When the dwarves put the princess in the crystal coffin, the forest fell silent, and it has been silent ever since.

First, the Owl came and watched over her. Then the Raven came and watched. When the Raven’s time ended, I came and settled on the shoulder of the dwarf who sits with her.

His tears have stopped flowing because he sees that she has not changed. Her hair is the color of ebony. Her cheeks are blood-red cheeks. Her skin is snow white. Winter has passed and she is still with us. Peace settles in the forest, the peace before spring.

The Dove of Peace in Snow White, Grimms. Illustration by John B. Gruelle