Summary of A Little Book of Profitable Tales by Eugene Field

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    Christmas Stories Children's Literature Fantasy

    The First Christmas Tree: A Tale of Wonder and Hope for Children

    This story tells the origin of the Christmas tree. A tiny tree in the forest is chosen by angels and stars to be special, and the angels sing about a child who is to be the Master. The tree is protected by a guardian angel, and as the tree grows, it witnesses the Master's kindness and love for people. The story concludes with the tree being cut down to become the cross on which the Master dies, signifying sacrifice and redemption.

    • Angels choose the tree, sing about the Master (Child), and adorn it with stars.
    • The tree is protected by an angel, and the Master visits and rests beneath it.
    • The tree is cut down and becomes the cross for the Master.

    The Symbol and the Saint: A Story of Love, Faith, and the Origins of Santa

    The story tells of a young man named Norss who sets sail to find his bride, guided by a spirit and a symbol of a cross. He finds Faia, a beautiful maiden in the East, and they return home to start a family. Their son, Claus, grows up to be a gifted toymaker and a kind man, loved by children everywhere. As Claus grows older, he receives the gift of immortality and is visited by fairies and other magical beings. Claus becomes Santa Claus, a magical figure bringing joy and gifts to children all over the world.

    • Norss is guided by a spirit to find Faia, his bride, who also sees a vision of him.
    • Their son, Claus, is gifted and kind, loved by children for his toys.
    • Claus receives the gift of immortality and becomes Santa Claus.

    The Coming of the Prince: A Story of Hope for Children

    This story focuses on a poor child named Barbara, who longs to see the prince who is coming on Christmas Eve. She is turned away from the cathedral and the homes of wealthy people, but a snowflake guides her to the forest. There, she encounters the spirits of the forest and waits for the prince. The prince comes through the forest, sees Barbara sleeping, and awakens her to a new life. He takes her away with him, leaving the city waiting in vain.

    • Barbara longs to see the prince, but she is rejected by the people in the city.
    • A snowflake guides her to the forest, where she encounters forest spirits.
    • The prince arrives and awakens Barbara to a new life, taking her away with him.

    The Mouse and the Moonbeam: A Story of Christmas Magic and Belief

    This whimsical story revolves around a little mauve mouse who believes in Santa Claus and tells a tale of her sister, Squeaknibble, who didn't believe and met a tragic fate. The moonbeam tells a story about a shepherd, a little Master (Jesus), and the meaning of Christmas. The story highlights the importance of belief and faith, even in the face of skepticism.

    • The little mauve mouse tells the story of Squeaknibble, her sister who didn't believe in Santa and met a tragic end.
    • The moonbeam tells a story of a shepherd and a little Master, highlighting the love and sacrifice of Jesus.
    • The story emphasizes the importance of belief and faith.

    The Divell's Chrystmass: A Story of Charity and the Power of Love Over Evil

    This story describes the Divell (Devil) trying to spread evil during Christmas time, but he is unsuccessful because of the love and charity that fill people's hearts. The story shows how even the Divell can be touched by the spirit of Christmas. The Divell, unable to give charity, cuts off his own tail to give to a beggar child. The tail miraculously transforms into a golden flower, demonstrating the power of goodness over evil.

    • The Divell tries to spread evil during Christmas, but he is defeated by the love and charity in people's hearts.
    • The Divell cuts off his own tail to give to a beggar, which turns into a golden flower.
    • The story illustrates the triumph of goodness over evil, even in the face of darkness.

    The Mountain and the Sea: A Story of Love, Loss, and Hope

    This story tells of a mountain who loves the sea but is separated from her by the jealous air, which carries away the sea in clouds. The mountain mourns the sea's absence, but clouds eventually bring messages from the sea assuring him of her love. The story symbolizes the enduring nature of love, even through distance and hardship.

    • The mountain loves the sea, but the air separates them.
    • The mountain mourns the sea's absence, but clouds bring messages of her love.
    • The story represents the power of love to endure, despite challenges.

    The Robin and the Violet: A Story of Unrequited Love and Enduring Affection

    This story tells of a violet who loves a robin but is too shy to express her feelings. The robin is killed by a huntsman, and the violet keeps vigil by his grave, singing to him. The story emphasizes the enduring power of love, even in the face of loss and rejection.

    • The violet loves the robin but is too shy to express her feelings.
    • The robin is killed by a huntsman, and the violet mourns him at his grave.
    • The story shows the power of love to endure, even after death.

    The Oak-Tree and the Ivy: A Story of Growth, Protection, and Unconditional Love

    This story tells of a mighty oak tree who shelters a young ivy vine and eventually falls in love with her. As the ivy grows, she protects the oak tree after he is struck by lightning. The story highlights the importance of love, protection, and the enduring power of beauty.

    • The oak-tree protects and falls in love with the ivy.
    • The ivy grows and protects the oak-tree after he is struck by lightning.
    • The story shows the strength of love and the beauty of enduring relationships.

    Margaret: A Pearl: A Story of a Little Oyster and a Doctor’s Magic

    This story tells of a tiny, sick oyster named Margaret, who is treated by various doctors in the sea. Ultimately, she finds healing through a simple medicine given by a wise Doctor Sculpin. The story demonstrates that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best, and that a touch of magic can work wonders.

    • Margaret, a sickly oyster, is treated by several doctors, but their methods are ineffective.
    • Dr. Sculpin prescribes a simple remedy using sand, which heals Margaret.
    • The story shows that sometimes simple things can bring about healing and that magic exists in unexpected places.

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