The Child of the Sun by Carmen Sylva

Name: The Child of the Sun
Author: Carmen Sylva

A radiant maiden, the daughter of the Sun, embodies beauty, grace, and power, bringing joy and life to the earth. However, an evil spirit named Strife, envious of her dominion, emerges from the depths of the earth. Strife, driven by curiosity and desire, seeks to conquer her and the paradise she rules. Their confrontation leads to a fierce struggle, where Life initially resists Strife's advances, bolstered by the Sun's support. Yet, as the day wanes, Strife overpowers her, taking her away and plunging the world into desolation. In her absence, Love and Happiness search for Life, eventually discovering her hidden within a rock. They coax her back to the surface, where she gradually regains her strength and vitality, revitalizing the earth. However, Strife, now aware of her return, seeks her out again. He captures her, and together they bear two children: Sorrow and Death. Sorrow, restless and yearning for the earth, wanders endlessly, while Death brings stillness and decay wherever he goes. Life transforms from a radiant maiden into a grave woman, burdened by the realities of Strife, Sorrow, and Death. Despite her struggles, she yearns for the beauty of her past, caught in a cycle of creation and loss, striving to reclaim the paradise that once was.

By Carmen Sylva · First published 1987 · Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy · 2,914 words

First lines

Life was a radiant maiden, the daughter of the Sun, endowed with all the charm and grace, all the power and happiness, which only such a mother could give to her child. Her hairs were sunbeams, her eyes gleaming stars. Flowers dropped from her hands, seeds sprang into life from beneath her footsteps; sweet scents and songs of birds floated around her; from her lips uncounted songs welled forth. Sounds like the gurgling of a thousand streams were heard from out her garments, and yet they were only made of flower petals and covered with tender webs, in which numberless dew-drops twinkled. Glow-worms encircled the royal brow like a diadem; birds bore her train over rough paths. When her foot touched thorns they grew green and blossomed; when she laid her soft hand upon the bare rock it became covered with moss and fern. The Sun had bestowed on her glorious child power over all things, and as companions and playfellows she had given to her Happiness and Love.

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The Child of the Sun is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carmen Sylva, dated 1987 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Carmen Sylva
Date: 1987 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Length: 2,914 words
Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The Child of the Sun by Carmen Sylva
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Genres

Fiction — The book 'The Child of the Sun' written by Carmen Silva falls under Fiction due to its storyline depicting imaginary events and people.
Historical Fiction — In the book, historical figures, places, and events are reimagined and rewritten, hence, fitting into the Historical Fiction genre.
Fantasy — Elements of magic and supernatural phenomena are presented in 'The Child of the Sun', justifying its classification as Fantasy.
Adventure — The main characters in 'The Child of the Sun' undertake a journey full of discoveries and obstacles, which is typical of an Adventure genre book.