The Nickerman's Wife: the Story of Lidushka and

Name: The Nickerman's Wife: the Story of Lidushka and the Imprisoned Doves
Author: Parker Fillmore

Lidushka, a young housewife, encounters a persistent frog while washing clothes by the river. Initially frightened, she jokingly promises to be the frog's godmother. The frog later returns, reminding her of her promise and inviting her to a christening for its babies. Despite her fears, Lidushka follows the frog to its underwater home, where she participates in the ceremony and enjoys a lavish feast of fish. While exploring the frog's house, Lidushka discovers a pantry filled with upside-down pots, each containing a trapped dove. Realizing the doves represent souls imprisoned by a malevolent spirit known as the nickerman, she frees them one by one. The old frog warns her of the approaching nickerman, who uses red streamers to lure victims to their doom. As the nickerman draws near, Lidushka remembers that holding dry earth or toasted bread can protect her from his power. She quickly ascends the crystal stairs, clutching a handful of dry earth, and replaces the stone at the entrance, blocking the water. The nickerman attempts to ensnare her, but she resists, declaring her awareness of his true nature and vowing to protect the souls she freed. Years later, Lidushka shares her story with her children, cautioning them against the dangers of the nickerman and the allure of the red streamers, instilling in them the importance of being wary of deceptive appearances.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1930 · Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Children's Literature · 1,566 words

First lines

There was once a young housewife named Lidushka. One day while she was washing clothes in the river a great frog, all bloated and ugly, swam up to her. Lidushka jumped back in fright. The frog spread itself out on the water, just where Lidushka had been rinsing her clothes, and sat there working its jaws as if it wanted to say something.

"Shoo! " Lidushka cried, but the frog stayed where it was and kept on working its jaws.

What this Textopian page supports

The Nickerman's Wife: the Story of Lidushka and the Imprisoned Doves is listed on Textopian as a short story by Parker Fillmore, dated 1930 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: 1930 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Children's Literature, Adventure, Folklore
Length: 1,566 words
Structure: 1 section, 41 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The Nickerman's Wife: the Story of Lidushka and the Imprisoned Doves by Parker Fillmore
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Nickerman's Wife: the Story of Lidushka and the Imprisoned Doves?
How does this short story by Parker Fillmore fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The story features magical elements such as a talking frog and the concept of imprisoned doves, which are central to the plot.
Fairy Tale — The narrative structure and moral lessons align with traditional fairy tales, including themes of promises and the battle between good and evil.
Children's Literature — The story is suitable for children, featuring simple language and a moral lesson about danger and responsibility.
Adventure — Lidushka's journey to rescue the doves and escape the nickerman involves elements of adventure and peril.