The Seven Ravens
The Seven Ravens — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
Once upon a time, inside a snow globe kingdom where winter reigned eternal, lived a miller named Wilhelm and his wife. Their greatest sorrow was their seven sons, cursed to be ravens. Only their newborn daughter, the brave and resourceful Gretel, could break the spell. But the path to redemption was fraught with peril, testing her courage and love against the darkest magic.
Page 2
"Another son!" Wilhelm had cried, years ago, his voice thick with despair. His wife wept silently. A midwife shook her head. "Seven sons... it is a curse, Wilhelm! We can no longer baptize them. The holy water turned black!" The boys ran away, transformed into ravens the moment their despairing parents had yelled "I wish you all were ravens!".
Page 3
Years later, Wilhelm held his newborn daughter. "Gretel," he whispered. The babe opened her large, grey eyes and gazed at him. He looked at his wife and then back at Gretel. "Perhaps... perhaps there is a way to undo the curse." He whispered, "Gretel, you are our only hope."
Page 4
"I must find them," Gretel declared, years later. She had overheard her parents discussing the curse and felt it was her fault. She packed some bread and water. Wilhelm tried to stop her, but she insisted. "As Helen Keller said, 'Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all'. Father, this is my adventure." She set off towards the dark forest beyond the village.
Page 5
The forest grew darker with every step. Gretel shivered. The path disappeared beneath a carpet of fallen leaves. She heard a rustling in the branches above. A raven landed on a nearby branch. "Brother?" she asked, her voice trembling. The raven cocked its head, then dropped a small, silver key at her feet.
Page 6
Gretel followed the key. After days, she came to a towering glass mountain. It was impossible to climb! She discovered a small, hidden door at its base. The silver key fit perfectly. A dark passage yawned before her, promising both danger and hope. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside.
Page 7
Inside, she found a large hall. A table was set with seven enchanted plates. As soon as Gretel tasted something on one of them, it disappeared. She thought of her brothers, hungry for so long. She whispered, "Wait for me, brothers. It won't be for long until all of you are back into human form."
Page 8
Suddenly, the hall filled with the sound of beating wings. The seven ravens flew in, transforming into her brothers. But they were still frail and weak. One said, "Sister, we are trapped. Only your love can break the curse entirely." The light began to fade around them.
Page 9
Gretel realized what she had to do. She gathered her brothers around the table. She tasted each of the enchanted dishes, one by one, feeling her strength wane. As the last dish vanished, she collapsed. "I am proud to have done it for you."
Page 10
Gretel awoke. The curse was broken. Her brothers were strong and healthy. Together, they climbed out of the glass mountain. Back in the snow globe, the world outside shimmered. The sun broke through the clouds for the first time in years. The Miller and his wife wept with joy. Though Gretel risked everything, her love had brought light to their frozen world. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made in order to achieve the greater good.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
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