SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS
Illustrated by: Hameem Fatima
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, there lived a beautiful princess named Snow White. Her skin was as white as snow, her lips as red as roses, and her hair as black as ebony. She was known throughout the land not only for her stunning appearance but also for her kind heart and gentle nature. Snow White's grace and goodness touched the hearts of all who met her, making her the beloved jewel of the kingdom.
Yet, amidst the splendor of Snow White's presence, there lurked a shadow of envy. Her stepmother, the Queen, was consumed by jealousy. The Queen was a vain and wicked woman who could not bear the thought of anyone in the kingdom being fairer than herself. Every day, she would stand before her enchanted mirror and ask, "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?" And every day, the mirror would respond, "Snow White, my Queen, is fairest by far."
The Queen's heart grew darker with each passing day as she plotted to rid the kingdom of Snow White. She consulted with her loyal but equally malevolent huntsman. "Take Snow White into the deepest, darkest part of the forest," she commanded, "and there, end her life. Bring back her heart as proof of your loyalty."
The huntsman, though obedient to the Queen's commands, had a heart of his own. He couldn't bear to harm the innocent princess, who had always shown him kindness. He led Snow White deep into the forest, far away from the castle, and explained the Queen's wicked plot. "Run, Snow White," he urged, "and never return."
Snow White, frightened but determined, ran through the dense woods until she stumbled upon a small, cozy cottage nestled amidst the trees. It was the home of seven dwarfs: Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey. The dwarfs were initially startled by her sudden appearance but soon saw the fear and innocence in her eyes.
"We mean you no harm," Doc, the leader of the dwarfs, assured her. "You may stay with us if you wish, and we'll protect you from whatever troubles you."
Snow White was grateful for their hospitality and quickly became like a sister to the dwarfs. In return for their kindness, she took on the role of caretaker for their home, keeping it tidy and filling it with warmth and laughter.
Back at the castle, the Queen received a mysterious heart in a box, which she believed to be Snow White's. Satisfied that her wicked plan had succeeded, she resumed her mirror consultations with a sinister smile.
But the mirror's answer had changed. "Queen, you are fair, 'tis true," it said, "but fairer still is Snow White, who dwells with the dwarfs in the forest glen."
Furious and baffled, the Queen realized that her plan had failed. Snow White was alive, and the mirror had spoken the truth. Consumed by rage, the Queen concocted a new scheme. She would personally ensure Snow White's demise.
The Queen, shrouded in a disguise of an old hag, ventured into the forest, seeking Snow White. She carried with her a poisoned apple, its red surface hiding a deadly secret. Finding the cottage of the dwarfs, she knocked on the door, her cackling voice calling out, "Apples for sale! Delicious, juicy apples for a lovely young lady like you."
Snow White, always trusting and kind-hearted, opened the door. She was taken in by the old hag's appearance, unaware of the evil that lurked within. The Queen presented the poisoned apple to Snow White, and with a sweet smile, she said, "Take a bite, my dear. It's a gift from a friend."
Snow White, tempted by the apple's beauty, took a fateful bite. No sooner had she done so than she fell into a deep, unbreakable slumber. The Queen, her wicked heart filled with triumph, left the forest and returned to the castle, believing her victory was finally complete.
When the dwarfs returned to their cottage that evening, they were devastated to find Snow White lying motionless on the floor. Their tears fell like rain as they grieved for their dear friend. They placed her in a glass coffin, for she seemed to be in eternal slumber, her beauty unblemished even in her sleep.
As days turned into weeks, word of Snow White's plight spread across the land. A handsome prince, passing through the forest, heard the tale of the beautiful princess under the wicked Queen's spell. He felt an inexplicable pull, drawing him to the story. Determined to see Snow White for himself, he ventured into the forest and reached the dwarf's cottage.
The dwarfs, recognizing the prince's noble intent, allowed him to approach Snow White. As he gazed upon her face, he was struck by her beauty and the injustice of her fate. Leaning down, he placed a gentle kiss upon her lips. It was a kiss filled with the truest love, and it broke the wicked Queen's curse.
Snow White's eyes fluttered open, and she awoke to find the prince kneeling beside her. Their hearts connected in that moment, and they knew they were meant to be together. Snow White, the prince, and the dwarfs celebrated her awakening with joy.
Back at the castle, the Queen's evil ways had not gone unnoticed. Her treachery had been uncovered, and her subjects rose against her. Justice was served as the Queen met a fitting end, and peace was restored to the kingdom.
Snow White and the prince were married in a grand ceremony, attended by the dwarfs and the grateful people of the kingdom. Snow White ruled with kindness and grace, and her beauty, both inside and out, continued to shine.
And so, the tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs became a beloved legend, a story of kindness prevailing over jealousy, and a reminder that true beauty lies within the heart. It was a story that would be told for generations, a testament to the enduring power of love and goodness in a world filled with darkness.
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