The Thoughtless Word
An old couple, impoverished and without prospects for their son, face the challenge of finding him a bride. The mother’s attempts to secure a match in their village fail, leading her to suggest that their son seek his own fortune. The son, feeling despondent, encounters a mysterious old man who offers to help him. The old man takes him to a lake, where he is transported to an underwater palace filled with twelve beautiful maidens. The son is given the opportunity to choose a bride but is warned by one maiden, who reveals herself to be the daughter of a pope, that he must select her to escape the clutches of the Devil. Despite the old man's attempts to thwart him, the son successfully chooses the maiden with a patch over her eye, fulfilling the conditions set by her. They escape together, and upon returning to the surface, they find themselves back on the road. The couple seeks shelter at the pope's house, where the maiden reveals her identity and the circumstances of her abduction by the Devil. The reunion is emotional, and the maiden presents treasures she acquired during her time in captivity, which are recognized by a merchant as his long-lost possessions. The narrative explores themes of fate, the consequences of careless words, and the power of love and determination. The son’s journey from despair to triumph illustrates the idea that true worth is not determined by wealth but by character and bravery. Ultimately, the couple's return signifies hope and redemption, as they reunite with family and reclaim their lives from the darkness that had threatened to consume them.
By Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev · First published 1833 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore · 1,568 words
First lines
Once upon a time an old man lived in a village with his wife, and they were very poor: they had only one son. And when he grew up, the mother said to her husband: "It is full time that we secured a wife for our son."
"Well, go and see if you can bargain for a wife."
What this Textopian page supports
The Thoughtless Word is listed on Textopian as a short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev, dated 1833 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
- Date: 1833 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Folklore, Adventure, Romance
- Length: 1,568 words
- Structure: 1 section, 44 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Thoughtless Word by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Thoughtless Word?
- How does this short story by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fairy Tale — The narrative features magical elements, a moral lesson, and a structure typical of fairy tales.
- Fantasy — The story includes supernatural beings and fantastical events, such as the boy's encounter with the Devil and the underwater palace.
- Folklore — The tale reflects cultural traditions and values, characteristic of folklore, particularly in its rural setting and character archetypes.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey to seek his fate, facing challenges and making significant choices along the way.
Tags
Russian Literature · Folklore · Mythology · Fairy Tales · Cultural Studies · Anthropology · Sociology · Psychology · Philosophy · Symbolism · Allegory · Metaphor