Nell's Fairy-Tale by Oliver Herford
A young girl named Nell, after reading a fairy tale, expresses a desire to be a fairy princess. As she drifts off to sleep, a magical event occurs: an elf-princess emerges from the book. The elf-princess reveals her dissatisfaction with life in the storybook, where she is confined to repetitive roles and actions. She longs for the freedom and experiences of being a real girl, like Nell. Nell and the elf-princess engage in a conversation about their respective lives. The elf-princess shares her weariness of the predictable nature of fairy tales, contrasting it with the vibrant, unpredictable reality that Nell enjoys. Nell, in turn, expresses her admiration for the elf-princess's magical existence, but the elf-princess highlights the limitations of her fairy tale life. As they converse, they explore themes of identity, freedom, and the allure of fantasy versus reality. The elf-princess ultimately concludes that despite the enchantment of her world, she would prefer the authenticity of being herself. This exchange leads to a deeper understanding of the value of individuality and the complexities of happiness, whether in a fairy tale or the real world. The story concludes with a sense of mutual appreciation between Nell and the elf-princess, as they recognize the unique qualities of their respective lives. The narrative emphasizes the importance of embracing one's true self and the idea that happiness can be found in both the mundane and the magical.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1904 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Fairy Tale · 319 words
First lines
The fairy tale was ended, the wicked Queen had fled; The Prince had saved the Princess and cut off the monster's head; The people all were joyful, and the Princess and the Prince Were married and -- so ran the tale -- "lived happy ever since. " Nell closed the book of fairy tales and mused: "I wonder why There are no fairies nowadays? I only wish that I Could be a fairy princess like the Princess Goldenhair. " Here Nell dropped off to sleep, and then she started in her chair, When, of its own accord, the book popped open, and behold!
What this Textopian page supports
Nell's Fairy-Tale is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Herford, dated 1904 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1904 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Fairy Tale, Adventure, Poetry
- Length: 319 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Nell's Fairy-Tale by Oliver Herford
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Nell's Fairy-Tale?
- How does this short story by Oliver Herford fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Princess That Was Nt by Oliver Herford
- Buds Fairy Tale by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Fantasy — The story features magical elements such as fairies and elves, central to the plot.
- Children's Literature — The narrative is aimed at a young audience, with themes of imagination and adventure.
- Fairy Tale — The book directly references traditional fairy tale motifs and structures.
- Adventure — The protagonist experiences a journey of discovery and encounters fantastical beings.
Tags
Fairy Tale · Children's Literature · Poetry · Rhyming Verse · Nonsense Verse · Satire · Social Commentary · Humor · Whimsy · Fantasy · Imagination · Storytelling