This collection features stories that explore the theme of keeping promises, showcasing the consequences and rewards that follow. Each story highlights a character’s commitment to their word, sometimes resulting in fulfillment and other times in loss.
Promises and Their Consequences
Several stories focus on the outcomes of breaking or fulfilling promises. In Orpheus and Eurydice, Orpheus’ promise to not look back at his wife as he leads her out of the Underworld is broken, resulting in her permanent loss. Similarly, in The Crow and Mercury, a crow breaks his vow to Apollo after being freed from a snare, only to face rebuke from Mercury. The story of The Bee and Jupiter shows the bee’s acceptance of her fate, understanding that fulfilling her promise could lead to death.
Promises in Relationships
Some stories highlight promises made in the context of relationships, often leading to transformation or growth. In Beauty and the Beast, Beauty promises to live with the Beast in exchange for her father’s life, and her love for him breaks the curse that transformed him. The story Ripple, the water spirit tells of Ripple’s promise to a grieving mother to retrieve her child, eventually restoring him to life.
Unfulfilled Promises
Other stories examine how promises are not always kept, resulting in complications or punishment. In The Laughing Hippopotamus, Keo tricks Gouie into abandoning his promise to return as a slave, ultimately leading to Gouie’s downfall. The Ram tells the tale of Miranda’s neglect of a promise to a ram, which causes the ram’s death from a broken heart.
Promises of Loyalty and Revenge
In some tales, promises made out of loyalty or revenge shape the narrative. The Christmas Promise features a harper’s promise to return home to his family for Christmas, overcoming harsh conditions to keep his word. Similarly, Hamlet is driven by the promise he makes to his father’s ghost to avenge his murder, which leads to tragic consequences.
These stories not only demonstrate the value of keeping promises but also explore the complexities and repercussions of the vows we make.
Imagination over knowledge
