Wood Magic: A Fable

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25299

Title

Wood Magic: A Fable

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this whimsical fable, young Sir Bevis explores a vibrant garden where nature speaks through insects and birds. Guided by a personified Wind, he learns that life is a continuous present moment, transcending the busy concerns of the human world. With lyrical prose and personified natural elements, the story invites readers to reconnect with the simple, enduring magic of the outdoors.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in a lush garden and the surrounding countryside, this narrative follows the adventures of 'little Sir' Bevis, a curious boy who interacts with the natural world. The story begins with Bevis playing in the garden, where he encounters a daisy, a dandelion, and a bennet. He observes a goldfinch, a bumble-bee, and a toad, eventually meeting a cunning spider in a summerhouse. The spider's hubris leads to his demise at the hands of a robin, illustrating the cycle of nature. Bevis then ventures beyond the garden, racing after a butterfly into the wider world. Here, he encounters a personified Wind who has been waiting for him. The Wind reveals that he is as old as the hills and the brook, having witnessed the lives of countless people who once loved him. The Wind explains that those who live in cities, shut away from nature, are foolish for not tasting the world. He teaches Bevis to 'drink' him—to breathe deeply and feel the air—to gain strength, happiness, and wisdom. The narrative shifts to a fantastical political allegory involving bird tribes. King Kapchack, a crow, faces an invasion by the Emperor Choo Hoo. The council includes a hawk (Ki Ki), rooks, crows, and an owl. The squirrel provides commentary on the complex politics, noting that rooks support the tyrant Kapchack for their own security, despite their natural conservatism. The fox advises a defensive strategy, arguing that Choo Hoo's vast numbers are a weakness, but the hawk and others push for immediate attack. News arrives that Choo Hoo has crossed the border, prompting the assembly of forces. Ki Ki is named commander-in-chief, while the rooks take the right wing and the crows the left. The owl commands the reserve. Returning to Bevis, he meets the Wind on a hill. The Wind tells Bevis that there is no yesterday or tomorrow, only a long 'today.' He reveals that the man buried in the hill died only a minute ago, debunking the idea that he has been dead for thousands of years. The Wind sings a wordless song that makes Bevis feel connected to the sun, earth, and sky. Bevis promises to always return to the Wind, to race, shout, and be happy. As he leaves, a blue harebell asks him to carry her home, and the wild thyme bids him come again. Bevis rides home on a wagon, concluding his journey of discovery.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25299.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg25299.epub

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2026-07-03 21:49 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Animals