What I contain in my spacious vault has not been seen for a long time. My floors are covered in polished stones and inscribed with symbols that are known only to magicians.

Hollow niches are cut into my walls, and they hold glass vases where people’s spirits are imprisoned. On my floor, two large glass chests stand opposite one another. One contains a mansion surrounded by farm buildings, stables, barns, fields, meadows, and herds. You will notice that everything is tiny, but exceedingly detailed because everything is real.

Opposite the chest lies a glass coffin, and in that coffin, you will see a sleeping maiden of rarest beauty. Her long, fair hair is wrapped in a mantle studded with precious stones. Her eyes are closed but her complexion is bright, and her breath makes a delicate ribbon dance.

Hall of Prisoners in The Glass Coffin, Grimms. Illustration by H.J. Ford.