Week 2 Story: The Woman with a Heart of Gold

24 January 2019


This story can now be found on my published website: Lillian's Indian Epics Portfolio

A heart shaped from a book. Source: Wikimedia

In a remote town covered in rich greenery located in Sweden, lived the most beautiful woman the world had ever seen, named Mia. She had golden locks with vibrant green eyes and a freckled face. 

Although her appearance undoubtedly breathtaking, within her she held the most true and constant beauty.

Her heart was gold without the slightest impurity. This is a quality all yearned to have, regardless of the consequences.

Just outside Mia's village in nearby waters, lived a crocodile named Henry.

Henry was the oldest crocodile to reside in his area, considering most crocodiles died if they did not retrieve a kind heart.

There was a myth that those who eat a golden heart will live as they desire for eternity.

One day as Henry was searching for food, he saw Mia in the distance by a field of peonies. 

Mia was enjoying the scenery and gazing at the endless blue skies.

Mia had often been told not to wander, as what lurks in the waters was a signature of death waiting.

Mia was wise, but the landscape around her was too enticing.

As Mia dipped her toes in the fresh water, the crocodile arose.

Henry asked Mia, "My dear, what are you doing in these parts of the village"?

Mia responded, "Oh! You startled me. I am simply enjoying the gracious gift of life".

"There is much wonder to be seen, on the other side of the village next to a willow tree", Henry said.

"Oh My! Would you please take me there"? "I cannot swim, and I do not have a boat", exclaimed Mia.

Henry slyly gestured, "It would be my pleasure for you to accompany me".

Mia stepped over and plopped down on Henry's back.

The journey to new sights began.

As Mia and Henry neared their destination, Henry stopped in the middle of the waters.

"How foolish you are my dear, your heart is too gracious"!, said Henry. 

"I will eat your heart, and live a life of abundance for eternity",  Henry laughed.

Mia sat on the crocodile's back sobbing tirelessly.

"You have tricked me". "No one with an ugly will see a beautiful life"!.

Henry in confusion yelled, "that is nonsense"!

Mia said, "It is true". "How do you think my heart became gold"? "If you let me live, I can show you".

Henry reached their destination and set Mia next to the old willow tree.

Mia with a gracious heart said, "You have done well by me, so you will live and prosper".

As soon as Henry heard those words, a mob of angry villagers came to Mia's rescue.

One villager, killed Henry with a single shot by a Harpoon. 

Mia cried out in sadness, because she wanted Henry to have a happy life.

Although Henry initially deceived Mia, he chose to turn his deceit into goodness.  

Mia could not bring Henry to life, but she used him as an example of pursuing kindness in all aspects of life.

In the end, Henry will be remembered for his gracious gesture, not his malicious plot. 

Author's Note: 

This story is based off of "The Crocodile and the Monkey's Heart" by Marie L. Shedlock. I really appreciated the overall theme of the original story, however I wanted to go towards a direction centered on love and a rounded lesson. I change the monkey into a strong female human character, because I believe women are so empowering. I kept the crocodile, but changed the title of the story to center on the main point of my story. Additionally, I altered the location of the plot but still made the scenery similar. In the end, the crocodile dies because the villagers search for the woman who is so loved for her gracious heart. I chose to focus on the aspect of being a good individual as leaving an example for others. I took out the rhyme towards the end, and added commentary regarding the overall moral of the story and its significance of being kind to others as a legacy to follow. 

Bibliography:

"The Crocodile and The Monkey's Heart" from Eastern Stories and Legends by Marie L. Shedlock. Web Source.