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Once in a Wilde

© Virginia Marin

Once in a while a folktale or fairytale was written that was destined to become more of a favorite than all of the others. You, no doubt, can relate word for word your favorite, regardless of length. Some tales, like poems, are best enjoyed when ignited by the human voice. When told by an efficacious storyteller they produce excitement and anticipation ner' before known.

The Selfish Giant, by Oscar Wilde is one such fairytale. Published in 1888, twelve years before his death, the lovable character is none other than a giant! This is not a bad giant. His only uncomplimentary trait is that of selfishness.

Wilde was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1854. He was a poet, dramatist, and novelist. He also wrote fairytales, which is, no doubt, the least understood part of this man who called attention to himself by wearing long hair, dressing eccentrically, and carrying flowers in his hands while lecturing. Wilde was accused of homosexual practices, was tried and found guilty, and sentenced to imprisonment (1895-1897) with hard labor. On his release, he found that he was physically, financially, and spiritually ruined. He went to Paris, known as Sebastian Melmoth, where he lived in despair and bitterness until his death in 1900. His best known work was a play-- The Importance of Being Ernest, which is considered to be his masterpiece.

His collection of fairytales and allegories, The Happy Prince, and Other Tales was published in 1888. Another collection of fairytales, The House of Pomegranates was published in 1891. From the Happy Prince comes my favorite...

Once Upon A Time, there lived a very selfish giant who had a garden. His garden was the most beautiful in the realm. In spring and summer the flowers grew in profusion. Even in winter, it was not unpleasant. One day, the giant left on a trip and was gone for a long time. During this time, all of the children came into his garden to play. The birds were singing. The butterflies were dancing and the children were very happy. Indeed, it was a beautiful garden!

Then, the giant came home. He saw the children, and chased them away. "My own garden is my own garden," yelled the giant. "Go away, and never return," he told the sobbing children.

"My own garden is my own garden," he said as he built a high wall around it and the children who loved to play there could not get in. From then on, spring left the garden, and refused to come inside. Snow and frost, ice and northwind made their home in the garden, and no longer did the flowers bloom. No longer did the birds sing or the butterflies play. And no longer were there the happy voices of children. Only an act of kindness would bring the lovely garden back.

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