Gobborn Seer
by Unknown · from More English Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Once there was a wise man named Gobborn. He had a son named Jack. Wise Man Gobborn gave Jack a sheepskin. "Sell this skin," he said. "Bring back the skin. Bring back the money too." This was hard.
Jack went out. He tried to sell the skin. No one bought it. He came home sad. He tried again. No one bought it.
Jack went out a third time. He saw a girl by the water. She was washing clothes. Jack told her his problem. "I can help," she said. She washed the sheepskin. She took the soft wool. She gave Jack money. Jack got the skin back.
Wise Man Gobborn was happy. He saw the girl was smart. "Marry her, Jack," he said. Jack and the Clever Wife got married.
A King came. He wanted a castle. "Build the best castle," he said. Wise Man Gobborn and Jack built it.
They walked to the castle. Wise Man Gobborn asked Jack. "Make road short?" Jack did not know. He went home. Clever Wife said, "Tell a story. A story makes the trip short."
Jack told a story. The trip felt fast. They came to the castle. They started building. Clever Wife said, "Be kind to helpers. This is good advice."
The castle was finished. It was very big. It was very beautiful. The King said he would pay them tomorrow.
A Kind Helper told Gobborn a secret. The King did not want them to leave. He wanted to keep them forever. He did not want them to build castles.
Wise Man Gobborn thought of a plan. He told the King he needed a special tool. He asked to send Jack home for it.
The King said no. Jack could not go. The King's son could go. The Prince would go.
Wise Man Gobborn gave the Prince a secret message. It was for Clever Wife. The message was: "Give him a big surprise!"
Clever Wife understood the message. She asked the Prince to help her. She asked him to look in a big box. He looked. She gently closed the lid. The Prince was inside the box. He could not get out.
The Prince wrote a letter to his father. He asked his father to let him out. He said his father must let them go. They must go home safe.
The King agreed. He paid Wise Man Gobborn and Jack. He let them go home.
Wise Man Gobborn said Jack would build a house. It was for Clever Wife. Jack built it. They lived happily ever after.
Original Story
Gobborn Seer
Once there was a man Gobborn Seer, and he had a son called Jack.
One day he sent him out to sell a sheep skin, and Gobborn said, "You must bring me back the skin and the value of it as well."
So Jack started, but he could not find any who would leave him the skin and give him its price too. So he came home discouraged.
But Gobborn Seer said, "Never mind, you must take another turn at it to-morrow."
So he tried again, and nobody wished to buy the skin on those terms.
When he came home his father said, "You must go and try your luck to-morrow," and the third day it seemed as if it would be the same thing over again. And he had half a mind not to go back at all, his father would be so vexed. As he came to a bridge, like the Creek Road one yonder, he leaned on the parapet thinking of his trouble, and that perhaps it would be foolish to run away from home, but he could not tell which to do; when he saw a girl washing her clothes on the bank below. She looked up and said:
"If it may be no offence asking, what is it you feel so badly about?"
"My father has given me this skin, and I am to fetch it back and the price of it beside."
"Is that all? Give it here, and it's easy done."
So the girl washed the skin in the stream, took the wool from it, and paid him the value of it, and gave him the skin to carry back.
His father was well pleased, and said to Jack, "That was a witty woman; she would make you a good wife. Do you think you could tell her again?"
Jack thought he could, so his father told him to go by-and-by to the bridge, and see if she was there, and if so bid her come home to take tea with them.
And sure enough Jack spied her and told her how his old father had a wish to meet her, and would she be pleased to drink tea with them.
The girl thanked him kindly, and said she could come the next day; she was too busy at the moment.
"All the better," said Jack, "I'll have time to make ready."
So when she came Gobborn Seer could see she was a witty woman, and he asked her if she would marry his Jack. She said "Yes," and they were married.
Not long after, Jack's father told him he must come with him and build the finest castle that ever was seen, for a king who wished to outdo all others by his wonderful castle.
And as they went to lay the foundation-stone, Gobborn Seer said to Jack, "Can't you shorten the way for me?"
But Jack looked ahead and there was a long road before them, and he said, "I don't see, father, how I could break a bit off."
"You're no good to me, then, and had best be off home."
So poor Jack turned back, and when he came in his wife said, "Why, how's this you've come alone?" and he told her what his father had said and his answer.
"You stupid," said his witty wife, "if you had told a tale you would have shortened the road! Now listen till I tell you a story, and then catch up with Gobborn Seer and begin it at once. He will like hearing it, and by the time you are done you will have reached the foundation-stone."
So Jack sweated and overtook his father. Gobborn Seer said never a word, but Jack began his story, and the road was shortened as his wife had said.
When they came to the end of their journey, they started building of this castle which was to outshine all others. Now the wife had advised them to be intimate with the servants, and so they did as she said, and it was "Good-morning" and "Good-day to you" as they passed in and out.
Now, at the end of a twelvemonth, Gobborn, the wise man, had built such a castle thousands were gathered to admire it.
And the king said: "The castle is done. I shall return to-morrow and pay you all."
"I have just a ceiling to finish in an upper lobby," said Gobborn, "and then it wants nothing."
But after the king was gone off, the housekeeper sent for Gobborn and Jack, and told them that she had watched for a chance to warn them, for the king was so afraid they should carry their art away and build some other king as fine a castle, he meant to take their lives on the morrow. Gobborn told Jack to keep a good heart, and they would come off all right.
When the king had come back Gobborn told him he had been unable to complete the job for lack of a tool left at home, and he should like to send Jack after it.
"No, no," said the king, "cannot one of the men do the errand?"
"No, they could not make themselves understood," said the Seer, "but Jack could do the errand."
"You and your son are to stop here. But how will it do if I send my own son?"
"That will do."
So Gobborn sent by him a message to Jack's wife. "Give him Crooked and Straight!"
Now there was a little hole in the wall rather high up, and Jack's wife tried to reach up into a chest there after "crooked and straight," but at last she asked the king's son to help her, because his arms were longest.
But when he was leaning over the chest she caught him by the two heels, and threw him into the chest, and fastened it down. So there he was, both "crooked and straight!"
Then he begged for pen and ink, which she brought him, but he was not allowed out, and holes were bored that he might breathe.
When his letter came, telling the king, his father, he was to be let free when Gobborn and Jack were safe home, the king saw he must settle for the building, and let them come away.
As they left Gobborn told him: Now that Jack was done with this work, he should soon build a castle for his witty wife far superior to the king's, which he did, and they lived there happily ever after.
Story DNA
Moral
Intelligence and quick wit can overcome seemingly impossible challenges and even save lives.
Plot Summary
Gobborn Seer challenges his son Jack with an impossible task: selling a sheepskin while keeping both the skin and its value. Jack fails until a witty girl solves the riddle, leading to their marriage. Later, a king commissions Gobborn and Jack to build a magnificent castle, but plans to kill them to protect his secret. Jack's clever wife, through a coded message, helps them trap the king's son, forcing the king to release them. They escape, and Jack builds an even grander castle for his ingenious wife, living happily ever after.
Themes
Emotional Arc
struggle to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This tale reflects a common folk motif where a clever commoner outsmarts a powerful, often cruel, ruler. The 'seer' aspect adds a layer of wisdom and foresight to the protagonist's father.
Plot Beats (16)
- Gobborn Seer sends his son Jack to sell a sheepskin, demanding both the skin and its value back.
- Jack fails twice, returning home discouraged each time.
- On the third attempt, a witty girl at a bridge solves the riddle by washing the skin, taking the wool, and paying for it, returning the skin to Jack.
- Gobborn Seer is impressed and arranges for Jack to marry the witty girl.
- The king commissions Gobborn and Jack to build the finest castle ever seen.
- Gobborn tests Jack's wit on the way to the castle, and Jack fails until his wife advises him to tell a story to "shorten the way."
- Jack tells a story, shortening the journey, and they begin building the castle, following the wife's advice to be friendly with the servants.
- After a year, the magnificent castle is complete, and the king promises to pay them the next day.
- The housekeeper warns Gobborn and Jack that the king plans to kill them to prevent them from building a similar castle for another king.
- Gobborn devises a plan, telling the king he needs a special tool from home to finish a ceiling and asks to send Jack for it.
- The king refuses to let Jack go but offers to send his own son instead.
- Gobborn sends a coded message with the king's son to Jack's wife: "Give him Crooked and Straight!"
- Jack's wife, understanding the code, tricks the king's son into helping her reach into a chest, then throws him in and fastens it, making him both "crooked and straight."
- The king's son writes a letter to his father, demanding his release in exchange for Gobborn and Jack's safe return.
- The king agrees, pays them, and allows them to leave.
- Gobborn declares that Jack will build an even finer castle for his wife, which he does, and they live happily ever after.
Characters
Gobborn Seer ★ protagonist
A man of advanced age, likely of average height and a lean build, with the weathered hands of a craftsman and builder. His movements are deliberate and thoughtful, reflecting his wisdom.
Attire: Practical, sturdy clothing suitable for a master builder and craftsman in a rural European setting, likely 18th-19th century. Perhaps a dark wool waistcoat over a simple linen shirt, sturdy breeches, and worn leather boots. His attire, while not opulent, suggests competence and a certain gravitas.
Wants: To ensure his son, Jack, learns wisdom and finds a good partner, and to demonstrate his superior skill as a builder while protecting himself and his family.
Flaw: His initial underestimation of Jack's practical intelligence, and a tendency to rely on riddles rather than direct instruction.
He remains consistently wise and cunning, but his journey with Jack and his wife solidifies his trust in their combined abilities, particularly his daughter-in-law's.
Wise, cunning, demanding, observant, resourceful.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a lean build, fair skin with a weathered complexion, and sharp, observant blue eyes. His white hair is short and neatly combed. He wears a dark grey wool waistcoat over a simple cream linen shirt, sturdy brown breeches, and worn leather boots. His hands are calloused. He has a thoughtful, slightly stern expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Jack ◆ supporting
A young man of average height and build, perhaps a bit gangly in his youth. His appearance is unassuming, reflecting his initial lack of worldly wisdom.
Attire: Simple, functional peasant clothing suitable for a young man in a rural European setting, 18th-19th century. Perhaps a coarse linen tunic, plain trousers, and sturdy, well-worn leather shoes or boots. His clothes are clean but unadorned.
Wants: To please his father, to understand the world better, and later, to support his wife and build a life with her.
Flaw: Lack of wit and practical problem-solving skills, easily disheartened.
Transforms from a naive and easily discouraged young man into a more confident and resourceful individual, largely through the guidance of his witty wife.
Obedient, earnest, easily discouraged, somewhat naive, loyal, willing to learn.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has an average build, fair skin, and earnest brown eyes. His light brown hair is cut short and practical. He wears a coarse cream linen tunic, plain dark brown trousers, and sturdy, worn leather shoes. He has a slightly bewildered but open expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Jack's Wife ★ protagonist
A young woman of practical build, likely strong from physical labor like washing clothes. Her movements are efficient and purposeful.
Attire: Simple, sturdy peasant clothing suitable for a young woman in a rural European setting, 18th-19th century. A practical, long-sleeved linen dress in a muted color like blue or grey, possibly with a contrasting apron. Her clothes are clean and well-maintained despite their simplicity.
Wants: To solve problems, to help her husband and father-in-law, and to ensure their safety and well-being.
Flaw: None explicitly stated; her wit seems to overcome all obstacles.
She remains consistently witty and resourceful, serving as the primary problem-solver and protector for her new family.
Witty, intelligent, resourceful, practical, decisive, kind, loyal.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a practical, sturdy build, fair skin, and bright, intelligent green eyes. Her long brown hair is neatly braided and coiled at the back of her head. She wears a simple, long-sleeved blue linen dress with a cream apron tied at the waist, and sturdy brown leather shoes. She has a clever, confident expression with a slight smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King ⚔ antagonist
A man of regal bearing, likely of average to slightly above-average height, with a presence that commands attention. His build might be somewhat soft from a life of luxury, but he carries himself with authority.
Attire: Opulent royal attire, likely a richly embroidered velvet or silk tunic in deep jewel tones (e.g., crimson, royal blue) with gold thread, a heavy cloak lined with fur, and fine leather boots. He would wear a golden crown or circlet, and perhaps a jeweled belt.
Wants: To possess the most magnificent castle, to maintain his power, and to prevent others from surpassing him, even if it means resorting to violence.
Flaw: His fear of being outdone, which leads him to treachery and ultimately to being outwitted.
He remains unchanged in his vanity and treachery, but is ultimately outwitted and forced to concede to Gobborn Seer.
Vain, fearful, treacherous, demanding, short-sighted.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a regal, somewhat stout build, fair skin, and dark, calculating eyes. His dark hair is neatly styled, and he has a short, well-trimmed beard. He wears a crimson velvet tunic richly embroidered with gold thread, a heavy dark fur-lined cloak draped over his shoulders, and fine black leather boots. A golden crown with embedded jewels sits on his head. He has an imperious, stern expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King's Son ○ minor
A young man of noble birth, likely slender and perhaps a bit pampered compared to common folk. He would have the refined features of royalty.
Attire: Fine, but less elaborate than his father's. Perhaps a tailored doublet and hose in rich fabrics like silk or fine wool, with some embroidery, and soft leather shoes. He would not wear a crown but might have some subtle jewelry.
Wants: To obey his father's command and retrieve the 'tool' for Gobborn Seer.
Flaw: His naivety and lack of practical cunning, making him vulnerable to Jack's wife's trickery.
He is tricked and imprisoned, learning a harsh lesson about the dangers of underestimating common folk.
Obedient (to his father), unsuspecting, easily tricked, perhaps a touch arrogant.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a slender build, fair skin, and dark eyes. His short dark hair is neatly styled. He wears a tailored blue silk doublet with subtle silver embroidery, matching hose, and soft black leather shoes. He has a slightly arrogant but unsuspecting expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Housekeeper ○ minor
A woman of mature age, likely of a practical and perhaps somewhat stern appearance, befitting her role in a royal household. She would be of average height and build, with an air of efficiency.
Attire: Practical but respectable attire for a head servant in a royal castle, likely 18th-19th century European. A dark, sturdy wool or linen dress, a clean white apron, and a simple white cap covering her hair. Her clothing is functional but well-maintained.
Wants: To warn Gobborn and Jack of the King's treachery, driven by a sense of justice or perhaps a dislike for the King's cruelty.
Flaw: Her position of servitude makes her vulnerable to the King's wrath if discovered.
Appears briefly to deliver a crucial warning, demonstrating her moral character.
Observant, cautious, loyal (to her own moral compass), brave (to warn Gobborn).
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult woman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has an average build, fair skin, and observant brown eyes. Her grey hair is neatly pulled back into a bun and covered by a simple white cap. She wears a dark grey sturdy linen dress and a clean white apron. She has a serious, watchful expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Bridge over the Stream
A bridge, similar to the 'Creek Road one yonder', with a parapet where Jack leans. Below, a girl washes clothes on the bank of a stream.
Mood: Initially disheartened and thoughtful for Jack, then hopeful and pivotal as he meets his future wife.
Jack meets his witty future wife, who solves his riddle and later agrees to marry him.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy, weathered stone bridge with a low parapet crosses a clear, gently flowing stream. On the verdant bank below, a young woman in simple, period-appropriate attire kneels, diligently washing fabric in the water. Lush green reeds and wildflowers line the stream's edge, and distant rolling hills are visible under a soft, diffused daylight sky. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The King's Castle Construction Site
A vast, open area where the foundation stone for a magnificent castle is to be laid. Later, the site transforms into a bustling construction zone for a year.
Mood: Initially a long, arduous journey, then industrious and collaborative, later becoming tense and dangerous.
Gobborn and Jack build the king's castle, and later, the king attempts to trap them.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sprawling construction site for a grand medieval castle, with massive rough-hewn stone blocks being hoisted by wooden cranes. Scaffolding made of thick timber poles rises against partially built stone walls, and piles of cut stone and timber lie scattered on the dusty ground. In the distance, the outline of a nascent, imposing castle structure begins to take shape under a bright, working daylight sky. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The King's Castle - Upper Lobby
An upper lobby within the newly constructed castle, where Gobborn claims to have a ceiling to finish. It is implied to be a grand space.
Mood: Tense and dangerous, as it is the setting for the king's trap.
Gobborn uses the unfinished ceiling as an excuse to send Jack for a 'tool', setting in motion their escape plan.
Image Prompt & Upload
A high-ceilinged, opulent upper lobby within a newly constructed medieval castle. Sunlight streams through tall, arched windows, illuminating dust motes in the air. The walls are adorned with intricate tapestries and polished stone, but the ceiling above remains unfinished, with exposed timber beams and scaffolding suggesting ongoing work. The space feels grand yet subtly incomplete. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Jack's Home (Wife's House)
Jack's home, where his witty wife resides. It contains a chest with a 'little hole in the wall rather high up'.
Mood: Clever and strategic, as the wife outwits the king's son here.
Jack's wife traps the king's son in a chest, securing their freedom.
Image Prompt & Upload
The interior of a modest but well-kept medieval cottage, with rough-hewn timber beams supporting a low ceiling. A large, sturdy wooden chest sits against a whitewashed stone wall, near a small, high-set niche or hole in the plaster. Simple, functional furniture like a wooden table and stools are visible, and soft daylight filters in through a small, leaded-pane window. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.