The Ballad of the White Lady
The poem tells the story of Sir Geoffrey, who is lured away by a white lady on his wedding morning. The white lady casts a spell to keep him asleep for seven years, during which time his bride searches for him but cannot find him. Eventually, she discovers him in the white lady's bower and confronts her. The two women engage in a magical battle, with Sir Geoffrey's bride ultimately emerging victorious and reclaiming her husband's soul.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1909 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 950 words
First lines
Sir Geoffrey met the white lady Upon his marriage morn, Her eyes were blue as cornflowers are, Her hair was gold like corn.
Sir Geoffrey gave the white lady A posy of roses seven, "You are the fairest May," said he, "That ever strayed from Heaven."
What this Textopian page supports
The Ballad of the White Lady is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature, Romance
- Length: 950 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ballad of the White Lady by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves supernatural elements and mythical creatures.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a quest or journey.
- Children's Literature — The story is suitable and engaging for young readers.
- Romance — There are elements of love and relationships.
Tags
Gothic Fiction · Supernatural · Mystery · Ghost Story · Classic Literature · Victorian Era · English Literature · Folklore · Legend · Mythology · Fantasy · Horror