Fairer-Than-A-Fairy

It's been FOREVER since I last did one of these, and so I'm going to share a Fairy Tale that was important to the plotting process of The Ankulen.

I had a vague outline in my head when I sat down to write The Ankulen, mostly in the form of a few Key Events, the opening, two middle events that I wasn't sure which should happen first, and the big finale. 

So Jen and I wandered around, meeting person after person until I decided I was ready to pull out one of those Key Events. Thing was, I still wasn't sure WHERE this event should take place, since I knew that it couldn't be a normal location in her imagination.

So ... me being Fairy Tale obsessed me, I skimmed through my mental collection of favorites, and came upon this one. Well, specifically a certain element. Readers of the book will know what I'm talking about.

To read the fairy tale without my commentary, go here.

Once there lived a King who had no children for many years after his marriage. At length heaven granted him a daughter of such remarkable beauty that he could think of no name so appropriate for her as 'Fairer-than-a-Fairy.'

Typical start. King wants a child, doesn't have one. (Maybe the queen has something to do with that, since it isn't stated that SHE wanted a child) Then he gets one and ... well, I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I?

Heads up, it's not a good idea to insinuate that your child is more beautiful than the fairies.

It never occurred to the good-natured monarch that such a name was certain to call down the hatred and jealousy of the fairies in a body on the child, but this was what happened. No sooner had they heard of this presumptuous name than they resolved to gain possession of her who bore it, and either to torment her cruelly, or at least to conceal her from the eyes of all men.

These aren't exactly the nicest fairies you'll ever meet. I honesty doubt that Cinderella's Fairy Godmother was of their clan ... but the eighth fairy Godmother of Sleeping Beauty's might have been...

The eldest of their tribe was entrusted to carry out their revenge. This Fairy was named Lagree; she was so old that she only had one eye and one tooth left, and even these poor remains she had to keep all night in a strengthening liquid. She was also so spiteful that she gladly devoted all her time to carrying out all the mean or ill-natured tricks of the whole body of fairies.

A little-known fact about fairies - If they age gracefully, they become motherly and kind. If they don't, well, they become rather spiteful.

With her large experience, added to her native spite, she found but little difficulty in carrying off Fairer-than-a-Fairy. The poor child, who was only seven years old, nearly died of fear on finding herself in the power of this hideous creature. However, when after an hour's journey underground she found herself in a splendid palace with lovely gardens, she felt a little reassured, and was further cheered when she discovered that her pet cat and dog had followed her.

And the dog and cat, though entirely comforting, will never be mentioned again, I can assure you. Such is the nature of such details in Fairy Tales.

The old Fairy led her to a pretty room which she said should be hers, at the same time giving her the strictest orders never to let out the fire which was burning brightly in the grate. She then gave two glass bottles into the Princess's charge, desiring her to take the greatest care of them, and having enforced her orders with the most awful threats in case of disobedience, she vanished, leaving the little girl at liberty to explore the palace and grounds and a good deal relieved at having only two apparently easy tasks set her.

Because she has heard of all those wicked fairies who make their victims do all sorts of hard work and how it always backfires, so she wants to repeat that mistake.

Several years passed, during which time the Princess grew accustomed to her lonely life, obeyed the Fairy's orders, and by degrees forgot all about the court of the King her father.

Because, after all, this isn't that bad of a life. She does't have to do anything but keep a fire going and make sure that some bottles don't break. She doesn't have anyone telling her what she needs to do, or force her to behave like a proper princess. She's actually got it pretty good, except for the fact that she doesn't have any friends except for the cat and dog that followed her and were promptly forgotten about.

One day, whilst passing near a fountain in the garden, she noticed that the sun's rays fell on the water in such a manner as to produce a brilliant rainbow. She stood still to admire it, when, to her great surprise, she heard a voice addressing her which seemed to come from the centre of its rays. The voice was that of a young man, and its sweetness of tone and the agreeable things it uttered, led one to infer that its owner must be equally charming; but this had to be a mere matter of fancy, for no one was visible.

And here we have a side effect of her lonely existence. She hears voices.

The beautiful Rainbow informed Fairer-than-a-Fairy that he was young, the son of a powerful king, and that the Fairy, Lagree, who owed his parents a grudge, had revenged herself by depriving him of his natural shape for some years; that she had imprisoned him in the palace, where he had found his confinement hard to bear for some time, but now, he owned, he no longer sighed for freedom since he had seen and learned to love Fairer-than-a-Fairy.

And naturally, the voice she hears is a prince, and and he is in love with her. Isn't that every girl's fantasy? Know what? I was passing by a strange black box the other day and the exact same thing happened. Turns out, it was a radio.

He added many other tender speeches to this declaration, and the Princess, to whom such remarks were a new experience, could not help feeling pleased and touched by his attentions.

What girl wouldn't? - especially since she's been living alone since she was seven. It's a wonder her pets haven't started talking by now. Although, you never know, they could be dead by now.

The Prince could only appear or speak under the form of a Rainbow, and it was therefore necessary that the sun should shine on water so as to enable the rays to form themselves.

Classic definition of a Rainbow.

Fairer-than-a-Fairy lost no moment in which she could meet her lover, and they enjoyed many long and interesting interviews. One day, however, their conversation became so absorbing and time passed so quickly that the Princess forgot to attend to the fire, and it went out.

Um ... not so good here.

Lagree, on her return, soon found out the neglect, and seemed only too pleased to have the opportunity of showing her spite to her lovely prisoner. She ordered Fairer-than-a-Fairy to start next day at dawn to ask Locrinos for fire with which to relight the one she had allowed to go out.

Locrinos? Who is Locrinos? Someone nasty, I'm guessing.

Now this Locrinos was a cruel monster who devoured everyone he came across, and especially enjoyed a chance of catching and eating any young girls. Our heroine obeyed with great sweetness, and without having been able to take leave of her lover she set off to go to Locrinos as to certain death.

And I still know little about him. Ah, well, he's nasty, we'll leave it at that. I can't watch!

As she was crossing a wood a bird sang to her to pick up a shining pebble which she would find in a fountain close by, and to use it when needed. She took the bird's advice, and in due time arrived at the house of Locrinos. Luckily she only found his wife at home, who was much struck by the Princess's youth and beauty and sweet gentle manners, and still further impressed by the present of the shining pebble.

I'm ... I'm not sure what to say here. Locrinos eats EVERYONE he comes across, but he has a wife, and he apparently hasn't eaten her yet. And she's ... nice. Well. I wonder how that happened. *brushes away sudden, weird desire to write backstory for this pair*

She readily let Fairer-than-a-Fairy have the fire, and in return for the stone she gave her another, which, she said, might prove useful some day. Then she sent her away without doing her any harm.

Crisis avoided. Phew! It would have been terrible if she had been eaten without having first been able to say good-bye to her dear Rainbow!

Lagree was as much surprised as displeased at the happy result of this expedition, and Fairer-than-a Fairy waited anxiously for an opportunity of meeting Prince Rainbow and telling him her adventures. She found, however, that he had already been told all about them by a Fairy who protected him, and to whom he was related.

He is protected by and related to a fairy, but still trapped in the form of a rainbow. Also - who names a PRINCE Rainbow? Moving on.

The dread of fresh dangers to his beloved Princess made him devise some more convenient way of meeting than by the garden fountain, and Fairer-than-a-Fairy carried out his plan daily with entire success. Every morning she placed a large basin full of water on her window-sill, and as soon as the sun's rays fell on the water the Rainbow appeared as clearly as it had ever done in the fountain. By this means they were able to meet without losing sight of the fire or of the two bottles in which the old Fairy kept her eye and her tooth at night, and for some time the lovers enjoyed every hour of sunshine together.

And this is NOT how rainbows work. For a rainbow to work, there must be water droplets in the AIR, not in a bowl ... well ... if it works for them, I say let it. 

And I'm going to comment this here, since this is the last point where I can ... but they do have one of the stronger relationships in Fairyland. Sure, he fell in love with her based on her looks, but they've spent HOW long getting to know each other? They're up there with Rapunzel and Beauty and the Beast for good relationship foundations.

One day Prince Rainbow appeared in the depths of woe. He had just heard that he was to be banished from this lovely spot, but he had no idea where he was to go. The poor young couple were in despair, and only parted with the last ray of sunshine, and in hopes of meeting next morning. Alas! next day was dark and gloomy, and it was only late in the afternoon that the sun broke through the clouds for a few minutes.

I'm going to guess that Lagree has finally realized that the two have fallen in love, and she can't have THAT happen, now can she? 

Fairer-than-a-Fairy eagerly ran to the window, but in her haste she upset the basin, and spilt all the water with which she had carefully filled it overnight.

Wow. What a moment for that to happen. What are we going to do?

No other water was at hand except that in the two bottles. It was the only chance of seeing her lover before they were separated, and she did not hesitate to break the bottle and pour their contents into the basin, when the Rainbow appeared at once.

Um, uh oh! You're supposed to keep those safe, not break them! What's Lagree going to say when she gets home? She can't send you to Locrinos for this - and his wife can't get you out of this. Girly, girly!

Their farewells were full of tenderness; the Prince made the most ardent and sincere protestations, and promised to neglect nothing which might help to deliver his dear Fairer-than-a-Fairy from her captivity, and implored her to consent to their marriage as soon as they should both be free. The Princess, on her side, vowed to have no other husband, and declared herself willing to brave death itself in order to rejoin him.

Well, you haven't met any other fellows before in your life, but since you've taken the time to get to know each other and still want to marry each other, I'll give you my blessing. Only, I think, thanks to those broken bottles, you may be a bit closer to death than you'd like to be, FAR. (It takes to long to write out Fairer-than-a-Fairy, so I'm shortening it. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when I get to her book in actual Bookania.)

They were not allowed much time for their adieus; the Rainbow vanished, and the Princess, resolved to run all risks, started off at once, taking nothing with her but her dog, her cat, a sprig of myrtle, and the stone which the wife of Locrinos gave her.

I mean, not even this story cares to write out her name EVERY time. 

And ... girl, I think you probably should have taken some food with you as well. But I love the specifics of your list. I can understand your pets - and amused that they've come back into the story again, by usual fairy tale logic, their first mention should have been the last - and the stone, since you were told specifically that it might come in handy someday, but why in Bookania did you choose a sprig of MYRTLE?

When Lagree became aware of her prisoner's flight she was furious, and set off at full speed in pursuit. She overtook her just as the poor girl, overcome by fatigue, had lain down to rest in a cave which the stone had formed itself into to shelter her. The little dog who was watching her mistress promptly flew at Lagree and bit her so severely that she stumbled against a corner of the cave and broke off her only tooth.

And twelve more points for this fairy tale! The dog is actually USEFUL! 

Before she had recovered from the pain and rage this caused her, the Princess had time to escape, and was some way on her road. Fear gave her strength for some time, but at last she could go no further, and sank down to rest. As she did so, the sprig of myrtle she carried touched the ground, and immediately a green and shady bower sprang up round her, in which she hoped to sleep in peace.

I ... will confess that I forgot about this. So this was what the myrtle was for. But I'm still asking WHY did you take it, and HOW did it do this? There wasn't a Wood Child on hand, now is there? (And no, this is not the bit that inspired a scene in the Ankulen. I completely forgot this was in here. Keep reading, you won't miss it.)

But Lagree had not given up her pursuit, and arrived just as Fairer-than-a-Fairy had fallen fast asleep. This time she made sure of catching her victim, but the cat spied her out, and, springing from one of the boughs of the arbour she flew at Lagree's face and tore out her only eye, thus delivering the Princess for ever from her persecutor.

Twelve more points for a useful cat, and no points for Lagree. She blindly wandered off a cliff later that afternoon and put the world out of her misery - the fairy tale just fails to mention this.

One might have thought that all would now be well, but no sooner had Lagree been put to fight than our heroine was overwhelmed with hunger and thirst. 

Um ... wow. Return of the fairy tale logic here. She was going along great, and then suddenly - bam! - starving. This, FAR, this is why you should have brought food. Shade was great, but you can usually find that anywhere (Just ask Jonah where to find the nearest gourd), food's a bit more tricky.

She felt as though she should certainly expire, and it was with some difficulty that she dragged herself as far as a pretty little green and white house, which stood at no great distance. Here she was received by a beautiful lady dressed in green and white to match the house, which apparently belonged to her, and of which she seemed the only inhabitant.

Strange and convenient, but this a Fairy Tale, so I'll accept it.

She greeted the fainting Princess most kindly, gave her an excellent supper, and after a long night's rest in a delightful bed told her that after many troubles she should finally attain her desire.

Because women who like to dress to match their house always KNOW things like that. Fairy tale rule. 

As the green and white lady took leave of the Princess she gave her a nut, desiring her only to open it in the most urgent need.

It's a walnut, by the way.

After a long and tiring journey Fairer-than-a-Fairy was once more received in a house, and by a lady exactly like the one she had quitted. Here again she received a present with the same injunctions, but instead of a nut this lady gave her a golden pomegranate.

A second one of these ladies? Watch, there'll be a third.

The mournful Princess had to continue her weary way, and after many troubles and hardships she again found rest and shelter in a third house exactly similar to the two others.

How did I know?

And I really like this phrasing here - exactly similar. Does this mean it was identical, except a different size? Sorry, math nerd runs strong in my family.

These houses belonged to three sisters, all endowed with fairy gifts, and all so alike in mind and person that they wished their houses and garments to be equally alike. Their occupation consisted in helping those in misfortune, and they were as gentle and benevolent as Lagree had been cruel and spiteful.

And - backstory! I likey! I would have appreciated a bit more - such as WHO ARE THESE WOMEN??? - but I'll take it. (Aaactualllly ... I have a theory, but it's Bookania related, and pertains to some information you guys don't have yet, so can't tell you.)

The third Fairy comforted the poor traveller, begged her not to lose heart, and assured her that her troubles should be rewarded.

Don't give up, dear princess! You'll find your Rainbow. 

Somewhere over the rainbow, dreams come true ... wait, wrong story here. Moving on.

She accompanied her advice by the gift of a crystal smelling-bottle, with strict orders only to open it in case of urgent need. Fairer-than- a-Fairy thanked her warmly, and resumed her way cheered by pleasant thoughts.

Not food this time? Well, they do have to have their differences, I guess.

After a time her road led through a wood, full of soft airs and sweet odours, and before she had gone a hundred yards she saw a wonderful silver Castle suspended by strong silver chains to four of the largest trees. It was so perfectly hung that a gentle breeze rocked it sufficiently to send you pleasantly to sleep.

Just the normal, everyday occurrence here in fairy tales. Floating castles, flying castles, and now swinging castles. 

Fairer-than-a-Fairy felt a strong desire to enter this Castle, but besides being hung a little above the ground there seemed to be neither doors nor windows. She had no doubt (though really I cannot think why) that the moment had come in which to use the nut which had been given her.

I really cannot think why, either, other than the fact that I've read this fairy tale a hundred times and happen to know that this castle IS Rainbow's enchantment.

She opened it, and out came a diminutive hall porter at whose belt hung a tiny chain, at the end of which was a golden key half as long as the smallest pin you ever saw.

A hall porter ... you mean a PERSON was inside that walnut? This tale is now venturing into the weird department.

The Princess climbed up one of the silver chains, holding in her hand the little porter who, in spite of his minute size, opened a secret door with his golden key and let her in.

Hang on ... aren't the chains hanging from the trees and attached to the castle? Mental image not computing here ... but ah, well, moving on.

She entered a magnificent room which appeared to occupy the entire Castle, and which was lighted by gold and jewelled stars in the ceiling. In the midst of this room stood a couch, draped with curtains of all the colours of the rainbow, and suspended by golden cords so that it swayed with the Castle in a manner which rocked its occupant delightfully to sleep.

Via Pinterest

And RAINBOW ROSES. Sorry, don't mind me. 

On this elegant couch lay Prince Rainbow, looking more beautiful than ever, and sunk in profound slumber, in which he had been held ever since his disappearance.

I'm not sure how she knows this is Prince Rainbow, because she's only ever heard his voice, and he's not talking right now. Must be the roses - I mean curtains. 

Fairy-than-a-Fairy, who now saw him for the first time in his real shape, hardly dared to gaze at him, fearing lest his appearance might not be in keeping with the voice and language which had won her heart. At the same time she could not help feeling rather hurt at the apparent indifference with which she was received.

Well, it's an enchanted sleep, so of course he's not going to pay attention to you. You have to kiss him. True love's first kiss and all that.

She related all the dangers and difficulties she had gone through, and though she repeated the story twenty times in a loud clear voice, the Prince slept on and took no heed. She then had recourse to the golden pomegranate, and on opening it found that all the seeds were as many little violins which flew up in the vaulted roof and at once began playing melodiously.

Or maybe not true love's first kiss. 

The Prince was not completely roused, but he opened his eyes a little and looked all the handsomer.

Now's the time to kiss him.

Impatient at not being recognised, Fairer-than-a-Fairy now drew out her third present, and on opening the crystal scent-bottle a little syren flew out, who silenced the violins and then sang close to the Prince's ear the story of all his lady love had suffered in her search for him. She added some gentle reproaches to her tale, but before she had got far he was wide awake, and transported with joy threw himself at the Princess's feet.

You just have to love the logic of these gifts in this fairy tale.

At the same moment the walls of the room expanded and opened out, revealing a golden throne covered with jewels. A magnificent Court now began to assemble, and at the same time several elegant carriages filled with ladies in magnificent dresses drove up. In the first and most splendid of these carriages sat Prince Rainbow's mother. She fondly embraced her son, after which she informed him that his father had been dead for some years, that the anger of the Fairies was at length appeased, and that he might return in peace to reign over his people, who were longing for his presence.

And he can be a Reignbow. 

Sorry.

The Court received the new King with joyful acclamations which would have delighted him at any other time, but all his thoughts were full of Fairer-than-a-Fairy. He was just about to present her to his mother and the Court, feeling sure that her charms would win all hearts, when the three green and white sisters appeared.

Cue dramatic music.

They declared the secret of Fairy-than-a-Fairy's royal birth, and the Queen taking the two lovers in her carriage set off with them for the capital of the kingdom.

Now are they going to declare their own identities? Wait, the fairy tale's almost over. Guess not.

Here they were received with tumultuous joy. The wedding was celebrated without delay, and succeeding years diminished neither the virtues, beauty, nor the mutual affection of King Rainbow and his Queen, Fairer-than-a-Fairy.

And they had, at last, their true love's first kiss.