The Yellow Dwarf by Dinah Mulock

Name: The Yellow Dwarf
Author: Dinah Mulock

A queen, desperate to marry off her beautiful daughter, All-Fair, seeks the help of a Desert Fairy. To pass the fairy's lions, she promises her daughter to the Yellow Dwarf, a hideous creature. The queen returns home, melancholic, and All-Fair, noticing her mother's sadness, embarks on the same journey. The Yellow Dwarf confronts her, revealing her mother's promise, and she reluctantly agrees to marry him, falling into despair. As All-Fair's melancholy grows, the court encourages her to marry, and she chooses the King of the Golden Mines, believing the Dwarf is too insignificant to challenge him. On the wedding day, the Desert Fairy intervenes, reminding them of their promises. The Dwarf, now emboldened, challenges the king, leading to a fierce battle. The Desert Fairy, enamored with the king, abducts him, while All-Fair is imprisoned by the Dwarf. The king, aided by a mermaid, fights through various foes to rescue All-Fair. However, a moment of carelessness leads to his capture by the Dwarf. The Dwarf offers the king's life in exchange for All-Fair's hand, but the king refuses and is killed. Heartbroken, All-Fair dies beside him. The mermaid transforms them into palm trees, forever entwined, symbolizing their undying love.

By Dinah Mulock · First published 1873 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Children's Literature · 2,394 words

First lines

There was once a queen, who had been the mother of several children, but all were dead, except one daughter, of whom she was excessively fond, humouring and indulging her in all her ways and wishes. This princess was so extremely beautiful, that she was called All-Fair, and twenty kings were, at one time, paying their addresses to her. She had so many lovers, indeed, that she did not know which to choose, and refused them all. Her mother, being advanced in years, was anxious to see her married and settled before she died; but as no entreaties could prevail, she determined to go to the Desert Fairy to ask advice concerning her stubborn daughter.

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The Yellow Dwarf is listed on Textopian as a short story by Dinah Mulock, dated 1873 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Dinah Mulock
Date: 1873 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Children's Literature
Length: 2,394 words
Structure: 1 section, 27 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The Yellow Dwarf is a magical creature, a staple character in fairy tales. The plot revolves around typical fairy tale elements such as kingdoms, magical spells, kings, and princesses.
Fantasy — The story contains fantastical elements like dwarfs and supernatural happenings which are defining characteristics of the fantasy genre.
Children's Literature — As a fairy tale and fantasy story, The Yellow Dwarf is predominantly categorized under children's literature. It is designed to teach and entertain children.