Once Upon a Time: A New Take on the Babes in the Wood Fairy Story
Come closer, dear friends… following my recent foray into the Babes in the Wood tale, I am here to provide you with my unique first Classic Fairy Tale Babes in the Wood reimagined!
Now listen up and listen well,
For Maddy has a tale to tell!
A twist on a story both classic and bright,
The Babes in the Wood shines with new light.
The tale I have for you is timeless and eerie,
A story of sorrow, yet filled with warmth, oh so cheery.
In a quaint little village, with hills that embrace,
Lies a dark, ancient forest, a mysterious place.
Secrets abound in the shadows so deep,
Where whispers of wonder and sorrow both creep.
So gather around, let your hearts be aware,
For compassion shines bright in the tales that we share.
Babes in the Wood Reimagined: The Tale of Emma and Henry
Once upon a time in the countryside, there were two siblings, Emma and Henry. Who loved each other dearly. Their days were filled with joy and laughter as they roamed through sunlit fields and played beneath a mighty oak tree. But, as with many a fairy story, fate soon took a tragic turn.
The Tragic Turn
Their father, a kind-hearted gentleman, fell gravely ill. He had always been their protector and provider, and now he faced the grim spectre of death. Beside him lay their mother, equally frail, both entwined in a sorrowful farewell. Before they took their last breaths, they entrusted the care of their beloved children to their uncle, a man who appeared supportive but harboured sinister intentions. Although he was wealthy and promised their parents he would raise the children with love and care, Uncle Thomas’s heart was hardened by greed.
A Wicked Plan Unfolds
The uncle, a figure of wicked avarice, listened intently as the dying father spoke. “Take care of my children, and guard their futures as if they were your own,” he implored. However, a twisted smile crept across Uncle Thomas’s face as he plotted in the shadows. “If they should die before they come of age, all their wealth would fall to me,” he thought, envisioning a life of luxury built on their misfortune.
The Descent into Darkness
One crisp autumn evening, unbeknownst to Emma and Henry, Uncle Thomas called for two men he knew from his business dealings—sly men willing to do anything for money. They met him in the shadows of his study, where they were promised gold for a dreadful deed—taking the children far into the woods and ensuring they never returned. “Take the children deep into the forest,” he whispered, his eyes gleaming with greed. “Make sure they never find their way back.” Though not known for their kindness, the men hesitated at this dark request. But Uncle Thomas had promised them an irresistible fortune, and reluctantly, they agreed. The siblings, trusting and oblivious, followed the men into the depths of the forest, thinking they were off on a grand adventure.
An Unexpected Change of Heart
As they wandered deeper into the woods, Emma and Henry chatted and giggled, their voices echoing through the trees. But when they entered the heart of the forest, the trees grew thicker. Then sunlight became scarce and the chirping of birds fell silent. As shadows danced around them, the once-thrilled children began to feel a chill of unease. Emma took Henry’s hand, sensing their journey was no longer safe. Then lovingly squeezed it and whispered that they should keep their spirits up.
Just as she whispered her fears, one of the men, a gruff yet kind-hearted fellow named Jack, began to have doubts. He had a heart, after all. Unable to carry out the wicked plan, Jack turned to his partner, urging him to let the children go. “Let them be,” Jack murmured to his partner, who glared back, unwilling to abandon their orders. A scuffle broke out, and in the chaos, Jack turned against his companion. As the other man drew his weapon, Jack intervened, sparking a fierce quarrel. In the chaos, Jack managed to free the children. He knelt down and told them in a trembling voice that he couldn’t stay but promised he would return with food and help. However, as he walked away, too burdened by guilt and convincing himself that a passing traveller would save them, Jack never returned.
A Struggle for Survival
Days turned into nights as Emma and Henry roamed the forest, surviving on wild berries and the rare patches of sunlight that broke through the canopy. They held each other close, their bond unbreakable even in despair. As night fell, the chill set in, and they huddled together under a blanket of leaves. Each rustle of the wind and distant hoot of an owl heightened their fears, but they found comfort in each other’s company.
One day, while exploring a new part of the forest, they stumbled upon a tiny clearing where a stream danced over the rocks, sparkling in the sunlight. Inspired by their surroundings, Emma suggested they build a small shelter from the branches and leaves. With determination and teamwork, they crafted a cosy hideout where they could rest safely, away from the lurking dangers of the woods.
At this point, dear friends, I have devised two endings. One sad, taking a cue from the original text. And one, happy – as in the 1793 Babes in the Wood Opera style at The Haymarket Theatre. Choose your favourite!
Ending One: Tragedy in the Woods
Nature’s Compassion: The Robin Appears
One night, as they shivered under the stars, a small robin fluttered to them. Its red breast stood out against the night, and with a soft chirp, it began gathering fallen leaves, carefully covering the children as they drifted to sleep. In the morning, the robin’s gentle touch remained, giving them comfort in their final hours.
The Tragic Ending
But time was not kind. Cold and weary, Emma and Henry finally succumbed to the forest’s chill. The robin, their faithful guardian, returned to cover their bodies, honouring them with the care denied by their uncle.
A Twist of Fate for Uncle Thomas
Meanwhile, Uncle Thomas’s fortune turned to dust. Misfortune followed him as crops failed, and illness struck. In the end, he was left penniless and alone, his greed a hollow comfort as he paid for his wicked deeds.
The Spirits of the Woods
And so, Emma and Henry’s story lives on. Some say their spirits wander the woods, forever bound to the forest that became their final resting place. Villagers claim that, on cold October nights, the robin can be seen flitting through the trees, its presence a reminder of nature’s compassion, even in times of darkness. Truly, it is not hard to see why there is so much symbolism of robins in folklore.
Ending 2: Happiness At Last!
A New Kind of Magic
One fateful evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the children shivered under the stars, they heard a soft, melodic voice. A gentle robin perched on a branch above them. As it’s red breast stood out against the night, it sang a sweet tune that seemed to lift their spirits. They named her Ruby, and she quickly became their friend, visiting them daily. Each time Ruby arrived, she brought snippets of the outside world—news of nearby villages, tales of kindness, and stories of adventures. Emma and Henry listened intently, drawing strength from Ruby’s cheerful presence.
But just as hope began to blossom, they learned from Ruby that Uncle Thomas was searching for them, offering a reward for their capture. Determined to protect their newfound freedom, Emma and Henry devised a plan. With Ruby’s help, they gathered herbs and wildflowers to create disguises, blending in with the forest. They painted their faces with mud and leaves, transforming into woodland spirits that would be too clever for Uncle Thomas’s men to find.
The Final Confrontation
The day came when Uncle Thomas’s men approached the clearing, scouring the forest for any sign of the children. Emma and Henry held their breath, hiding among the trees, watching as the men searched high and low. Just when it seemed they might be discovered, Ruby began to sing her most enchanting song, luring the men away with her melody. Mesmerized by her beautiful voice, they followed her deep into the woods, unknowingly leading them further away from Emma and Henry.
Seizing the moment, the siblings quickly made their way out of the clearing and deeper into the forest, their hearts pounding with adrenaline. They were determined to escape the clutches of their uncle, hoping to find a way back to their village.
A Happy Ending: A Return to the Light
After what felt like an eternity, Emma and Henry finally reached the edge of the forest, the familiar sights of their village emerging before them like a dream. With the sun shining down, they raced home, bursting through the door to find their cottage empty yet warm with the memories of their parents.
Days passed, and with the help of their loyal friend Ruby, Emma and Henry alerted the villagers to their uncle’s wickedness. United, they confronted Uncle Thomas, who was swiftly brought to justice for his treachery. The villagers celebrated Emma and Henry’s bravery, ensuring that the siblings would never again face danger alone.
A Lesson for All
As the days turned into months, the bond between Emma, Henry, and Ruby deepened, turning into a friendship that would last a lifetime. Their story of resilience and friendship became a cherished legend in the village, reminding everyone that love and courage can conquer even the darkest of tales.
Maddy’s Parting Thought: A Spark of Kindness
And so, dear friends, the tale lives on,
Of courage bright and shadows drawn.
Through darkened woods and chilly night,
Kindness glows with warming light.
As Halloween draws near our way,
May Emma and Henry’s memory stay.
For in every story, joy or sorrow,
Love endures through each tomorrow.
