The Golden Godmother: the Story of Poor Lukas

Name: The Golden Godmother: the Story of Poor Lukas
Author: Parker Fillmore

A wealthy farmer named Lukas loses all his property due to his careless management, leaving him and his wife in dire poverty. Just as they face starvation, his wife gives birth to a daughter, whom they name Marishka. Struggling to find a godmother for the child, Lukas approaches various neighbors, but they all refuse due to his impoverished state. Eventually, he meets an old woman at a crossroads who agrees to be the godmother. At the christening, the old woman surprises everyone by offering a ducat to the priest, ensuring the ceremony is conducted with great respect. Afterward, she gifts Lukas a second ducat for Marishka, promising that it will provide for her upbringing and future happiness. The old woman then magically creates a rosebush and disappears, leaving Lukas bewildered. Upon returning home, Lukas and his wife discover that the single ducat has multiplied into a handful of ducats. They rejoice and decide to use the money wisely, planning to buy back their old property and improve their lives. Lukas goes to town, and with the help of the burgomaster's wife, they begin to restore their fortunes. As they rebuild their lives, Marishka grows into a beautiful young woman, admired by all. Eventually, she captures the heart of a prince, fulfilling the old godmother's prophecy of a happy marriage. Lukas and his wife, having learned valuable lessons from their hardships, live happily, cherishing their daughter and the blessings that came from their godmother.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1944 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fable, Children's Literature · 2,680 words

First lines

There was once a wealthy farmer named Lukas who was so careless in the management of his affairs that there came a time when all his property was gone and he had nothing left but one old tumble-down cottage. Then when it was too late he realized how foolish he had been.

He had always prayed for a child but during the years of his prosperity God had never heard him. Now when he was so poor that he had nothing to eat, his wife gave birth to a little daughter. He looked at the poor unwelcome little stranger and sighed, for he didn't know how he was going to take care of it.

What this Textopian page supports

The Golden Godmother: the Story of Poor Lukas is listed on Textopian as a short story by Parker Fillmore, dated 1944 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: 1944 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fable, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Drama
Length: 2,680 words
Structure: 1 section, 55 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, a moral lesson, and a happy ending typical of fairy tales.
Fable — It conveys a moral lesson about the consequences of one's actions and the importance of generosity.
Children's Literature — The narrative style and themes are suitable for a young audience, focusing on family and kindness.
Fantasy — The presence of magical elements, such as the old woman who grants wealth, aligns with fantasy genre conventions.