The Princess that was N'T
In a secluded tower, a Princess is said to be trapped under a Dragon's spell, leading many suitors, including kings and knights, to attempt her rescue. Each suitor, however, meets a grim fate as the Dragon devours them. The tale is romanticized, but the truth is far less enchanting: the Princess does not exist. The Dragon, in a moment of hunger, concocted the story to attract knights and princes, ensuring a steady supply of meals. He rented the tower and crafted the legend, which has since spread widely, allowing him to feast on the brave souls who seek glory and adventure. The Dragon's clever ruse highlights the absurdity of the situation, as he continues to thrive on the misguided heroism of those who believe in the fairy tale. The narrative serves as a commentary on the nature of myths and the folly of blindly pursuing romantic ideals without questioning their validity.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1910 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Satire · 398 words
First lines
In a very lonely tower, So the legend goes to tell, Pines a Princess in the power Of a dreadful Dragon's spell.
There she sits in silent state, Always watching -- always dumb, While the Dragon at the gate Eats her suitors as they come --
What this Textopian page supports
The Princess that was N'T is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Herford, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Poetry, Satire, Children's Literature, Adventure
- Length: 398 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Princess that was N'T by Oliver Herford
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Princess that was N'T?
- 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
- The Elf And The Bee by Oliver Herford
- The Miser Elf by Oliver Herford
- Prince Pompom by Oliver Herford
- Lord Hippo by Hilaire Belloc
- Old King Cole by L. Frank Baum
- The Laughing Prince The Story Of The Boy Who Could Talk Nonsense by Parker Fillmore
Genres
- Fantasy — The story involves a dragon, a princess, and elements of magic, typical of the fantasy genre.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter characteristic of poetry.
- Satire — The narrative critiques traditional fairy tale tropes, using humor to subvert expectations.
- Children's Literature — The whimsical nature and moral lessons make it suitable for a younger audience.
Tags
Fiction · Fantasy · Adventure · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · Classic Literature · Children's Literature · Nonsense Verse · Poetic Prose · Wordplay