Fairy tales for young and old ~ English version

The Glass Tower

(Storytober - Day 8 - Isolation)

 Once upon a time, in a kingdom far beyond the mountains and across the shimmering seas, there stood a magnificent glass tower. This tower, though beautiful, was a prison for Prince Ijun, who had been trapped there by a jealous sorcerer named Sheorr. The tower's walls were crystal clear, allowing Ijun to see the vibrant world outside, yet he could not touch it, nor could he be touched by it. His days were filled with the sight of blooming flowers, children playing, and birds soaring freely, but he remained isolated, his heart heavy with loneliness.

Prince Ijun was a kind and gentle soul, beloved by his people. His laughter once echoed through the halls of the royal palace, but now, only silence accompanied him. He would often sit by the window, his eyes following the path of the sun as it rose and set, dreaming of the day he might be free.

Sheorr, the sorcerer who imprisoned Ijun, was once his childhood friend. They had grown up together, sharing dreams and adventures. However, Sheorr harbored a secret love for Ijun, a love that turned to jealousy when he learned that Ijun was to marry a princess from a faraway kingdom. Consumed by his unrequited feelings and envy, Sheorr used his magic to imprison Ijun in the glass tower, hoping to keep him forever.

One day, a maiden named Nuana, known for her cleverness and resourcefulness, wandered into the forest near the glass tower. She had heard tales of the trapped prince and was determined to find him. As she approached the tower, she was struck by its beauty and the sorrowful figure within.

"Who are you?" Nuana called out, her voice carrying through the still air.

"I am Prince Ijun," he replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "I have been imprisoned here by the sorcerer Sheorr. Though I can see the world, I am forever separated from it."

Nuana's heart ached for the prince. She vowed to free him, but she knew it would not be easy. She spent days and nights studying the tower, searching for a way to break the enchantment. She spoke to the ancient trees and the whispering winds, gathering knowledge and forming a plan.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Nuana returned to the tower with a determined look in her eyes. "Prince Ijun," she called, "I believe I have found a way to free you."

Ijun's eyes lit up with hope. "Tell me, Nuana, what must we do?"

Nuana explained her plan. "The glass that imprisons you is enchanted with the sorcerer's magic, but it is also fragile. I must find the source of Sheorr's power and destroy it. Only then will the glass shatter, and you will be free."

With a heavy heart, Nuana set off alone on her perilous journey. She traveled through dark forests, crossed treacherous rivers, and climbed towering mountains. Along the way, she faced many challenges, but her determination never wavered.

Finally, she reached Sheorr's lair, a dark and foreboding cave hidden deep within the mountains. Inside, she found a glowing crystal, pulsating with dark energy. Nuana knew this was the source of Sheorr's power.

With a deep breath, she raised her sword and struck the crystal with all her might. The crystal shattered, and a blinding light filled the cave. The ground trembled, and a deafening roar echoed through the mountains. At that moment, Sheorr lost all his powers, his magic dissipating into the air.

Back at the glass tower, the walls began to crack. Prince Ijun watched in awe as the glass shattered around him, freeing him from his prison. He stepped out into the world, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin for the first time in years.

Nuana came back to Ijun and together, they returned to the kingdom, where they were greeted with joy and celebration. The prince, now free, never forgot the lesson he had learned during his time in the tower. He understood the importance of human connection and the strength that comes from unity and determination.

Prince Ijun was finally able to marry the princess he was promised to, and he loved her deeply. On the day of the wedding, he asked Nuana to be his witness, honoring her as his closest friend.

And so, the kingdom flourished, filled with laughter, love, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. The tale of the glass tower and the brave maiden who freed the prince was told for generations, a reminder of the power of human connection and the importance of never giving up hope.

And they all lived happily ever after.