ILLUSTRATIONS
by Unknown · from The Fairy Ring
Adapted Version
A child sits very still. They look at a big, red book. Then, magic starts to happen!
The Child sits on soft green grass. They watch the book. Small elves walk by. Their wings make soft sounds. Little folk laugh with happy voices. They are tiny and very bright. They come from the red book. This is a special parade. It is fun to watch.
A long magic parade comes next. Kings wear shiny crowns. Queens have pretty dresses. Princes walk with them. Boots, Ashie, and Cinder are helpers. They all look very grand. They smile and wave to the Child. Their clothes are bright. They walk with pride.
Big, friendly creatures come too. Tiny, sparkly sprites fly around. They have bright, happy colors. The sprites giggle and laugh. Their small feet make soft sounds. All are very happy. The air feels light. It smells sweet.
A special circle appears. It is a Fairy Ring. Many sparkly friends gather there. They want to dance. The moon shines big and bright. It makes the grass glow. It is a pretty night. The stars twinkle above.
Prince Riquet dances with Princess Golden Hair. She has long, shiny hair. Big Gali is very tall. He is a gentle dancer. Desert Fay has sparkly clothes. She dances very well. Tiny Tom Thumb dances too. He is very brave. He spins around with joy.
Happy music plays. Rapun shakes her long hair. The White Cat steps softly. Rose-red and Snow-white hold hands. The Friendly Bear dances too. All spin and jump. They all laugh and sing. It is a joyful dance. The music is sweet. It fills the air.
Then, a rooster crowed loudly. The sky began to get light. The sun came up. The magic time was ending. The dancers looked up. They stopped their fun. They knew it was morning.
The dancers quickly went into the book. They whirled back inside. The Child closed the big, red book. The magic world was safe inside. The Child smiled a big smile. Reading this book made a happy world. It made a happy magic in their mind. The magic is always there. It waits in the book for next time. It is a secret joy. The Child feels very happy.
Original Story
ILLUSTRATIONS
Throned on a grassy knoll, I watch
The elfin host come trooping by,
And hear the whir of fairy wings,
The goblin voices, shrill and high.
Behind them glides a magic train
Of Kings and Princes, armor-clad,
And serving as their squires bold
Boots, Ashiepattle, Cinderlad.
With silken rustle, flash of gem,
Queen and Czaritsa sweep along,
While red-capped Troll and rainbow Sprite
Peep out amid the enchanted throng.
*Ting-ling, ting-ling, how sweet the ring,
Like golden bells, of fairy laughter;
Rap-tap, rap-tap, how sharp the clap
Of fairy footfalls following after!*
Where witch-grass grows and fern-seed lies,
A Fairy Ring is dimly seen;
And there a glitt'ring host is met
To dance upon the moonlit green.
Riquet, the Tufted, lightly turns
The Fair One with the Golden Hair;
And Prince Desire and Mignonette
Form yet another graceful pair.
Tall as a tower stands Galifron;
The Desert Fay, with snakes bedight,
First pirouettes with him and then
With wee Tom Thumb, King Arthur's Knight.
*Ting-ling, ting-ling, how sweet the ring,
Like golden bells, of fairy laughter;
Rap-tap, rap-tap, how sharp the clap
Of fairy footfalls following after!*
Sweet, unseen harpers harp and sing,
Faint elfin horns the air repeat;
Rapunzel shakes her shining braids,
The White Cat trips with velvet feet.
Rose-red, Snow-white, the faithful Bear,
Cross hands with gallant Percinet;
While Tattercoats, in turn, salutes
Yvon, the Fearless, and Finette.
—But hark! the cock begins to crow;
The darkness turns to day, and, look!
The fairy dancers whirl within
The crimson covers of this book!
NORA ARCHIBALD SMITH
Story DNA
Plot Summary
The narrator, seated on a grassy knoll, witnesses a vibrant procession of elves, goblins, and classic fairy tale characters, including kings, queens, and heroes like Cinderlad. This magical host gathers in a Fairy Ring to dance, with specific characters like Rapunzel, Tom Thumb, and Snow-white joining the revelry. The enchanting scene is abruptly interrupted by the crowing of a cock, signaling the dawn. As day breaks, the entire fantastical assembly whirls away, transforming back into illustrations contained within the crimson covers of a book, revealing the experience as a vivid journey of imagination.
Themes
Emotional Arc
wonder to gentle realization
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Nora Archibald Smith was an American educator and author, often collaborating with her sister Kate Douglas Wiggin on children's literature and fairy tale collections in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This poem reflects a common fascination with the fairy world during that era.
Plot Beats (8)
- The narrator sits on a grassy knoll, observing a procession of elves, goblins, and other magical beings.
- A 'magic train' follows, featuring Kings, Princes, and squires like Boots, Ashiepattle, and Cinderlad, along with Queens and Czaritsas.
- Trolls and Sprites are also part of the enchanted throng, accompanied by the sounds of fairy laughter and footfalls.
- A Fairy Ring appears where a host of glittering creatures gathers to dance under the moonlight.
- Specific characters like Riquet, the Tufted, the Fair One with the Golden Hair, Prince Desire, Mignonette, Galifron, the Desert Fay, and Tom Thumb are seen dancing.
- The sounds of unseen harpers and elfin horns fill the air as more characters like Rapunzel, the White Cat, Rose-red, Snow-white, the faithful Bear, Percinet, Tattercoats, Yvon, and Finette join the dance.
- Suddenly, the cock crows, and the darkness begins to turn to day.
- The fairy dancers swiftly whirl away and disappear into the crimson covers of a book, revealing the entire scene was an imaginative experience inspired by reading.
Characters
The Narrator
Observes the scene from a grassy knoll, implying a human form capable of sitting and watching. No specific details are given, allowing for broad interpretation.
Attire: No specific details are given, but likely simple, comfortable attire suitable for sitting outdoors on a grassy knoll.
Wants: To witness and enjoy the magical spectacle unfolding before them.
Flaw: Passive observer, not an active participant in the magical world.
Remains an observer throughout, experiencing the full cycle of the magical night until dawn breaks.
Observant, imaginative, appreciative of fantasy and beauty, a keen listener.
Boots
A young man, likely of average height and build, with a humble appearance reflecting his role as a squire. His hands might be calloused from work.
Attire: Simple, sturdy peasant clothing in muted tones like brown, grey, or forest green. Perhaps a tunic and breeches, with practical leather boots. The fabric would be coarse linen or wool.
Wants: To serve and fulfill his duties, perhaps hoping for a better future.
Flaw: Lack of social standing, often underestimated.
Appears as a squire, suggesting a role of service and potential for future heroism.
Diligent, loyal, unassuming, hardworking.
Ashiepattle
A young man, possibly with a slightly unkempt appearance due to his name implying ashes or dirt. Average height and build.
Attire: Simple, worn peasant clothes, possibly with ash or dirt stains, in dark, practical colors like charcoal or dark brown. A rough linen shirt and trousers, perhaps a patched waistcoat.
Wants: To overcome his humble beginnings and prove his worth.
Flaw: Often overlooked or dismissed by others due to his appearance.
Appears as a squire, suggesting a role of service and potential for future heroism.
Resourceful, often underestimated, patient, clever.
Cinderlad
A young man, similar to Ashiepattle, often associated with ashes and a humble background. Likely of average height and build, perhaps a bit lean from hard work.
Attire: Plain, functional peasant clothing in muted tones, possibly with visible wear and tear. A rough linen shirt, simple breeches, and practical shoes. The fabric would be coarse and durable.
Wants: To find his place and prove his worth despite his humble origins.
Flaw: His low social status and often dirty appearance lead others to dismiss him.
Appears as a squire, suggesting a role of service and potential for future heroism.
Kind-hearted, patient, often underestimated, resilient.
Riquet, the Tufted
A prince, but with a distinctive physical feature: a 'tuft' or deformity. Despite this, he possesses an inner charm. He is likely of noble bearing, perhaps not conventionally handsome but with an intelligent and kind expression.
Attire: Princely attire, but perhaps not overly ostentatious, focusing on quality fabrics like velvet or silk in rich, deep colors such as royal blue or forest green, with subtle embroidery. A doublet and hose, with fine leather shoes.
Wants: To find love and acceptance, to use his wit and intelligence to overcome his physical perceived flaws.
Flaw: His physical appearance, which initially makes him seem undesirable.
Dances with the Fair One with the Golden Hair, suggesting a pairing of wit and beauty.
Intelligent, kind, witty, charming despite his looks, perceptive.
The Fair One with the Golden Hair
Exquisitely beautiful, with a radiant complexion. Her most striking feature is her long, golden hair.
Attire: Elegant and luxurious, befitting a princess. Likely a gown of fine silk or satin in a light, ethereal color like pale blue, silver, or cream, adorned with delicate embroidery or pearls. The style would be period-appropriate for a European princess.
Wants: To live a life of peace and beauty, to find true love.
Flaw: Her beauty can attract unwanted attention or make her a target.
Dances gracefully with Riquet, the Tufted, embodying beauty and charm.
Kind, gentle, beautiful, perhaps a little naive or innocent.
Galifron
Enormous in stature, 'Tall as a tower,' implying immense height and a formidable, perhaps somewhat crude, build. His skin might be rough or earthy.
Attire: Simple, oversized, and rugged clothing, likely made of coarse animal hides or roughspun fabric in earthy tones like brown or moss green. Perhaps a large tunic and simple trousers, with heavy, crude boots.
Wants: To exist and assert his presence, perhaps to enjoy simple pleasures like dancing.
Flaw: His immense size could make him a target or limit his agility.
Dances first with the Desert Fay and then with wee Tom Thumb, showing a surprising gentleness or adaptability for his size.
Powerful, imposing, perhaps a bit clumsy due to his size, but capable of dancing.
The Desert Fay
An exotic and striking figure, 'with snakes bedight,' suggesting she is adorned with or accompanied by snakes. Her skin might be sun-kissed or bronze, reflecting her desert origin. She is likely slender and graceful.
Attire: Exotic and flowing attire, perhaps made of light, shimmering fabrics like silk or sheer linen in desert colors (sands, ochre, deep blues, or jewel tones). She would be adorned with gold jewelry and, most notably, snakes as part of her ensemble, perhaps coiled around her arms or neck.
Wants: To dance, to express her wild, desert nature.
Flaw: Perhaps her wildness makes her unpredictable or difficult to tame.
Pirouettes first with Galifron and then with Tom Thumb, showcasing her adaptability and grace.
Mysterious, alluring, powerful, exotic, graceful.
Tom Thumb
Extremely small, 'wee,' fitting in the palm of a hand. Despite his size, he is depicted as a knight, implying a brave and determined demeanor.
Attire: Miniature knight's armor, perhaps made of polished silver or steel, with a tiny, colorful surcoat (e.g., red or blue) bearing a small emblem. He would carry a tiny sword and shield.
Wants: To prove his worth and bravery despite his size, to serve his king.
Flaw: His extreme smallness makes him vulnerable to larger threats.
Dances with the towering Galifron and the graceful Desert Fay, highlighting his bravery and ability to interact with vastly different characters.
Brave, resourceful, clever, determined, loyal.
Locations
Grassy Knoll
A raised area of grass, serving as a vantage point for observing the magical procession.
Mood: observational, slightly detached, magical anticipation
The initial observation point where the narrator watches the fairy tale characters gather.
Fairy Ring on Moonlit Green
A circular area where witch-grass grows and fern-seed lies, dimly seen under moonlight, where a glittering host of fairies dances.
Mood: magical, ethereal, joyful, enchanting
The main gathering place for the fairy tale characters to dance and interact.
Crimson Covers of the Book
The final, metaphorical location where the fairy dancers whirl and disappear as day breaks, representing the story contained within a physical book.
Mood: concluding, magical containment, imaginative
The magical characters retreat into the book as the illusion of the night ends.