Batcha and the Dragon: the Story of a Shepherd w

A shepherd named Batcha spends his days tending sheep on a mountain. One autumn day, he witnesses a large army of snakes that bite leaves from a mysterious plant, which allows them to enter a hidden cavern. Curious, Batcha follows them, but the rock closes behind him, trapping him inside with the sleeping serpents and their king. After a night of sleep, he awakens to find the king serpent and the other snakes preparing to leave. Batcha attempts to follow but is again trapped. The king serpent agrees to let him out only if he swears an oath not to reveal how he entered. Batcha exits the cavern to find that spring has arrived, and he has unknowingly slept through the winter. He returns home to find his wife mourning his disappearance. When he reveals himself, she accuses him of laziness, believing he has abandoned her and their sheep. A stranger, who is actually a wizard, intervenes and offers her money to leave Batcha with him. Once alone, the wizard demands to know where Batcha has been. Fearing the consequences of breaking his oath, Batcha initially hesitates but ultimately confesses. The wizard commands Batcha to lead him back to the cliff and the magic plant. Upon entering the cavern, the wizard invokes a spell that transforms the king serpent into a dragon. The wizard instructs Batcha to bridle the dragon, but Batcha is too terrified to act. Instead, the dragon takes flight with Batcha on its back, soaring high above the earth. As Batcha clings to the dragon, he pleads for mercy, fearing for his life. In desperation, Batcha calls upon a skylark to deliver a message to God, asking for help. God hears Batcha's plea and sends the skylark back with birch leaves inscribed with golden letters. When the leaves touch the dragon, it descends rapidly, causing Batcha to lose consciousness. He awakens in front of his hut, relieved to be back home, with his dog and wife approaching. Despite the scolding he anticipates, Batcha feels grateful to be reunited with his life and loved ones.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1939 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Fable · 2,536 words

First lines

Once upon a time there was a shepherd who was called Batcha. During the summer he pastured his flocks high up on the mountain where he had a little hut and a sheepfold.

One day in autumn while he was lying on the ground, idly blowing his pipes, he chanced to look down the mountain slope. There he saw a most amazing sight. A great army of snakes, hundreds and hundreds in number, was slowly crawling to a rocky cliff not far from where he was lying.

What this Textopian page supports

Batcha and the Dragon: the Story of a Shepherd who Slept all Winter is listed on Textopian as a short story by Parker Fillmore, dated 1939 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Short story
• Author: Parker Fillmore
• Date: 1939 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Fable, Children's Literature, Mythology
• Length: 2,536 words
• Structure: 1 section, 76 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for Batcha and the Dragon: the Story of a Shepherd who Slept all Winter by Parker Fillmore
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering Batcha and the Dragon: the Story of a Shepherd who Slept all Winter?
• How does this short story by Parker Fillmore fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

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• Second Nature by Edith Nesbit
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Genres

• Fantasy — The story features magical elements such as a cavern with serpents, a wizard, and a dragon, which are central to the plot.
• Adventure — Batcha's journey involves exploration, encounters with mystical creatures, and a quest for escape, embodying classic adventure themes.
• Fable — The narrative conveys moral lessons about honesty, consequences of actions, and the importance of oaths, typical of fables.
• Children's Literature — The simple language, whimsical elements, and moral lessons make it suitable for a younger audience.

Tags

Fantasy · Adventure · Children's Literature · Mythology · Shepherd · Dragon · Winter · Sleep · Dreams · Imagination · Magic · Friendship

More by Parker Fillmore

• The Hickory Limb (1907)
• The Laughing Prince: the Story of the Boy who Could Talk Nonsense (1925)
• Beauty and the Horns: the Story of an Enchanted Maiden (1920)
• The Pigeon's Bride: the Story of a Princess who Kissed and Told (1930)
• The Little Lame Fox: the Story of the Youngest Brother who Found the Magic Grape-Vine and Married the Golden Maiden (1920)
• The Enchanted Peafowl: the Story of the Golden Apples, the Wicked Dragon, and the Magic Horse (1930)
• The Dragon's Strength: the Story of the Youngest Prince who Killed the Sparrow (1930)
• The Little Singing Frog: the Story of a Girl Whose Parents were Ashamed of Her (1930)
• All works by Parker Fillmore