The Jester's Sword
The Jester's Sword is a novel by Annie Fellows Johnston that tells the story of a young man named Jack who inherits a sword from his great-uncle, a jester. The sword is said to have magical powers and brings Jack good luck in all his endeavors. However, Jack soon discovers that the sword has a dark history and is cursed, leading him to question whether the sword's powers are truly beneficial.
By Annie Fellows Johnston · First published 1907 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 7,235 words
First lines
BECAUSE he was born in Mars' month, which is ruled by that red war-god, they gave him the name of a red star -- Aldebaran; the red star that is the eye of Taurus. And because he was born in Mars' month, the bloodstone became his signet, sure token that undaunted courage would be the jewel of his soul.
What this Textopian page supports
The Jester's Sword is listed on Textopian as a short story by Annie Fellows Johnston, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Annie Fellows Johnston
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Historical Fiction
- Length: 7,235 words
- Structure: 1 section, 75 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Jester's Sword by Annie Fellows Johnston
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Jester's Sword?
- How does this short story by Annie Fellows Johnston fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Companions Of Jehu by Alexandre Dumas
- In Old Madras by B. M. Croker
- The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas
- The Patriot And The Banker by Ambrose Bierce
- The Prussian Terror by Alexandre Dumas
- Jimgrim by Talbot Mundy
Genres
- Fantasy — The title 'The Jester's Sword' suggests themes of a medieval or fantasy setting, typically detailing events of magical, adventurous, or mythical significance. The presence of a 'jester' and a 'sword' are both elements common in fantasy literature.
- Adventure — Based on the title, the book could potentially feature elements of adventure, as implied by mentions of a jester and a sword, suggesting restless travels, ordeals and quests typically associated with an adventure genre.
- Historical Fiction — The book may contain elements of historical fiction, providing the setting suggests a serious consideration of a certain historical period or event, such as the middle ages, commonly associated with jesters and swords.
Tags
historical fiction · romance · adventure · coming of age · family drama · war · military · fantasy · magic · mystery · intrigue · suspense
More by Annie Fellows Johnston
- Mildred's Inheritance; Just Her Way; Ann's Own Way (1906)
- The Quilt that Jack Built; How He Won the Bicycle (1904)
- The Legend of the Bleeding-heart (1907)
- Big Brother (1893)
- In the Desert of Waiting: The Legend of Camel-back Mountain (1904)
- Georgiana of the Rainbows (1920)
- The Little Colonel (1907)
- The Gate of the Giant Scissors (1920)
- All works by Annie Fellows Johnston