The Princess Never Follows the Plot [Western Fantasy]

The kingdom is in crisis, and a beautiful princess has been carried off by a dragon.

A brave hero accepts the king's mission, crossing mountains and enduring the elements to reach the evil dragon's cave.

What he sees is a great black dragon lying toppled like a hill. The princess has just cut it down with a single stroke of her sword. Hearing him arrive, she turns around, her black hair and eyes framed by a look of utter indifference.

--

This is the story of a hero who saves the day in every fairy-tale world, yet always meets the same princess, who has no need to be rescued.

Story order:

[The Dragon Steals the Princess]

[Snow White]

[Rapunzel]

[The Little Mermaid]

[Sleeping Beauty]

[The Princess and the Pea]

Reading notes:

1. A calculating "princess" gong x a hero shou who seems easy to fool but isn't. "Princess" refers to the character's current identity and does not indicate gender.

2. A short writing exercise, a sweet romance mixing together a whole host of fairy tales.

3. Inspired by Dala Bengba (?).

Theme: Prosperity, democracy, civility, and harmony