Beauty and the Beast
Retold by Helen Strahinich
Once upon a time , a traveling merchant became hopelessly
lost in the woods. Snow began to fall, slowly at first, then
faster and faster. Wolves howled all around him, and the
merchant realized he was about to die. He worried about his
three daughters.
Suddenly, the merchant saw a light in the distance. He walked
toward it and soon came upon a castle. He knocked on the
door, but no one answered. He entered the castle.
The Merchant found himself in a large, splendid room.
A fire burned in the fireplace and a luscious feast rested on
the table. He waited patiently. No one came, so he ate
heartily and fell asleep near the fire. The next morning, the
merchant found fresh clothin by the hearth and breakfast on
the table.
He waited again, but no one came. So he ate and then went
outside. The snow had vanished overnight .
In the castle courtyard , the merchant saw a rosebush.
He plucked one rose for his youngest daughter , named
Beauty .
Just then , a heart— stopping roar boomed across the
courtyard , and a giant beast galloped toward the merchant .
The creature blocked the merchant’s path. Raising its long ,
sharp claws. Its mouth was a dark , gruesome cave .
Its teeth were fearsome knives . “ I showed you kindness . “
the Beast roared , “ and in return , you have stolen my
precious rose . For this , I will swallow you whole . “
Again , the merchant wondered what would become of his
three daughters .“If you must kill me,first grant me one simple
wish. Let me say goodbye to my daughters. “ You may bid
your daughters farewell , “ the Beast told him , “ and if one of
them will take your place , then you may go free . “
The merchant returned home and told his three daughters
about these terrifying events. The oldest daughters wept ,
but Beauty begged to take her father’s place . Later , father
and daughter returned to the castle. The merchant pleaded
with the Beast to let him stay with Beauty, but the Beast
sent him away.
Beauty was sure that the Beast would devour her. Instead ,
he spent much time with her and treated her like a princess .
Beauty was in want of nothing .
Each night the Beast requested Beauty’s hand in marriage ,
and each night she refused , for she was repelled by his
beastly looks . However , Beauty’s feelings changed little by
little .
Soon the Beast’s appearance became less mportant . Beauty
began to appreciate his gentleness and kindness . She saw
his inner beauty and looked forward to visiting with the Beast
each night. Still , Beauty missed her father deeply.
“ If you will allow me to visit my father , I will promise to marry
you when I return . “ “You may go , but if you do not return
in one week , I will die of sadness . “ The Beast gave her a
magic ring that would return her to the castle in an instant.
The merchant was delighted to see Beauty safe , happy ,
and well taken care of . Her older sisters were jealous,
however, and they tricked her into staying beyond the week’s
deadline. One night Beauty awoke crying. She had dreamed
that the Beast was dying in his garden , clutching his heart .
Quickly she put on the magic ring .
In a breath , she found herself in the castle garden.
Beauty ran to the dying Beast and cried , “ I love you, and I
want to marry you .” Beauty’s words and tears were like
medicine for the Beast .
Suddenly , the castle fireworks glowed and music played.
When Beauty looked again, she saw that the Beast had
disappeared and, in his place, was a handsome prince .
“ Your kindness saved me from a spell , “ the prince
explained .
“ I was turned into a beast , and I had to stay a beast until a
kind— hearted girl agreed to marry me .” Beauty married her
prince , and they lived happily ever after .