The Kind Fairy Lizard
Once upon a time, in a far-away land, there lived a poor peasant farmer. He lived with his wife and one daughter in a tiny little cottage. No matter how much time the poor farmer spent in his field, digging and planting crops, he never seemed to make enough money or grow enough food for his family.
Rustling in the Bushes
Early one morning, while trudging up the mountainside towards his field, the farmer heard a loud rustling in the bushes. Imagining it could be a rabbit or a bird he could catch, he crept nearer. Suddenly, he froze, falling backward in surprise and fear. Towering above him from the top of a rock was the largest and most terrifying lizard he had ever seen. The farmer was scared that the lizard might hurt him, but just as he was about to turn and run, it spoke.
The Lizard’s Wish
“Do not be afraid my friend. I will not harm you if you grant me one wish.” The terrified farmer agreed to fulfill the lizard’s wish, even as the creature requested to meet the farmer’s beloved daughter, Elizabeth. The farmer hesitated, knowing the risk involved, but fearing the lizard’s wrath, he agreed to fulfill its request.
Elizabeth’s Encounter with the Lizard
That evening, the farmer informed Elizabeth about the lizard’s request. Thankfully, Elizabeth wasn’t frightened, and agreed to meet the lizard. They met, and the lizard requested the farmer to leave Elizabeth in its care for a day, promising no harm would come to her. Following her father’s departure, Elizabeth spent the day with the lizard and returned home that evening with many presents.
Elizabeth’s Fortune & Ungratefulness
Elisabeth’s visits to the lizard became regular, and each time, she returned home with armfuls of presents. However, as Elizabeth grew more beautiful and wealthy, she became ungrateful towards the lizard. One day, a prince saw Elizabeth and fell in love with her. As per custom, the prince sought the lizard’s permission to marry Elizabeth. The lizard, fond of Elizabeth, granted them his blessing.
The Lizard’s Punishment
Elizabeth, wrapped up in her new life and upcoming marriage, forgot the kindness shown by the lizard. Offended by her ingratitude, the lizard, who was a fairy in disguise, cast a spell turning her beautiful face into a goat’s head, a week before her wedding. The prince, disgusted by her appearance and shocked by her ungratefulness, broke the engagement and imposed trials for her.
Elizabeth’s Redemption
In her despair, Elizabeth encountered a dwarf who revealed to her the extent of her unkindness and ingratitude through a reflective mirror. Ashamed, Elizabeth begged the fairy lizard for forgiveness, promising to be kind and hardworking. Seeing her sincerity, the lizard removed the spell, and Elizabeth once again became beautiful. She rushed to the prince, showing that the punishment had been lifted and she had changed her ways. The prince, thrilled by her transformation and change of attitude, married Elizabeth. From then on, Elizabeth was always kind to others.
