Rewards and Fairies
Encyclopedia
Rewards and Fairies is a historical fantasy
book by Rudyard Kipling
published in 1910. The title comes from the poem Farewell, Rewards and Fairies by Richard Corbet
. The poem is referred to by the children in the first story of the preceding book Puck of Pook's Hill
. Rewards and Fairies is set one year later chronologically although published four years afterwards.
The book consists of a series of short stories set in historical times with a linking contemporary narrative. Dan and Una are two children, living in the Weald
of Sussex
in the area of Kipling's own home Bateman's
. They have encountered Puck
and he magically conjures up real and fictional individuals from the area's past to tell the children some aspect of its history and prehistory, though the episodes are not always historically accurate. Another recurring character is Old Hobden who represents the continuity of the inhabitants of the land. His ancestors sometimes appear in the stories and seem very much like him.
Some stories contain elements of the supernatural
as well as history. Each story is preceded and followed by a poem, including If—
, often described as Britain's favourite poem. Other well known poems included in the book are Cold Iron
and The Way through the Woods.
Cold Iron
A poem which compares how various metals affect human life but states in a recurring line that 'Iron—Cold Iron—is master of men all!' , ending with a reference to the iron nails used to crucify Jesus Christ at Calvary
.
. She tells them about a mission to prevent the Spanish settling in Virginia
.
for being too afraid to look in a mirror. But the Queen rallies her courage as daughter of King Henry VIII
and looks at her aging features.
and shipbuilding.
's ship Sovereign and how he gets knight
ed for advising the King not to use it.
's invention of the stethoscope
while a prisoner of war
in Sussex.
shepherd barters with prehistoric metal working newcomers for metal knives so that his people can fight off the marauding wolves.
where Washington states that he will not fight with the French against Britain.
If—
One of the most famous and popular poems in English, it gives guidance on the ideal behaviour to be considered a man.
by the French Navy.
A lament of smugglers that after all their difficulties they are treated as criminals not honest traders.
by showing tolerance for his old faith in Wotan while they were in danger.
and Thor
.
explains how he stopped the plague
in a Sussex village by getting the rats killed for astrological reasons.
A poem which lists many medicinal plants and how they were boldly used but laments that in the past medical knowledge was poor and mostly ineffective.
shipbuilder tells a story about Francis Drake
and the Spanish Armada
.
survived the Battle of Hastings
and ended up a blind beggar.
The full, copyright-free text is available through Project Gutenberg
.
Historical fantasy
Historical fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy and related to historical fiction, which makes use of specific elements of real world history. It is used as an umbrella term for the sword and sorcery genre and sometimes, if fantasy is involved, the sword-and-sandal genre too...
book by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling
Joseph Rudyard Kipling was an English poet, short-story writer, and novelist chiefly remembered for his celebration of British imperialism, tales and poems of British soldiers in India, and his tales for children. Kipling received the 1907 Nobel Prize for Literature...
published in 1910. The title comes from the poem Farewell, Rewards and Fairies by Richard Corbet
Richard Corbet
Richard Corbet was an English bishop in the Church of England. He was also a poet of the metaphysical school who, although highly praised in his own lifetime, is relatively obscure today.-Life:...
. The poem is referred to by the children in the first story of the preceding book Puck of Pook's Hill
Puck of Pook's Hill
Puck of Pook's Hill is a historical fantasy book by Rudyard Kipling, published in 1906, containing a series of short stories set in different periods of English history. The stories are all narrated to two children living near Burwash, in the area of Kipling's own house Bateman's, by people...
. Rewards and Fairies is set one year later chronologically although published four years afterwards.
The book consists of a series of short stories set in historical times with a linking contemporary narrative. Dan and Una are two children, living in the Weald
Weald
The Weald is the name given to an area in South East England situated between the parallel chalk escarpments of the North and the South Downs. It should be regarded as three separate parts: the sandstone "High Weald" in the centre; the clay "Low Weald" periphery; and the Greensand Ridge which...
of Sussex
Sussex
Sussex , from the Old English Sūþsēaxe , is an historic county in South East England corresponding roughly in area to the ancient Kingdom of Sussex. It is bounded on the north by Surrey, east by Kent, south by the English Channel, and west by Hampshire, and is divided for local government into West...
in the area of Kipling's own home Bateman's
Bateman's
Bateman's is a 17th-century house located in Burwash, East Sussex, England. British author Rudyard Kipling lived in Bateman's from 1902 to his death in 1936. His wife left the house to the National Trust on her death in 1939, and it has since been opened to the public.- Exterior :Bateman's is a...
. They have encountered Puck
Puck (mythology)
In English folklore, Puck is a mythological fairy or mischievous nature sprite. Puck is also a generalised personification of land spirits. In more recent times, the figure of Robin Goodfellow is identified as a puck.-Etymology:...
and he magically conjures up real and fictional individuals from the area's past to tell the children some aspect of its history and prehistory, though the episodes are not always historically accurate. Another recurring character is Old Hobden who represents the continuity of the inhabitants of the land. His ancestors sometimes appear in the stories and seem very much like him.
Some stories contain elements of the supernatural
Supernatural
The supernatural or is that which is not subject to the laws of nature, or more figuratively, that which is said to exist above and beyond nature...
as well as history. Each story is preceded and followed by a poem, including If—
If—
"If—" is a poem written in 1895 by British Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling. It was first published in the "Brother Square Toes" chapter of Rewards and Fairies, Kipling's 1910 collection of short stories and poems...
, often described as Britain's favourite poem. Other well known poems included in the book are Cold Iron
Cold Iron (poem)
Cold Iron is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling. Like many of Kipling's works, it is has a strong moral and religious message. The poem tells of a rebellion by a baron who fails, but is ultimately forgiven by his king, who turns out to be an allegory of Jesus Christ.Gold is for the mistress --...
and The Way through the Woods.
'Cold Iron'
There is a brief episode in which the children Dan and Una encounter Puck again a year after their previous experience. Then Puck tells the story of a young mortal taken by Fairies whose fate will be determined by the first piece of iron that he encounters.Cold IronCold Iron (poem)Cold Iron is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling. Like many of Kipling's works, it is has a strong moral and religious message. The poem tells of a rebellion by a baron who fails, but is ultimately forgiven by his king, who turns out to be an allegory of Jesus Christ.Gold is for the mistress --...
A poem which compares how various metals affect human life but states in a recurring line that 'Iron—Cold Iron—is master of men all!' , ending with a reference to the iron nails used to crucify Jesus Christ at CalvaryCalvary
Calvary or Golgotha was the site, outside of ancient Jerusalem’s early first century walls, at which the crucifixion of Jesus is said to have occurred. Calvary and Golgotha are the English names for the site used in Western Christianity...
.
The Two Cousins
A poem which foreshadows the story making references to the devotion of her courtiers to the Queen and the sacrifices they make.'Gloriana'
Dan and Una meet a lady who the reader realises is Queen Elizabeth IElizabeth I of England
Elizabeth I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, or Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty...
. She tells them about a mission to prevent the Spanish settling in Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
.
The Looking-Glass
This poem shows an aging Queen Elizabeth being taunted by the spirits of Mary, Queen of Scots and the Earl of LeicesterRobert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester
Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, KG was an English nobleman and the favourite and close friend of Elizabeth I from her first year on the throne until his death...
for being too afraid to look in a mirror. But the Queen rallies her courage as daughter of King Henry VIII
Henry VIII of England
Henry VIII was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death. He was Lord, and later King, of Ireland, as well as continuing the nominal claim by the English monarchs to the Kingdom of France...
and looks at her aging features.
A Truthful Song
This poem has two verses both deal with the theme how a craftsmen's skills from the past can be applicable in modern life. The first verse has an ancient Egyptian Pyramid builder and the second refers to the story of NoahNoah
Noah was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the tenth and last of the antediluvian Patriarchs. The biblical story of Noah is contained in chapters 6–9 of the book of Genesis, where he saves his family and representatives of all animals from the flood by constructing an ark...
and shipbuilding.
'The Wrong Thing'
Sir Harry Dawe (introduced in 'Hal o' the Draft' in Puck of Pook's Hill) tells Old Hobden and Dan about his design to decorate Henry VIIHenry VII of England
Henry VII was King of England and Lord of Ireland from his seizing the crown on 22 August 1485 until his death on 21 April 1509, as the first monarch of the House of Tudor....
's ship Sovereign and how he gets knight
Knight
A knight was a member of a class of lower nobility in the High Middle Ages.By the Late Middle Ages, the rank had become associated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct for the perfect courtly Christian warrior....
ed for advising the King not to use it.
King Henry VII and the Shipwrights
The King watches how his shipbuilders start to take apart a warship for their own benefit until stopped by one of their fellows who admits to some minor pilfering. He is promoted and the others punished and the king advises him to 'steal in measure'.The Way Through the Woods
The poem describes how an old road has been shut and taken back by nature but still occasionally you can hear the ghostly presence of past travellers.'Marklake Witches'
A young girl dying of consumption, describes René LaennecRené Laennec
René-Théophile-Hyacinthe Laennec was a French physician. He invented the stethoscope in 1816, while working at the Hôpital Necker and pioneered its use in diagnosing various chest conditions....
's invention of the stethoscope
Stethoscope
The stethoscope is an acoustic medical device for auscultation, or listening to the internal sounds of an animal body. It is often used to listen to lung and heart sounds. It is also used to listen to intestines and blood flow in arteries and veins...
while a prisoner of war
Prisoner of war
A prisoner of war or enemy prisoner of war is a person, whether civilian or combatant, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict...
in Sussex.
Brookland Road
A man falls in love with a mysterious silent girl who seems to be supernatural.'The Knife and the Naked Chalk'
A neolithicNeolithic
The Neolithic Age, Era, or Period, or New Stone Age, was a period in the development of human technology, beginning about 9500 BC in some parts of the Middle East, and later in other parts of the world. It is traditionally considered as the last part of the Stone Age...
shepherd barters with prehistoric metal working newcomers for metal knives so that his people can fight off the marauding wolves.
Philadelphia
The poem refers to the story to follow and states that while men and places in the story have passed, that the landscape and nature persist.'Brother Square-Toes'
Pharoah Lee known as Brother Square-Toes, is a Sussex smuggler, in 1793 he ends up in Philadelphia and lives there and among the Seneca people. He attends a meeting of the Seneca and George WashingtonGeorge Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
where Washington states that he will not fight with the French against Britain.
If—If—"If—" is a poem written in 1895 by British Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling. It was first published in the "Brother Square Toes" chapter of Rewards and Fairies, Kipling's 1910 collection of short stories and poems...
One of the most famous and popular poems in English, it gives guidance on the ideal behaviour to be considered a man.'A Priest in Spite of Himself'
The continuation of Brother Square-Toes story and how he meets Talleyrand while he was exiled in Philadelphia. Later Talleyrand helped him recover his ship which had been seized as a prizePrize
A prize is an award to be given to a person or a group of people to recognise and reward actions or achievements. Official prizes often involve monetary rewards as well as the fame that comes with them...
by the French Navy.
'Poor Honest Men'
A lament of smugglers that after all their difficulties they are treated as criminals not honest traders.Eddi's Service
Eddi, a priest in a remote part of Sussex, holds a midnight service and only a donkey and a bullock come, so he preaches to them.'The Conversion of St Wilfrid'
St Wilfrid tells Dan and Una how he converted a pagan Anglo-SaxonAnglo-Saxon
Anglo-Saxon may refer to:* Anglo-Saxons, a group that invaded Britain** Old English, their language** Anglo-Saxon England, their history, one of various ships* White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, an ethnicity* Anglo-Saxon economy, modern macroeconomic term...
by showing tolerance for his old faith in Wotan while they were in danger.
Song of the Red War-Boat
A Viking ship survives a storm by hard work and faith in OdinOdin
Odin is a major god in Norse mythology and the ruler of Asgard. Homologous with the Anglo-Saxon "Wōden" and the Old High German "Wotan", the name is descended from Proto-Germanic "*Wodanaz" or "*Wōđanaz"....
and Thor
Thor
In Norse mythology, Thor is a hammer-wielding god associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind, and also hallowing, healing, and fertility...
.
An Astrologer's Song
An astrolger's praise for his art and how the stars rule over humanity.'A Doctor of Medicine'
Nicholas CulpeperNicholas Culpeper
Nicholas Culpeper was an English botanist, herbalist, physician, and astrologer. His published books include The English Physician and the Complete Herbal , which contain a rich store of pharmaceutical and herbal knowledge, and Astrological Judgement of Diseases from the Decumbiture of the Sick ,...
explains how he stopped the plague
Bubonic plague
Plague is a deadly infectious disease that is caused by the enterobacteria Yersinia pestis, named after the French-Swiss bacteriologist Alexandre Yersin. Primarily carried by rodents and spread to humans via fleas, the disease is notorious throughout history, due to the unrivaled scale of death...
in a Sussex village by getting the rats killed for astrological reasons.
'Our Fathers of Old'
A poem which lists many medicinal plants and how they were boldly used but laments that in the past medical knowledge was poor and mostly ineffective.The Thousandth Man
How one man in a thousand is a true friend who will stand by you forever.'Simple Simon'
A RyeRye
Rye is a grass grown extensively as a grain and as a forage crop. It is a member of the wheat tribe and is closely related to barley and wheat. Rye grain is used for flour, rye bread, rye beer, some whiskeys, some vodkas, and animal fodder...
shipbuilder tells a story about Francis Drake
Francis Drake
Sir Francis Drake, Vice Admiral was an English sea captain, privateer, navigator, slaver, and politician of the Elizabethan era. Elizabeth I of England awarded Drake a knighthood in 1581. He was second-in-command of the English fleet against the Spanish Armada in 1588. He also carried out the...
and the Spanish Armada
Spanish Armada
This article refers to the Battle of Gravelines, for the modern navy of Spain, see Spanish NavyThe Spanish Armada was the Spanish fleet that sailed against England under the command of the Duke of Medina Sidonia in 1588, with the intention of overthrowing Elizabeth I of England to stop English...
.
Frankie's Trade
A shanty style poem of how Francis Drake learned his skills as a sailor and to fight against the Spanish.The Ballad of Minepit Shaw
Two poachers are saved by falling into a pit but claim they were hidden by a fairy.'The Tree of Justice'
Sir Richard Dalyngridge from Puck of Pook's Hill explains how King HaroldHarold Godwinson
Harold Godwinson was the last Anglo-Saxon King of England.It could be argued that Edgar the Atheling, who was proclaimed as king by the witan but never crowned, was really the last Anglo-Saxon king...
survived the Battle of Hastings
Battle of Hastings
The Battle of Hastings occurred on 14 October 1066 during the Norman conquest of England, between the Norman-French army of Duke William II of Normandy and the English army under King Harold II...
and ended up a blind beggar.
A Carol
A lament of the hardships of winter but asking And who shall judge the Lord? for bringing them.The full, copyright-free text is available through Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is a volunteer effort to digitize and archive cultural works, to "encourage the creation and distribution of eBooks". Founded in 1971 by Michael S. Hart, it is the oldest digital library. Most of the items in its collection are the full texts of public domain books...
.