The True Bride: the Story of Ilona and the King'

Name: The True Bride: the Story of Ilona and the King's Son
Author: Parker Fillmore

Two orphans, Osmo and Ilona, live in a dilapidated farmhouse. Osmo leaves to find work and becomes a shepherd for the King's Son. He describes Ilona's beauty, leading the King's Son to fall in love with her. Osmo returns to invite Ilona to marry the prince, but she hesitates, wanting to stay until their ancestral grindstone is worn out. Osmo secretly breaks the grindstone, stool, mortar, and doorsill, convincing Ilona to leave. On their way to the castle, they encounter a mysterious woman, Suyettar, who tricks them into letting her into their boat. She casts a spell that deafens Osmo and Ilona to each other. Suyettar manipulates Ilona into jumping overboard, leaving her to sink while she impersonates Ilona at the castle. The King's Son marries Suyettar, but soon realizes she is not the beauty Osmo described. Meanwhile, Ilona is rescued by the Sea King and his son, who offers to marry her, but she longs for her brother. The Sea King allows her to return to the surface for three nights. Ilona sends her dog, Pilka, to deliver tokens to the King's Son, hoping to reveal Suyettar's deception. The King's Son grows suspicious and consults a wise woman, who confirms Suyettar's true identity. On the final night, the King's Son captures Ilona as she rises from the sea, cutting the chains binding her. They hide from Suyettar, who is eventually destroyed in a trap set by the King's Son. Ilona and Osmo are reunited, and the King's Son marries Ilona in a grand celebration, finally bringing joy to their lives.

By Parker Fillmore · First published 1921 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure · 4,874 words

First lines

There were once two orphans, a brother and a sister, who lived alone in the old farmhouse where their fathers before them had lived for many generations. The brother's name was Osmo, the sister's Ilona. Osmo was an industrious youth, but the farm was small and barren and he was hard put to it to make a livelihood.

"Sister," he said one day, "I think it might be well if I went out into the world and found work."

What this Textopian page supports

The True Bride: the Story of Ilona and the King's Son is listed on Textopian as a novella by Parker Fillmore, dated 1921 CE.

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

Work type: Novella
Author: Parker Fillmore
Date: 1921 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Children's Literature
Length: 4,874 words
Structure: 1 section, 155 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The True Bride: the Story of Ilona and the King's Son by Parker Fillmore
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The True Bride: the Story of Ilona and the King's Son?
How does this novella by Parker Fillmore fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fairy Tale first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fairy Tale — The story features magical elements, a royal character, and a moral lesson typical of fairy tales.
Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical creatures, enchantments, and a mythical setting.
Adventure — The characters embark on a journey filled with challenges and quests, particularly Ilona's journey to reunite with her brother.
Romance — The plot centers around Ilona's relationship with the King's Son and themes of love and loyalty.