The Fairy at the Well
by Walter Jerrold · from The reign of King Oberon
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, there were two sisters. Their names were Lily and Rose. Their mother liked Rose best. Rose was mean. Lily was kind. Mother was unkind to Lily. Lily had to work hard. She got water every day.
One day, Lily went to get water. A poor lady was there. "Can I have some water?" the lady asked. "Yes," said Lily. She gave the water nicely. The lady smiled. "I am a fairy," she said. "You are very kind. When you talk, flowers and shiny stones fall out."
Lily went home. "I am sorry I am late," she said. Flowers and shiny stones fell from her mouth! Mother was very happy. "Look, Rose!" she said. "See what Lily has! You must go to the well too. Be polite." "No!" said Rose. "Go now!" said Mother.
Rose went to the well. A fancy lady was there. "Give me water," the lady said. "No!" said Rose. "You are rude," the lady said. She was the fairy. "When you talk, frogs and bugs fall out."
Rose went home. "Well, Mother!" she said. Frogs and bugs fell from her mouth! Mother was very upset. "This is Lily's fault!" she shouted. She scolded Lily angrily. Lily was sad. She ran away to the forest.
A prince was walking in the forest. He saw Lily crying. "Why are you sad?" he asked. "My mother was mean to me," Lily said. Flowers and stones fell as she spoke. The prince liked her very much. He was kind. "Come with me," he said. They got married and lived happily.
Rose had to go away. She was alone and sad. She learned to be kind. She learned to be polite. She learned to be good.
Being kind brings good things. Being mean brings bad things.
Original Story
The Fairy at the Well
There was once a widow who had two daughters. The elder was so like her mother in temper and face, that to have seen the one was to have seen the other. They were both so disagreeable and proud, that it was impossible to live with them. The younger, who was the exact portrait of her father in her kindly and polite ways was also as beautiful a girl as one could see. As we are naturally fond of those who resemble us, the mother doted on her elder daughter, while for the younger she had a most violent aversion, and made her take her meals in the kitchen and work hard all day. Among other things that she was obliged to do, this poor child was forced to go twice a day to fetch water from a place a mile or more from the house, and carry back a large jug filled to the brim. As she was standing one day by this spring, a poor woman came up to her, and asked the girl to give her some water to drink.
“Certainly, my good woman,” she replied, and the beautiful girl at once stooped and rinsed out the jug, and then, filling it with water from the clearest part of the spring, she held it up to the woman, continuing to support the jug, that she might drink with greater comfort. Having drunk, the woman said to her, “You are so beautiful, so good and kind, that I cannot refrain from conferring a gift upon you,” for she was really a fairy, who had taken the form of a poor village woman, in order to see how far the girl’s kindheartedness would go. “This gift I make you,” continued the fairy, “that with every word you speak, either a flower or a precious stone will fall from your mouth.”
The girl had no sooner reached home than her mother began scolding her for being back so late. “I am sorry, mother,” said she, “to have been out so long,” and as she spoke, there fell from her mouth two roses, two pearls, and two large diamonds. The mother gazed at her in astonishment. “What do I see!” she exclaimed, “pearls and diamonds seem to be dropping from her mouth! How is this, my daughter?”—it was the first time she had called her daughter. The poor child related in all simplicity what had happened, letting fall quantities of diamonds in the course of her narrative. “I must certainly send my other daughter there,” said the mother. “Look, Fanchon, see what falls from your sister’s mouth when she speaks! Would you not be glad to receive a similar gift? All you have to do, is to go and fetch water from the spring, and if an old woman asks you for some to drink, to give it her nicely and politely.” “I should like to see myself going to the spring,” answered the rude, cross girl.
“I insist on your going,” rejoined the mother, “and that at once.”
The elder girl went off, still grumbling; with her she took the handsomest silver bottle she could find in the house.
She had no sooner arrived at the spring, than she saw a lady magnificently dressed walking towards her from the wood, who approached and asked for some water to drink. It was the same fairy who had appeared to the sister, but she had now put on the airs and apparel of a princess, as she wished to see how far this girl’s rudeness would go. “Do you think I came here just to draw water for you?” answered the arrogant and unmannerly girl; “I have, of course, brought this silver bottle on purpose for madam to drink from! Well, all I have to say is—drink from it if you like.”
“You are scarcely polite,” said the fairy, without losing her temper; “however, as you are so disobliging, I confer this gift upon you, that with every word you speak, a snake or a toad shall fall from your mouth.”
Directly her mother caught sight of her, she called out, “Well, my daughter!” “Well, my mother!” replied the ill-tempered girl, throwing out as she spoke two vipers and two toads. “Alack!” cried the mother, “what do I see? This is her sister’s doing, but I will pay her out for it,” and, so saying, she ran towards the younger girl with intent to beat her. The unhappy girl fled from the house, and went and hid herself in a neighbouring forest. The King’s son, who was returning from hunting, met her, and seeing how beautiful she was, asked her what she was doing there all alone, and why she was crying. “Alas! sir, my mother has driven me from home.” The King’s son, seeing five or six pearls and as many diamonds, falling from her mouth as she spoke, asked her to explain how this was, and she told him all her tale. The King’s son fell in love with her, and thinking that such a gift as she possessed was worth more than any ordinary dower brought by another, he carried her off to his father’s palace, and there married her.
As for her sister, she made herself so hated, that her own mother drove her from the house. The miserable girl, having gone about in vain trying to find someone who would take her in, crept away into the corner of a wood, and there died.
Of higher worth are gentle words
Than diamonds or gold,
And even o’er the minds of men
A greater power they hold.
It costs some pains to be polite,
And needs some kindly thought,
But soon or late, as here you see,
Reward will come unsought.
“I hope that Quick was short enough,” said Titania, laughingly, and then turning to Pink said “and yours?”
“Will be shorter still, your Majesty,” promptly answered Pink, stepping to the stool directly Quick had left it, and beginning at once the story of
Story DNA
Moral
Kindness and politeness are more valuable than material wealth and will be rewarded, while rudeness and ill-temper lead to misery.
Plot Summary
A kind and beautiful younger sister is cruelly mistreated by her mother and disagreeable elder sister. While fetching water, she encounters a disguised fairy, to whom she shows great kindness, earning a blessing that causes jewels and flowers to fall from her mouth when she speaks. Her mother, seeing this, forces the rude elder sister to go to the well, where she is rude to the same fairy and is cursed to have snakes and toads fall from her mouth. Enraged, the mother tries to harm the younger sister, who flees into the forest, where she is found by a King's son, who marries her. The elder sister is eventually driven out by her own mother and dies alone.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This version is a retelling by Walter Jerrold, but the core story is a common European folk tale, notably 'Diamonds and Toads' by Charles Perrault.
Plot Beats (14)
- A widow has two daughters: one kind and beautiful but abused, the other cruel and favored.
- The kind younger daughter is forced to fetch water from a distant well daily.
- One day, at the well, she encounters a poor woman (a disguised fairy) who asks for a drink.
- The younger daughter politely and kindly offers her water, holding the jug for her.
- The fairy reveals herself and blesses the younger daughter: with every word she speaks, flowers and precious stones fall from her mouth.
- The younger daughter returns home, and her mother is astonished and delighted by the jewels she produces.
- The mother forces the rude elder daughter to go to the well, instructing her to be polite.
- At the well, the elder daughter encounters the same fairy, now disguised as a magnificently dressed lady, and is extremely rude to her.
- The fairy curses the elder daughter: with every word she speaks, snakes and toads fall from her mouth.
- The elder daughter returns home, and her mother is horrified by the curse and blames the younger daughter.
- The mother attempts to beat the younger daughter, who flees into a nearby forest.
- The King's son, returning from hunting, finds the younger daughter, is charmed by her beauty and the jewels she produces, and hears her story.
- The King's son falls in love with her and marries her.
- The elder daughter becomes so hated that her own mother drives her out; she wanders aimlessly and eventually dies alone in the woods.
Characters
The Younger Daughter ★ protagonist
Of average height and slender build, she possesses a natural grace in her movements. Her complexion is fair and clear, reflecting her gentle nature.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant attire made of sturdy, undyed linen or homespun fabric. She would wear a long, modest dress, possibly with a plain apron over it, and comfortable, worn shoes suitable for walking long distances. Her clothes are clean but show signs of wear from her daily chores.
Wants: To fulfill her duties, avoid her mother's wrath, and live peacefully despite her difficult circumstances.
Flaw: Her submissiveness to her mother's harsh treatment, which initially prevents her from seeking a better life.
Starts as an oppressed and mistreated daughter, enduring hardship. Through her kindness, she receives a magical gift, is further persecuted by her mother, flees, and is ultimately discovered by a prince who marries her, elevating her to royalty.
Kind, polite, dutiful, beautiful, simple-hearted.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young peasant woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, gentle face with soft eyes and a delicate nose, fair skin, and light brown hair tied back simply. She wears a long, modest, undyed linen dress with a plain, light-colored apron over it, and sturdy, worn leather shoes. Her posture is humble but resilient. She holds a large, empty earthenware jug in her hands. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Widow ⚔ antagonist
She is described as being very similar in temper and face to her elder daughter, suggesting a disagreeable and proud demeanor. Her build might be sturdy, reflecting a woman used to having her way.
Attire: While not explicitly detailed, her pride suggests she would wear the best clothing available to her, perhaps a dark, heavy wool dress with some modest trim, reflecting her status as a widow but also her desire for respectability, even if ill-gotten. Her clothes would be well-maintained but perhaps stiff and formal.
Wants: To elevate her favored daughter, to maintain her pride and social standing, and to exploit any advantage for personal gain.
Flaw: Her extreme favoritism, pride, and greed blind her to true worth and lead to her downfall.
Starts as a cruel and biased mother. Her greed is piqued by the younger daughter's gift, leading her to try and replicate it with the elder. When this backfires, her anger causes her to drive the younger daughter away. She eventually drives away her elder daughter as well, ending up alone.
Disagreeable, proud, doting (on elder daughter), cruel, violent, materialistic.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a stern, proud face with sharp eyes and a thin mouth, a pale complexion, and dark hair pulled back severely. She wears a dark, heavy wool dress with a high collar and long sleeves, possibly with a stiff white lace collar. Her posture is rigid and unyielding. She has a critical, disapproving expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Elder Daughter (Fanchon) ⚔ antagonist
She is described as being so like her mother in temper and face, suggesting a disagreeable and proud appearance. Her build might be sturdy or robust, reflecting her strong will.
Attire: She would wear the best clothes available to her, likely similar in style to her mother's but perhaps with more embellishment, reflecting her vanity. A well-made but stiff dress of a dark color, possibly with some decorative trim. She carries a handsome silver bottle, indicating her desire for finery.
Wants: To avoid work, to indulge her pride, and to gain wealth without effort.
Flaw: Her extreme rudeness, arrogance, and ill-temper, which alienate everyone and lead to her cursed gift and eventual death.
Starts as a spoiled and rude daughter. Her greed leads her to seek a magical gift, but her ill-manners result in a curse. She becomes so hated that even her mother drives her away, leading to her lonely death in the woods.
Disagreeable, proud, rude, cross, arrogant, unmannerly, ill-tempered.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a haughty, unpleasant face with a scowl, narrow eyes, and a sneering mouth, a pale complexion, and dark hair styled in an overly elaborate, stiff manner. She wears a dark, well-made dress with some decorative trim, and holds a handsome silver bottle in one hand. Her posture is arrogant and defiant. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Fairy ◆ supporting
She appears in two forms: first as a 'poor woman' – likely humble and unassuming, perhaps with a weathered face and simple clothes to blend in. Second, as a 'lady magnificently dressed' – suggesting an elegant figure, perhaps tall and graceful, with an aura of nobility.
Attire: First, as a 'poor village woman', she would wear simple, patched, and faded peasant clothes made of coarse linen or wool, perhaps a dark shawl. Second, as a 'lady magnificently dressed' or 'princess', she would wear a flowing gown of rich fabric like silk or velvet, in deep, regal colors, adorned with subtle embroidery or jewels, reflecting her true magical nature and high status.
Wants: To test the character of humans and bestow gifts or curses according to their worth.
Flaw: None explicitly stated; she is a powerful magical being.
Remains consistent throughout the story, acting as an agent of fate, revealing the true nature of the sisters and bestowing consequences.
Discerning, just, powerful, observant, calm, wise.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful, serene woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has an elegant face with clear, discerning eyes and a gentle smile, fair skin, and dark, lustrous hair styled in an intricate, regal updo. She wears a flowing gown of deep emerald green silk, adorned with subtle silver embroidery along the hem and sleeves, and a delicate silver circlet on her head. Her posture is graceful and dignified. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King's Son ◆ supporting
He is a prince, suggesting a noble bearing and well-kept appearance. He would be of average to tall height, with a fit build from hunting.
Attire: As he is returning from hunting, he would wear practical but finely made hunting attire: sturdy breeches, a fitted tunic or doublet of fine wool or leather, possibly in forest greens or browns, with a cloak. He might have fine leather boots and gloves. His clothes would be of high quality, indicative of his royal status.
Wants: To find a suitable partner, to help those in distress, and to act on his affections.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, though his quick decision to marry based on a magical gift could be seen as somewhat impulsive.
Starts as a prince on a hunting trip. He encounters the Younger Daughter, falls in love with her due to her beauty and magical gift, and marries her, bringing her into his royal family.
Compassionate, discerning, romantic, practical (regarding the gift), decisive.
Image Prompt & Upload
A handsome young man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind, discerning face with clear eyes and a gentle expression, fair skin, and neatly styled medium-length brown hair. He wears a fitted forest-green wool doublet with leather trim, sturdy brown breeches, and tall leather riding boots. A simple, dark cloak is draped over one shoulder. His posture is noble and compassionate. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Widow's Cottage Kitchen
A humble, likely rustic kitchen within a widow's cottage, where the younger daughter is forced to take her meals and work hard. It would be simple, functional, and perhaps a bit neglected, reflecting the mother's disdain for the younger daughter.
Mood: Oppressive, unloved, hardworking, stark.
The younger daughter is forced to eat here; the mother scolds the younger daughter upon her return from the well, leading to the revelation of the magical gift.
Image Prompt & Upload
A rustic, dimly lit kitchen interior of a 17th-century German half-timbered cottage. Rough-hewn wooden beams support a low ceiling, and a large stone hearth dominates one wall, with a simmering pot hanging over embers. A simple, scrubbed wooden table stands in the center, with a single stool. Light filters weakly through a small, leaded-pane window, illuminating dust motes in the cool air. The floor is packed earth. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Village Spring
A natural spring, located a mile or more from the house, where villagers would fetch water. It is described as having a 'clearest part' for drawing water. It is a place of natural beauty and quiet solitude.
Mood: Peaceful, natural, serene, later tense.
The younger daughter encounters the fairy in the guise of a poor woman and receives her gift. The elder daughter later encounters the fairy in the guise of a princess and receives her curse.
Image Prompt & Upload
A tranquil natural spring nestled in a sun-dappled clearing within a dense European deciduous forest. Clear, cool water bubbles up from moss-covered rocks into a shallow, natural basin. Wild bluebells and ferns grow abundantly around the spring's edge, and tall, slender birch trees with white bark filter soft afternoon sunlight onto the forest floor. A narrow, worn dirt path approaches the spring. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Neighboring Forest
A dense forest adjacent to the village, providing refuge and concealment. It is a wild, untamed place where the King's son hunts.
Mood: Wild, secluded, initially fearful, then hopeful.
The younger daughter flees here after her mother's rage and is discovered by the King's son.
Image Prompt & Upload
A deep, ancient European forest with towering oak and beech trees, their canopies forming a dense, verdant roof. Shafts of golden afternoon sunlight pierce through the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor, which is covered in fallen leaves, moss, and scattered wild mushrooms. A faint, winding deer trail disappears into the dense undergrowth of ferns and hazel bushes. The air is still and cool. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The King's Palace
A grand and magnificent royal residence, the home of the King and his son. It symbolizes wealth, power, and a new life for the younger daughter.
Mood: Regal, opulent, safe, joyful.
The King's son brings the younger daughter here to marry her, signifying her happy ending.
Image Prompt & Upload
An opulent, sunlit interior of a 17th-century French Baroque palace. Polished marble floors reflect the light from tall, arched windows draped with heavy velvet curtains. Walls are adorned with large, intricate tapestries depicting classical scenes and gilded stucco work. Crystal chandeliers hang from a high, frescoed ceiling, casting a warm glow. Ornate carved wooden furniture is arranged elegantly. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
