The Three Golden Apples (From: "A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys")   By: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Three Golden Apples," a captivating and enchanting tale from his acclaimed collection "A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys," takes readers on a delightful journey through Greek mythology. Crafted with Hawthorne's signature masterful storytelling, this fairy tale weaves together elements of adventure, romance, and moral lessons, making it a truly engaging read for both young and adult readers alike.

Set in the mythical world of ancient Greece, the story centers around a young hero named Perseus, who embarks on a daring quest to retrieve three golden apples from the faraway Garden of Hesperides. Hawthorne skillfully blends mythology with his own imaginative touches, creating a richly textured narrative that keeps readers hooked from the very first page.

The character of Perseus is brought to life with Hawthorne's characteristic attention to detail, portraying him as a courageous and noble hero. As readers follow Perseus on his perilous journey, they are introduced to a host of other mythological figures, such as the cunning Hermes and the beautiful nymphs of the Garden. Each character is vividly portrayed, with their distinct personalities shining through, giving the story an added depth and authenticity.

One of the strengths of Hawthorne's storytelling lies in his ability to seamlessly integrate moral themes into his tales, and "The Three Golden Apples" is no exception. Through various challenges and encounters, Perseus learns valuable lessons about bravery, humility, and the consequences of meddling with the gods' affairs. These moral lessons, subtly woven into the narrative, provide thought-provoking reflections for readers of all ages.

Despite being a relatively short tale, Hawthorne's descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of each scene, transporting readers into the mythical world of ancient Greece. From the lush beauty of the Garden of Hesperides to the treacherous encounters with fearsome monsters, every setting comes alive with Hawthorne's evocative language, captivating readers and immersing them in the story.

"The Three Golden Apples" is ultimately a testament to Nathaniel Hawthorne's mastery as a master storyteller, as he effortlessly brings ancient mythology to life with his unique style and creative flair. With its timeless themes, engaging characters, and beautiful prose, this enchanting tale is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers, leaving them longing for further adventures in Hawthorne's magical world.

First Page:

The snow storm lasted another day; but what became of it afterwards, I cannot possibly imagine. At any rate, it entirely cleared away, during the night; and when the sun arose, the next morning, it shone brightly down on as bleak a tract of hill country, here in Berkshire, as could be seen anywhere in the world. The frost work had so covered the windowpanes that it was hardly possible to get a glimpse at the scenery outside. But, while waiting for breakfast, the small populace of Tanglewood had scratched peepholes with their finger nails, and saw with vast delight that unless it were one or two bare patches on a precipitous hillside, or the gray effect of the snow, intermingled with the black pine forest all nature was as white as a sheet. How exceedingly pleasant! And, to make it all the better, it was cold enough to nip one's nose short off! If people have but life enough in them to bear it, there is nothing that so raises the spirits, and makes the blood ripple and dance so nimbly, like a brook down the slope of a hill, as a bright, hard frost... Continue reading book >>