The Dragon of Wantley: His Tale

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26448

Title

The Dragon of Wantley: His Tale

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in feudal England, this burlesque tale follows Sir Godfrey Disseisin, a choleric baron obsessed with his wine, and his daughter Elaine, who secretly aids a knight named Geoffrey. Together they attempt to slay a legendary dragon terrorizing the countryside, only to discover the beast is a elaborate hoax orchestrated by the family chaplain. Blending humor, romance, and satire, the story offers a whimsical critique of superstition and social hierarchy.

Summary up to 500 words

For thirteen years, the neighborhood of Wantley has suffered from a fearsome dragon that burns crops and devours livestock. The local legend blames Sir Godfrey Disseisin, a wealthy but irascible baron who refuses to join the Crusades, claiming his ancestor's refusal to fight in the First Crusade brought this curse upon his family. Sir Godfrey is particularly concerned with the quality of his wine, often raging over its temperature or vintage. His household operates on strict feudal lines, with a hierarchy ranging from the revered Governess, Mrs. Mistletoe, down to the scullion who secretly pulls the tails of the baron's tame ravens. Enter Geoffrey, a knight who has spent years chasing dragons in vain. He arrives at Wantley Manor to marry Sir Godfrey's daughter, Elaine. However, Elaine reveals that Geoffrey has not actually slain a dragon; rather, he has been tricked. The true dragon is a fabrication created by Father Anselm, the family chaplain, and his novice, Hubert, using a crocodile skin, a cage, and various props to simulate a monster. Their goal is to trick the superstitious baron into believing the dragon is real, thereby securing a marriage between Geoffrey and Elaine while simultaneously mocking the Baron's gullibility. The plot thickens as Geoffrey is locked in a cage within the manor, pretending to be a prisoner of the dragon, while Elaine secretly communicates with him. They plan to reveal the deception during a grand public spectacle on Christmas Eve, intending to drag the 'dragon' into a fire. However, Father Anselm and his monks arrive with their own version of the dragon, which they claim is a holy beast they have captured. The climax occurs when the Baron, eager to burn the dragon, opens the pit door. Instead of a monster, the monks reveal a shrunken crocodile skin, exposing the hoax. Father Anselm claims the evil spirit has fled and the Church claims the skin as a relic. The Baron is initially disappointed by the lack of a real beast to roast but quickly pivots to celebrating the wedding and the end of the dragon's reign. Just as the festivities begin, the Baron's son, Roland, returns from a Crusade, further complicating the situation. The story concludes with the monks departing for the Holy Land, leaving the Baron to enjoy his wedding and a final round of Burgundy. The narrative satirizes the gullibility of the superstitious, the rigidity of feudal class structures, and the absurdity of religious dogma, all wrapped in a lighthearted, humorous tone.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-07-03 21:23 UTC

Categories

• Fairy Tales
• Dragons