The White Snake
The White Snake — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
In a forgotten library, where stories lived on ancient shelves, dwelled Irmgard, a cook's apprentice yearning for more than her mundane tasks. The King, a stern ruler haunted by loneliness, sought solace in lavish feasts. Elara, the enigmatic librarian, held the key to untold secrets. But a white snake, symbol of forbidden knowledge, promised a change that could either elevate or destroy them all.
Page 2
Irmgard chopped vegetables, her mind far from the kitchen. 'Another feast, another night of loneliness for the King,' she muttered. Suddenly, the cook barked, 'Irmgard! Taste the broth!' She obeyed, finding it bland. But as she tasted, she understood the herbs' hidden potential, the subtle balance they craved. The cook gasped, 'How did you know?'
Page 3
That evening, Elara found Irmgard scrubbing pots. 'You have a gift, child,' she said, her voice a whisper. 'The ability to understand.' Elara revealed an ancient book detailing the language of animals. 'Knowledge can be a heavy burden, Irmgard. Use it wisely.' She warned, 'Some truths are best left undisturbed.'
Page 4
At the feast, Irmgard served the King. He tasted the dish and frowned. 'Bland! Insipid!' he roared. But then, he paused, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. 'No,' he admitted, his voice softening, 'it speaks of something more. A quiet longing.' He asked, 'Who prepared this?'
Page 5
The King summoned Irmgard. He offered her gold to become his personal cook. 'Imagine,' he urged, 'no more scrubbing pots, only crafting masterpieces!' Tempted, she almost accepted, but then remembered Elara's words. 'I must decline, Your Majesty,' she replied, 'gold cannot buy understanding.'
Page 6
Later, Irmgard walked the library, restless. The white snake stirred in its glass cage. 'Free me,' it hissed, 'and I will grant you true understanding, the King's secrets.' She hesitated, her fingers trembling near the lock. 'But Elara warned me...' she thought, her fear battling her curiosity.
Page 7
Overcome with curiosity, Irmgard released the snake. It whispered, 'The King's sadness stems from a lost love, a queen who vanished in the forest.' The snake continued, 'He hides her memory behind feasts and gold.' Shocked, Irmgard realized the truth. She recalled Aristotle's quote, 'Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.' The question, now, was what to do with this wisdom.
Page 8
Irmgard confronted the King. 'Your Majesty,' she declared, 'your queen is not lost, but hidden in your memory.' She told him of the white snake's revelation, of his buried grief. At first, he raged, dismissing her words as nonsense. But the memory of his queen, his true love, began to stir.
Page 9
The King, remembering, finally broke down. He confessed his fear, his guilt, his inability to face the past. He rose from his throne, tears streaming down his face. 'Take me to the forest,' he pleaded. 'Show me where she vanished.' Hope flickered in Irmgard's eyes.
Page 10
Together, they ventured into the forest. There, amidst the ancient trees, the King found not his lost queen, but the strength to accept his grief. He returned, no longer a lonely ruler but a wise and understanding king. Irmgard, having learned to value understanding above gold, remained by his side, their kingdom transformed by a single, forbidden truth. And so, the gold he sought had blinded him to the love he had.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Read Wonder Tales on your phone
Wonder Tales is available on Android. Get Wonder Tales on Google Play.