The green knight has stopped coming to the castle. What has happened? Surely his heart has not gone to another. Yet, what can I know, isolated here on this island? It’s the only place where I can live safely, out of the reach of my envious stepmother.

One day when I am sitting by the window, crying, a little bird lights on the lintel. He tells me that the prince is very ill, and I must make the medicine. I must catch nine young snakes, turn them into broth, and feed the soup to him.

I have to summon my courage, make the cure, and get off this island.

Princess Coming Out of Isolation in The Green Knight, Olive Fairy Book. Painting by Pierre-Charles Comte.