The River Maidens by Edith Nesbit
The story revolves around the narrator's enchanting encounters with the River Maidens. During autumn, the maidens disappear into the river, only to re-emerge in spring when the blossoms bloom. They beckon the narrator to return to the "enchanted stream," and he is drawn back to the natural world. However, once he returns, the maidens vanish, leaving him to vainly search for them. The cycle repeats itself, with the narrator anticipating the maidens' reappearance every spring.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1935 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature · 431 words
First lines
When autumn winds the river grieve, And autumn mists about it creep, The river maids all shivering leave The stream, and singing, sink to sleep.
The keen-toothed wind, the bitter snow Alike are impotent to break The spell of sleep that laid them low -- The lovely ladies will not wake.
What this Textopian page supports
The River Maidens is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1935 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: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Literature, Folklore
- Length: 431 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The River Maidens by Edith Nesbit
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The River Maidens?
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Similar titles
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- The Lighthouse by Edith Nesbit
- The Ice Dragon Or Do As You Are Told by Edith Nesbit
- The Blue Mountain by Edith Nesbit
- November by Edith Nesbit
- Belinda And Bellamant Or The Bells Of Carrillon Land by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves mythical creatures and magical elements.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a journey and exploration.
- Children's Literature — The story is suitable and engaging for young readers.
- Folklore — The narrative incorporates elements of traditional tales and legends.
Tags
Fantasy · Fiction · Children's Literature · Classic · River · Maidens · Mythology · Legend · Folklore · British · English · Victorian Era