A Modern Legend

Here is a classic legend turned on its head: the prince is not brave, the maiden is not retiring or gentle, and the dragon is none too keen on being a dragon. King Tarragon and his court are sitting down to lunch when a messenger falls on his knees and stutters something about a dragon on the loose. It’s been a long time since anyone has seen a dragon and the king doesn’t know what to do. ‘‘Easy,’’ says his advisor. ‘‘We will summon all the princes. Whoever kills the dragon wins Princess Rosmarin’s hand.’’ ‘‘Yuk,’’ thinks the princess. No stupid prince for her. She’ll just have to kill the dragon herself. Rosmarin’s quest to kill the dragon leads her to some very unappealing princes and one particular prince who is more interested in cacti than in her. She learns that dragons can be tamed, and so can she.