Red's Kingdom

Short Story: Agata Król And The Shadow (2021)

I remember the first time I watched Lottle Reiniger’s Cinderella (1922), thrilling at the moment when we see the ugly sister cut off her own toes in order to make the glass slipper fit her foot – a reminder that fairy stories, as written originally, were hardly short on violence and darkness. Take that Walt…

philgomm
1–2 minutes
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I remember the first time I watched Lottle Reiniger’s Cinderella (1922), thrilling at the moment when we see the ugly sister cut off her own toes in order to make the glass slipper fit her foot – a reminder that fairy stories, as written originally, were hardly short on violence and darkness. Take that Walt Disney, with all your syrup! Inspired by folk-tales, and by those who survive in the shadows, I’ve written my own fairy story for our Reiniger-themed Kick-About No.31, crammed with impossible things presented as commonplace, though probably not anyone’s idea of a bedtime story.

You can read a PDF version here.

4 responses to “Short Story: Agata Król And The Shadow (2021)”

  1. Graeme Daly Avatar
    Graeme Daly

    I love this story Phil, You’re writing is always so gripping! In my minds eye I can’t help but attach Agata’s face to Reiniger’s – both magicians in their own right.

    Liked by 1 person

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  2. philgomm Avatar
    philgomm

    Thanks Graeme – that’s very kind of you – v. happy to hear you were gripped, what writer doesn’t want that kind of feedback. Ta very much 😀

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. memadtwo Avatar
    memadtwo

    It’s a wonderful story. Just desserts. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. philgomm Avatar
      philgomm

      Cheers Kerfe – indeed, nothing like a bit of old-school fairy story-style justice!

      Liked by 1 person

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