Story Summary
Experience the legend of The Laidly Worm, a tale of a princess cursed into a dragon by her stepmother and the brave brother who risks all to break the spell.
In the ancient kingdom of Northumbria, at Bamburgh Castle, lived a King who took a beautiful but wicked witch for his second wife. Jealous of the beauty of her stepdaughter, Princess Margaret, the Queen used her dark arts to transform the girl into a 'Laidly Worm'—a hideous, venomous dragon. The curse decreed that Margaret would remain a beast until her brother, Childe Wynd, kissed her three times. The dragon retreated to Spindleston Heugh, where it ravaged the countryside, demanding the milk of seven cows daily. News of the terror reached Childe Wynd across the sea. He built a ship of rowan wood, a magic-warding timber, and sailed home. As he approached, the dragon lunged at him, but he sensed a familiar sadness in its eyes. Remembering the power of the rowan, he put aside his sword. The dragon spoke, pleading for the three kisses that would break the spell. With courage and love, Childe Wynd kissed the monster thrice. The scales fell away, and Margaret was restored. Returning to the castle, Childe Wynd touched the Queen with a twig of rowan, turning her into a toad, destined to hop through the dungeons forever.
The Moral
True love and family loyalty can overcome the most hideous transformations and the darkest of intentions.
“O, quit thy sword, and bend thy bow, and give me kisses three.”
Fun Fact
This story belongs to a rare category of dragon myths where the beast is not slain, but 'unspelled' through an act of love, reflecting much older Celtic influences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Laidly Worm?
The moral is that love, patience, and family bonds are stronger than any curse or malice. It also emphasizes that appearances can be deceiving, as a monster may hide a gentle soul in need of compassion.
What does 'Laidly Worm' actually mean?
In archaic Northern English and Scots, 'Laidly' means loathsome or hideous, and 'Worm' (or wyrm) refers to a dragon or serpent. Thus, the title describes a 'hideous dragon.'
Why was the ship made of rowan wood?
In European folklore, rowan wood was believed to have magical properties that protected against witchcraft and enchantments. This allowed Childe Wynd to approach the cursed princess without falling under the Queen's spells.
Who is the hero of the story?
The hero is Childe Wynd, the brother of the cursed princess. He shows heroics not through combat, but through his willingness to show affection to a monster to save his sister.
How was the wicked stepmother punished?
She was touched with a twig of rowan wood, which stripped her of her human form and turned her into a venomous toad, a form she was forced to keep for eternity.
Where does the story of The Laidly Worm take place?
The story is set in Northumberland, England, specifically around Bamburgh Castle and the nearby crags known as Spindleston Heugh.
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