is surprised.
The Unkind Stepmother wants the same for her daughter. Her daughter is Bella. The Unkind Stepmother sends Bella to the forest. She tells Bella to find the house.
Bella walks to the house. She goes inside. Bella has food. Rooster comes. Bella does not give him food. Doggy comes. Bella does not give him food. Kitty comes. Bella does not give her food. Leo the Lion comes. Bella does not give him food. Bella is not kind.
The animals do not like Bella. Bella leaves the house. She walks alone. Bella does not find a happy home.
The Unkind Stepmother sees Lily. Lily is happy. The Unkind Stepmother sees Bella. Bella is not happy. The Unkind Stepmother is sad. She learns that kindness is best.
Original Story
THE WICKED STEPMOTHER
There was once on a time a stepmother who hated her stepdaughter exceedingly, because she was more beautiful than her own daughter whom she had brought with her into the house. By-and-by the father learned also to hate his own child; he scolded her, and beat her, in order to please his wife. One day his wife said to him, “Let us send your daughter away. Let her look out for herself in the world.” Upon this the man asked, “Where can we send her? Where can the poor girl go alone?” To this the wife answered, “If you will not do this, husband, I will no longer live with you. You had better take her to-morrow out of the house. You can lead her into the forest, and then steal away from her and hurry home.” She repeated this so often that at length he consented, but said, “At least prepare the girl something for her journey, that she may not die the first day of hunger.”
The stepmother thereupon made a cake, and, the next morning early, the father led the girl far away into the very heart of the forest, and there left her and went back home.
“At length she came to a fine large house.”
The poor girl, thus left alone, wandered all day about the wood seeking for a path, but could find no way out of it. When it grew dark she got up into a tree to pass the night, fearing lest some wild beasts would eat her if she remained on the ground. And, indeed, all night long the wolves were howling under the tree, so that the poor girl trembled so much that she could hardly keep herself from falling. When day dawned she descended from the tree and walked on again, hoping to find some way out of the forest. But the wood grew thicker and thicker, and seemed to have no end. In the evening, whilst she was looking for a tree in which she might remain safely over the night, all at once she saw something shining in the forest. So she went on, hoping to find some shelter, and at length came to a fine large house. The gates were open, so she went in, and walked through a great many rooms, each one more beautiful than the other. On a table in one room she found a candle burning. She thought this must be the house of some robbers; but she was not afraid, for she reasoned with herself, “Rich men have reason to fear robbers, but I have none—I will tell them that I will serve them gladly for a piece of bread.”
She then took the cake from her bag, said grace, and began to eat. Just as she had begun to eat a cock came into the room, and sprang upon the table to reach the cake, so the girl crumbled some of it for him. Then a little dog came in and jumped quite friendly upon her, so she broke a piece from her cake for the little dog, and took him on her knee, and petted and fed him. After that came in a cat also, and the girl fed her too.
At length the girl heard a loud noise as if some great beast was coming, and was greatly frightened when a lion came into the room. But the lion moved his tail in such a friendly way, and looked so very kindly, that she took heart, and offered him a piece of her cake. The lion took it and began to lick her hand, and the girl had no longer any fear of him, so she stroked him gently and fed him with the rest of the cake. Suddenly she heard a great noise of weapons, and almost swooned as a creature in a bear-skin entered the room. The cock, the dog, the cat, and the lion all ran to it, and jumped about it affectionately, showing in all possible ways their great joy. The poor girl thought it a very strange beast, and expected it would jump upon her and kill her. But the fearful thing threw the bear-skin from its head and shoulders, and all the room shone and glittered with its golden garments. The poor girl almost lost her senses when she saw before her a handsome man, beautifully dressed. But he came up to her and said, “Don’t be afraid, my dear! I am not a bad man, I am the son of the king, and when I wish to hunt I come here and use this bear-skin as a disguise lest the people should recognize me. Those who see me believe that I am a ghost, and run away from me. No one dares to come into this house, knowing that I often come here. You are the only person who has ventured in. How did you know that I am not a ghost?”
Then she told him she had never heard of him nor of the house, but that her stepmother had driven her away from home, and she told him all that had happened to her. When he heard this he was very sorry, and said, “Your stepmother hated you, but God has been kind to you. I will marry you if you are willing to be my wife—will you consent?” “Yes,” she replied.
Next day he took her to his father’s palace and married her. After some time she begged to be allowed to go to see her father. So her husband allowed her to go, and she dressed herself all in gold and went to her father’s house. The father happened to be away from home, and the stepmother, seeing her coming, was afraid lest she had come to revenge herself. So she hurried to meet her and said, “You see that it was I who sent you on the road to happiness.” The stepdaughter kissed her and embraced her stepsister. Then the girl said she was very sorry that she had not found her father at home, and, on her going away, she gave plenty of money to her stepmother. When, however, she had gone away the stepmother shook her fist after her and cried, “Wait a little, you shall not be the only one so dressed out; to-morrow I will send my own daughter after you the same way.”
When her husband came home at night she told him all that had happened, and said, “What do you think, husband? would it not be a good thing to send my girl also into the wood to try her fortune; for your girl, whom we sent there, never came back until now, and now she has come glittering in gold?”
The man sighed and agreed to the proposal. Next day the stepmother prepared for her daughter plenty of cakes and roasted meats, and then sent her with the father into the forest. The man led her deep into the forest, as he had done his own daughter, and there left her. Finding the father did not return, she began to seek a way to get home, and soon came in sight of the house in the forest. She entered it, and seeing no one, fastened the door inside. Then she took out of her bag the baked meats and cakes and began to eat. Whilst she was eating the cock, the dog, and the cat came in suddenly, and began to play about her affectionately, hoping she would give them something; but she became quite angry, and exclaimed, “The devil take you! I have hardly enough for myself; do you think I will give any to you?” Then she began to beat them, whereat the dog howled, and the lion, hearing it, rushed in furiously, caught the girl and killed her.
Next day the king’s son came with his wife to hunt. She immediately recognised her sister’s dress, and gathered together the fragments of the body, which she took to her stepmother. She found her father at home this time, and he was greatly pleased to hear that his daughter was married to the king’s son. When, however, he heard what had happened to the daughter of his wife, he was very sorry, but said, “Her mother has deserved this from the hand of God, because she hated you without a cause. There she is at the well. I will go and tell her.”
When the stepmother heard what had happened to her daughter, she said to her husband, “I cannot bear your daughter. I cannot bear to look at her. Let us kill her and her husband. If you will not consent, I will jump down into this well.” “I cannot kill my own child,” returned he. “Well, then,” cried she, “if you will not kill her, I cannot endure her,” and so she jumped down into the well.
Story DNA
Moral
Kindness and compassion are rewarded, while cruelty and selfishness lead to ruin.
Plot Summary
A wicked stepmother forces her husband to abandon his beautiful daughter in a forest. The kind stepdaughter finds a magical house, befriends its animal inhabitants, and marries a prince disguised as a 'bear-skin' creature. When the now-wealthy stepdaughter visits her father, the envious stepmother sends her own cruel daughter to the same house, where she mistreats the animals and is killed by a lion. Upon learning of her daughter's death and the stepdaughter's happiness, the stepmother, consumed by rage, commits suicide.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects common societal anxieties about step-parents and the vulnerability of children, particularly girls, in pre-modern societies.
Plot Beats (12)
- A wicked stepmother hates her beautiful stepdaughter and convinces the father to abandon her in the forest.
- The stepdaughter wanders lost and afraid in the forest, spending a night in a tree.
- She discovers a large, beautiful house, enters, and shares her meager cake with a cock, dog, cat, and lion.
- A 'bear-skin' creature enters, reveals himself to be a handsome prince, and proposes marriage to the kind stepdaughter.
- The stepdaughter marries the prince and later visits her father's house, dressed in gold, surprising her stepmother.
- The envious stepmother, seeing the stepdaughter's fortune, decides to send her own daughter to the same house in the forest.
- The stepmother's daughter, well-provisioned, finds the house and cruelly refuses to share her food with the animals, even beating them.
- The lion, enraged by the daughter's cruelty, kills her.
- The prince and his wife find the stepdaughter's sister's remains; the stepdaughter takes them to her father.
- The father is pleased by his daughter's marriage but saddened by his wife's daughter's death, attributing it to divine justice.
- The stepmother, unable to bear the stepdaughter's presence or her own daughter's fate, threatens suicide if her husband won't kill the stepdaughter.
- The father refuses, and the stepmother jumps into a well, ending her life.
Characters
The Stepmother
A woman of average height and build, likely with a stern and often displeased expression. Her features would reflect her bitter and envious nature, perhaps with sharp eyes and a thin-lipped mouth.
Attire: Practical, yet perhaps slightly ostentatious for her station, reflecting her desire to elevate her own daughter. She might wear a dark, heavy wool dress, perhaps in shades of grey or deep green, with a simple linen coif or cap covering her hair, typical of a European peasant or lower-gentry woman of the medieval period. Her clothing would be well-maintained but lack warmth or softness.
Wants: To ensure her own daughter's prosperity and happiness, even at the expense of her stepdaughter, driven by deep-seated jealousy and a desire for social advancement.
Flaw: Her overwhelming envy and hatred, which blinds her to reason and leads to her own downfall.
She begins as a manipulative and cruel figure, successfully banishing her stepdaughter. Her envy then drives her to try and replicate her stepdaughter's success for her own child, leading to her daughter's death. Unable to bear the sight of her stepdaughter's happiness and her own failure, she commits suicide.
Envious, cruel, manipulative, selfish, and ultimately self-destructive.
The Stepmother's Daughter
A young woman of radiant beauty, described as 'more beautiful' than her stepsister. She would have a gentle demeanor and a kind expression, reflecting her inner goodness.
Attire: Initially, simple, worn peasant clothing, perhaps a faded linen dress and a plain apron, reflecting her impoverished and mistreated state. After her marriage, she wears a magnificent golden gown, possibly of silk or brocade, shimmering with intricate embroidery, indicative of her royal status. This would be a European medieval style, perhaps a cotehardie or gown with long, flowing sleeves.
Wants: Initially, to survive and find a safe place. Later, to live happily with her husband and maintain a relationship with her father, even forgiving her stepmother.
Flaw: Her initial vulnerability and helplessness when abandoned in the forest.
She begins as a victim of abuse, abandoned in the forest. Through her kindness and resilience, she finds a magical house, marries a prince, and becomes a queen. She demonstrates forgiveness and generosity towards her former tormentors, ultimately achieving a happy and prosperous life.
Kind, compassionate, resilient, forgiving, and resourceful.
The Father
A man of perhaps middle age, likely with a weary or conflicted expression. His build would be average, not particularly strong or imposing, reflecting his passive nature.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant or commoner's attire, such as a tunic of coarse linen or wool, plain breeches, and sturdy leather boots. His clothes would be functional but not well-maintained, reflecting his subservient role in the household.
Wants: To please his wife and avoid conflict, even at the expense of his own daughter.
Flaw: His inability to stand up to his wife and protect his daughter.
He begins as a complicit abuser, abandoning his daughter. He later experiences regret and sorrow, especially after his stepdaughter's return and his stepdaughter's death. He ultimately condemns his wife's actions.
Weak-willed, easily manipulated, passive, regretful, and ultimately remorseful.
The King's Son
A handsome and regal young man, described as 'beautifully dressed' and capable of inspiring awe. He would have a strong, athletic build, suitable for hunting.
Attire: Initially, a rough bear-skin cloak worn as a disguise. Beneath, he wears magnificent golden garments that glitter, likely fine silk or brocade, embroidered with royal motifs, possibly a tunic and hose, with a rich cloak, indicative of European medieval royalty.
Wants: To hunt in disguise and to find a worthy companion. Later, to marry the Stepmother's Daughter and live happily.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but his disguise makes him seem fearsome to others.
He begins as a solitary prince in disguise. He finds love and a wife in the Stepmother's Daughter, bringing her into his royal life.
Kind, brave, discerning, and loving.
The Stepsister
A young woman, implied to be less beautiful than the Stepmother's Daughter. Her features might reflect her mother's less pleasant traits, perhaps a petulant expression.
Attire: Initially, likely similar simple peasant clothing to her stepsister, but perhaps newer or slightly better maintained due to her mother's favoritism. When sent to the forest, she is dressed in similar clothes, but with 'plenty of cakes and roasted meats' in her bag, suggesting a more indulgent preparation.
Wants: To gain wealth and status like her stepsister, without earning it.
Flaw: Her selfishness and cruelty, which lead to her violent death.
She attempts to replicate her stepsister's journey but fails due to her cruelty towards the animals, leading to her violent death.
Selfish, cruel, ungrateful, and entitled.
The Lion
A large, powerful African lion with a magnificent mane. Despite its fearsome appearance, it possesses a gentle and friendly demeanor when not provoked.
Attire: None, as it is a wild animal.
Wants: To be fed and cared for by kind individuals, and to protect its master and those it deems worthy.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but its trust can be betrayed by unkindness.
It acts as a protector, first accepting the kindness of the Stepmother's Daughter and later fiercely punishing the cruelty of the Stepsister.
Loyal, protective, discerning, and fierce when provoked.
Locations
Stepmother's House
A domestic setting, likely a simple, traditional German half-timbered house (Fachwerkhaus) with a thatched or tiled roof, where the stepdaughter endures abuse. The interior would feature a basic hearth, wooden furniture, and perhaps a small, cluttered kitchen area.
Mood: Oppressive, cold, unwelcoming for the stepdaughter; later, a place of brief, tense reunion.
The stepdaughter is mistreated and ultimately banished; she later returns in golden garments, causing envy.
Deep Forest
A dense, ancient forest, likely a 'Märchenwald' (fairy tale forest) common in German folklore, characterized by thick, gnarled trees, winding paths, and a sense of being lost. It becomes thicker and more impenetrable as the stepdaughter ventures deeper.
Mood: Desolate, frightening, wild, full of unknown dangers, but also a place of transition and eventual discovery.
The stepdaughter is abandoned here; she wanders, spends a terrifying night, and eventually discovers the prince's house.
Prince's Hunting Lodge
A large, fine house in the heart of the forest, initially appearing deserted. It has many beautiful rooms and is well-furnished, suggesting wealth, but also a sense of mystery. It serves as the prince's disguised hunting lodge.
Mood: Mysterious, initially eerie, then warm and welcoming, magical, and ultimately safe.
The stepdaughter finds refuge, feeds the animals, meets the disguised prince, and accepts his marriage proposal. The stepsister later meets her demise here.
King's Palace
The grand royal residence where the prince takes his bride. It would be a magnificent, likely Renaissance or Baroque-style German palace, with opulent decorations, large halls, and formal gardens.
Mood: Regal, celebratory, a symbol of the stepdaughter's new status and happiness.
The stepdaughter is married to the prince and lives happily. She departs from here to visit her father.