Original Snow White Story
Chapter 1: The Birth of Snow White and the Queen's Vanity
Long, long ago, in a kingdom nestled between towering mountains and deep, mystical forests, a Queen sat sewing by a window framed with ebony wood. It was the dead of winter, and snowflakes fell softly, blanketing the world in a serene white. As she sewed, the Queen pricked her finger with her needle, and three drops of blood fell onto the snow. The vivid crimson against the pure white was so striking that the Queen made a wistful wish: "If only I had a child with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as the ebony window frame."
Her wish was granted. In due time, she gave birth to a beautiful daughter whom she named Snow White. But joy turned to sorrow, for the good Queen did not survive long after the birth. The grieving King, after a year had passed, married again. His new bride was a woman of breathtaking, cold beauty, proud and haughty. She possessed a powerful and terrible secret: a magical mirror that spoke only the truth.
Every day, the new Queen would stand before this mirror, her heart filled with pride, and ask:
"Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?"
And the mirror would reply:
"You,my Queen, are the fairest in the land."
This ritual fed her vanity, and she was content, for the mirror never lied. Snow White grew up in the castle, a gentle and kind-hearted girl, beloved by all. As the years passed, her childish beauty matured into a stunning radiance—a beauty that was not just of face, but of spirit. Her compassion for animals and servants alike made her light shine all the brighter.
On the day Snow White turned sixteen, the Queen, as was her custom, went to her mirror. She asked the familiar question, expecting the familiar answer. But on this day, the mirror’s response was different:
"Queen, you are full fair, 'tis true,
But Snow White is fairer far than you."
The words struck the Queen like a physical blow. Rage, dark and venomous, filled her heart. Her beauty, the foundation of her power and identity, had been surpassed. From that moment, jealousy consumed her. She could not bear the thought of a rival, especially one who lived under her own roof. The seed of a wicked plan took root in her mind.
Chapter 2: The Hunter's Mercy and Flight into the Woods
Summoning the palace huntsman, a man known for his loyalty and strength, the Queen gave a chilling order. "Take the girl into the deepest part of the forest," she commanded, her voice like ice. "Kill her, and as proof of her death, bring back her heart in this box."
The huntsman, though horrified, dared not disobey his Queen. He led the unsuspecting Snow White deep into the woods, under the pretense of showing her the wildflowers. As they reached a secluded glen, he drew his hunting knife. Snow White, seeing the grim resolution on his face, fell to her knees.
"Please, dear huntsman," she pleaded, tears welling in her eyes, "spare my life! I will run far into the forest and never return to the castle. I promise you will never see me again."
The huntsman's resolve crumbled. He could not murder this innocent, weeping girl. "Run away then, poor child," he said, sheathing his knife. "Run deep into the woods and never look back." To satisfy the Queen’s morbid demand, he killed a young wild boar that crossed his path, placed its heart in the jewelled box, and returned to the castle.
Meanwhile, Snow White ran. Brambles tore at her dress, branches scratched her arms, but fear propelled her forward. The once-friendly forest now seemed a labyrinth of shadows and strange sounds. As dusk fell, exhausted and utterly lost, she stumbled upon a clearing. And there, she saw a sight that filled her with a glimmer of hope: a quaint little cottage, looking as if it were built for children.
Chapter 3: Discovery of the Dwarfs' Cottage
The cottage was charming but curiously small. Gathering her courage, Snow White knocked softly. When no answer came, she pushed the door open. Inside, everything was tiny yet perfectly formed. A small table was set with seven little plates, seven little cups, seven little knives, forks, and spoons. Against the wall stood seven little beds, neatly made.
Overcome with hunger and fatigue, Snow White ate a tiny bite from each plate and drank a sip from each cup, not wanting to consume any one person's meal. Then, so tired she could barely stand, she tried each of the seven beds. The first was too hard, the next too soft, one too long, another too short. Finally, the seventh bed felt just right. Within moments, she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
The owners of the cottage were, of course, the Seven Dwarfs. They spent their days toiling in a mine deep within the mountains, digging for precious gems and ore. As dusk settled, they returned home, singing their familiar working song. But as they approached their cottage, they sensed something was amiss. The door was ajar.
Cautiously, they entered. "Someone has been sitting in my chair!" exclaimed the first. "Someone has been eating from my plate!" cried the second. One by one, they discovered signs of an intruder. Then, with a gasp, the youngest dwarf, Dopey, pointed to the beds. There, lying peacefully in the seventh bed, was the most beautiful creature they had ever seen.
They gathered around her, their lanterns casting a warm glow. Just then, Snow White awoke. Startled by the circle of bearded little men, she sat up with a cry. But the dwarfs' expressions were not of anger, but of wonder and concern. Their leader, Doc, stammered, "Wh-wh-who are you, and what are you d-d-doing in our house?"
Snow White, seeing their kind faces, told them her entire story—the wicked Queen, the huntsman's mercy, her terrifying flight. The dwarfs listened, their hearts melting with sympathy. "You poor dear," said Happy, his usual grin replaced by a look of compassion.
"If you wish," said Doc, after consulting with the others, "you may stay here with us. You can keep house for us—cook, make the beds, wash, sew, and knit. In return, we will keep you safe and provide all you need."
Snow White's face lit up with gratitude. "Oh, thank you! I will take care of everything, I promise." And so, a new life began for Snow White. She became the heart of the little cottage, filling it with cleanliness, warmth, and the smell of freshly baked pies. The dwarfs, in turn, adored her. Each morning, as they left for work, they would solemnly warn her: "Beware of the Queen, Snow White. She is cunning and cruel. Let no one in while we are away."
Chapter 4: The Queen's Deception and the Poisoned Apple
Back at the castle, the Queen, believing the huntsman had succeeded, went to her mirror. "Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?" she asked triumphantly.
The mirror replied:
"Over the seven jeweled hills,
Beyond the seventh fall,
In the cottage of the seven dwarfs,
Dwells Snow White,fairest of them all."
The Queen’s rage was a tempest. She realized the huntsman had betrayed her. Now, she would take matters into her own hands. Using her dark knowledge of potions and disguise, she crafted a plan. She prepared a poisoned apple. One side was rosy red, beautiful but laced with a sleeping death so potent that no one could wake its victim except an act of true love. The other side was green and harmless.
Disguising herself as a poor peasant peddler woman, she made the treacherous journey to the dwarfs' cottage. She knocked on the door.
"Who is there?" called Snow White from inside, remembering the dwarfs' warning.
"Only an old woman selling sweet apples, my dear," croaked the Queen in a disguised voice.
"I cannot let anyone in," replied Snow White.
"But these are no ordinary apples," wheedled the Queen. "They are Wishing Apples. One bite, and your deepest wish will come true." She held the rosy red side towards the window.
Snow White hesitated. The apple looked delicious, and the thought of a wish… perhaps to see her father again, or to live without fear… was tempting. Cautiously, she opened the door just a crack.
The old woman offered the apple. "Here, child, take a bite. See if I do not speak the truth." To demonstrate its harmlessness, she took a small bite from the green side herself.
Fooled by this trick, Snow White took the apple and bit into the beautiful red side. The moment the fruit touched her lips, she fell to the ground, lifeless, the apple rolling from her hand.
The Queen let out a cruel, victorious laugh. "This time, not even the dwarfs can help you," she sneered before vanishing into the woods.
Chapter 5: The Glass Coffin and the Prince's Arrival
That evening, the dwarfs returned home to a scene of silence and dread. They found Snow White lying on the floor, pale and still. They lifted her, called her name, tried to revive her, but to no avail. Doc examined her and found no breath, no heartbeat. They wept bitterly, their little cottage filled with profound grief.
They could not bear to bury her in the cold, dark earth. Instead, using their skills, they crafted a coffin of clear glass and gold, so they could always see her beauty. They placed her inside, with her name and the title "Princess" inscribed upon it. They set the coffin on a hilltop, and for many days, one of them would always stay by her side, keeping watch.
Snow White did not decay. She seemed only to be sleeping, her cheeks still faintly rosy, her lips red. The animals of the forest came to pay their respects, and the dwarfs kept a perpetual vigil.
Years passed. Then, one day, a young Prince from a neighboring kingdom, renowned for his courage and kindness, was riding through the forest. He came upon the glade and the strange, beautiful sight: a young woman of ethereal beauty in a glass coffin, surrounded by seven sorrowful dwarfs.
He listened to their story and was deeply moved. He asked permission to take the coffin to his castle, so that he might honour her forever. The dwarfs, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, reluctantly agreed. As the Prince's servants lifted the coffin, one stumbled. The jolt dislodged the poisonous piece of apple from Snow White's throat.
She took a deep breath, opened her eyes, and sat up, as if waking from a long sleep. The first sight that met her eyes was the concerned, handsome face of the Prince leaning over her.
"Where am I?" she whispered.
"You are safe," the Prince said, his heart filled with a love that had sprung the moment he saw her. He helped her from the coffin and told her what had happened. The dwarfs, who had been weeping with sorrow moments before, now danced and shouted with joy.
The Prince, captivated by Snow White's grace and gentle spirit, knelt before her. "Princess," he said, "will you come with me to my father's kingdom and be my wife?"
Snow White, looking into his honest eyes and feeling a newfound safety and affection, smiled. She turned to the dwarfs, her first true friends and protectors. They gave their happy, tearful blessing. "You must follow your heart, dear child," said Doc, speaking for them all.
Chapter 6: Justice and a New Beginning
Meanwhile, in her castle, the wicked Queen, confident in her victory, approached her mirror once more. "Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?"
The mirror replied:
"You,my Queen, have beauty still,
But far away by a castle on a hill,
With the Prince who loves her true,
Snow White is fairer now than you."
The Queen was struck with terror and fury. She realized her magic had been undone. Consumed by her own poisonous rage and unable to bear this final defeat, she fled the castle, disappearing into the shadows of the world, never to trouble the kingdom again.
Snow White and the Prince returned to his kingdom, where they were married in a glorious ceremony attended by the King, the court, and her seven dear friends, the dwarfs, who were honoured guests. The celebration lasted for days, filled with music, laughter, and joy.
Snow White, now a Princess and future Queen, never forgot her humble friends. She invited them to visit often, and a special cottage was built for them near the palace gardens. The Prince proved to be as kind and just as he was brave, and together they ruled wisely and compassionately.
The tale concludes with the most important truth of all: that true beauty lies within a kind heart, that goodness and love will always triumph over envy and hatred, and that even in the darkest of forests, one can find a helping hand and a place to call home. And as for the seven dwarfs, they lived happily ever after, their mine producing more gems than ever, their hearts forever warmed by the memory of the princess who had once shared their home.