The magic crystal is a fascinating and mysterious object that has captivated human imagination for centuries. It is believed to possess supernatural powers, able to grant wishes and see into the future. Legends and tales from different cultures depict the crystal as a source of enlightenment, protection, and divine guidance. The origins of the magic crystal are obscured in mythology, making it an enigmatic artifact. Some legends say that it descended from the heavens, a gift from celestial beings to humanity. Others claim that it was created by skilled alchemists who infused it with mystical energies.
Several things happen, while her mother is ill, that makes Alicia think about using the magic fishbone. One of her young brothers is badly bitten by an ill-tempered pug dog next door, but she manages to stop the bleeding and piece together some old rags to make a proper bandage for him. When the cook runs away with the tall tipsy soldier, Princess Alicia steps in to do the cooking. But, while she is peeling turnips for their soup, the baby of the family falls out of her lap and under a grate. His face is badly bruised and swollen and he will not stop crying, which upsets the rest of the children. But, Princess Alicia distracts them by having them pretend to be cooks, making caps out of old newspapers. She nurses the baby’s wounds and soothes him while supervising the rest of the children, who finish making dinner. Once they finish eating and cleaning up, she has them entertain the baby (and themselves) with “the dance of eighteen cooks.”
The King is perplexed by the fact that his daughter does not use the magic fishbone and asks her several times if she has lost it or forgotten about it. Which is a very good thing for Princess Alicia and Prince Certainpersonio; they are told they will have thirty-five children eighteen girls and seventeen boys.
Others claim that it was created by skilled alchemists who infused it with mystical energies. Regardless of its origins, the magic crystal carries an air of mysticism and wonder. Throughout history, individuals have sought after the crystal's powers, hoping to unlock its secrets and benefit from its abilities.
Sarah's Journal
Did you know Dickens wrote fairy tales? Until I started researching fairy tales for INTO THE WILD, I had no idea that Dickens wrote anything shorter than 3,000 pages. Today's obscure fairy tale is called "The Magic Fishbone." The original Dickens version is full of fabulous details so I recommend checking it out. But if you don't have time, here's my abridged version:
The Magic Fishbone (from Charles Dickens)
Once upon a time. a king is worried about money. He has nineteen children and a lot of bills, and it's a long way from payday.
Hold up a second. Bills? Payday? What sort of king is this?
He stops at the market and buys a salmon from Mr. Pickles.
Not y our usual Dickensian characterOn his way home, a grand old lady stops him and says he should offer the salmon to his eldest child, Princess Alicia. After she eats it, he should tell her that the leftover fishbone is a magic gift, which will grant a single wish if she wishes at the right time. The king obeys.
Usually you think of fairy godmother magic as a ll sparkles and rainbows. I love that this fairy's magic involves fish guts.
The next morning, the queen faints. Princess Alicia fetches a bottle of smelling salts, helps her mother to bed, and then proceeds to both nurse the queen and take care of her eighteen younger siblings for the duration of the queen's illness. The king asks Alicia if she still has the magic fishbone. (She does.) He asks her if she's forgotten it. (She hasn't.)
But she seems to have forgotten to call a doctor.
She then rushes upstairs to confide in her best friend, a doll who is really a duchess.
Yikes. Freaky. Living doll. Was she always a doll, or did she get turned into a doll for some misdeed? Does she like being a doll, or does she resent all the afternoons spent at tea parties with Alicia's teddy bears? Is Alicia keeping her prisoner?
Another day, a fierce terrier frightens one of th e little princes so badly that he sticks his hand through a glass door panel. As soon as his siblings see the blood, they begin to wail, but Princess Alicia quiets the m all and then cleans and stitches up her brother's wound. Her father again asks her about the magic fishbone. She says she still has it.
Um, I know Mom is sick, but what's Dad do ing during all of this? And if the wound was deep enough to need stitches, shouldn't a professional look at it?
Later, the baby falls onto the hearth and cries. While she comforts him, she directs her siblings in making dinner, since they recently lost their cook. Seeing his royal daughter cooking and nursing and keeping house and so forth, the king again asks about the magic fishbone. She says s he still has it.
Yes, I know I should be impressed at how self-sufficient she is, yada yada, but I think it's a bit reckless of her not to go to the emergency room. And shouldn't they have baby-proofed the hearth?
Even fairy-tale characters should babyproof.The king then sighs sadly and says that they ha ve no money at all. She asks if he has any way of getting any, and he says there isn't. He has tried all he could.
Can't he just raise taxes? What's the point of being king if you can't tax the poor to feed the rich?
As soon as he says this, Alicia draws out the magic fishbone and says, "If you've done everything in your power, then it's time to ask others for help." She then wishes it's payday.
I think Princess Alicia shows a real lack of im agination here. Given that she only gets one wish, she should have used it for more than just a single payday. Plus she really didn't think through how she phrased her wish. Note that she doesn't ask for the money from payday; she asks for it to actually be payday, i.e. she's asking for time travel. This could really cause all sorts of problems.
Suddenly, it's payday, and the fairy godmother arri ves. She scolds the king for wanting Alicia to have used the fishbone sooner. He promises he's learned his lesson, and the fairy godmother rewards the family with riches. She then goes to chat with her friend the duchess.
What's up with the duchess? How does she know the fairy? What are they talking about? I want her story!
After whispering with the duchess, the fairy godmother then announces she is going to fetch Prince Certainpersonio.
How much do I love that name?
A half-hour later, Prince Certainpersonio and Princess Alicia are married in a lavish ceremony. The duchess is the matron-of-honor.
Ooh, more about the duchess! She's a matron, so that means she's married. Where's the duke? Does he know she's a doll? Is he a doll too? And can I just say how impressive it is that the fairy godmother pulled together a "lavish" wedding in a half-hour? A half-hour to pick out the band, taste the wedding cake options, fit the dress, send the invitations, select the flowers. Maybe she just stole all the trappings from Cinderella.
And the fairy godmother blesses them with 35 children, none of whom will ever have the measles.
Thirty-five children. And this is a reward?
She then takes the fishbone and throws it to the terrible terrier next door. He chokes on it and dies. The end.
I'm thinking she's not a dog person.
12 Comments:
At 8:39 AM, Faith said.How funny--I'm going to have to track that one down! I'm still wondering how the 13 dancing princesses got off without being arraigned on multiple counts of homicide.
Faith: Well, there was that court case with Gretel and the witch-in-the-oven, but that was ruled self-defense.
At 9:34 AM, Anonymous said.
Okay, Dickens is just plain WEIRD.
Arilou-Skiff: Seriously. That doll duchess is just plain creepy.
This is BIZARRE. I still don't get the doll-duchess.
Sounds like a curse to me: "here're 35 kids, none of whom will ever die off." Yikes!
Q: I agree. As much as I wanted my teddy bears to talk when I was little, I still find the doll-duchess a bit disturbing.
DaviMack: It is a LOT of diapers.
At 5:05 PM, Anonymous said.
Weirdest story ever. Even though it's a fairy tale. About the 30-something children, talk about Labor Day.
My favorite magic doll story would have to be Beautiful Vasilisa.
At 11:38 PM, Anonymous said.
This is a celebrated article as they all are. I have been wondering less this an eye to some measure now. Its notable to note down this info. You are fete and balanced.
At 3:49 PM, Jessica said.
blesses? are we sure 35 children isnt a curse?!
It is said that the crystal can reveal hidden truths, provide clarity in times of confusion, and guide individuals towards their true destiny. Its ability to foresee the future is often mentioned, making it highly sought after by those who wish to know what lies ahead. The magic crystal is also believed to have healing properties. Its energies are said to promote physical and emotional healing, restoring balance to the body and mind. Many claim that simply holding the crystal or placing it near oneself can alleviate ailments and bring about a sense of peace and serenity. However, the magic crystal is not without its dangers. It is said that those who possess the crystal must use its powers wisely and responsibly. The crystal can be easily corrupted by greed and selfish intentions, turning its magic into a curse. Legends warn that those who misuse its powers may face dire consequences, leading to their downfall. While the existence of the magic crystal remains a subject of debate, its allure and impact on human imagination cannot be denied. It represents our innate fascination with the unknown and our desire for something greater than ourselves. Whether it exists in reality or only in myth, the magic crystal continues to enchant and inspire us, reminding us of the power of dreams and the possibilities that lie beyond our grasp..
Reviews for "The Magic Crystal: A Tool for Meditation and Mindfulness"
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