Prince Michael returning with Joan's recovered heart.
AI-generated literary interpretation; depicts the worn returning prince, with clothing details and road composition imagined.
Overview
Michael is the well-liked son of the rulers of a neighbouring country, described as courteous to poor people as well as courtiers. He alone visits an ancient wizard whose book contains living portraits. Joan's likeness draws him to seek her hand, but a disguised visit reveals her inability to love or pity. He suspends the wedding and commits himself to finding what the fairy stole. A small glass from the wizard reveals a red guiding star and later exposes deceptive appearances.
Following the star over land and sea, Michael reaches a black marble castle guarded by a gnome. He accepts work building a wall in exchange for admission when a serpent's eggs hatch. The bargain becomes nearly seven years of chained labour. His hands grow cracked, his clothes decay, his shoulders bend and his hair turns thin and gray. When frustration drives him against the serpent and eggs, he reconsiders their suffering; his tears make the eggs hatch and release his chains. He takes the golden sword that opens the castle's doors.
Inside, he vows to accept no food or drink and to speak only to request Joan's heart. The glass unmasks the fairy as she offers refreshment in successive disguises, including Joan's. He finally wins the pink feathered heart and returns home, where servants mistake his worn appearance for that of an impertinent beggar. Imprisoned beside the palace gardens, he sends the heart to Joan as her wedding procession passes. Recognition brings his release and their marriage. The ending keeps his years of bodily wear visible until he is given ceremonial clothes; it does not narrate a magical return to youth.
First appearances & development
Mary de Morgan's authored1880 tale follows this particular prince through a complete quest. He is not a generic prince archetype or a character defined by a later adaptation.
Canon & continuity
Complete selected tale, prose paragraphs15-171 and the final verse; the glass, labour, changed appearance and returned heart each have separate narrative evidence.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
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Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Complete original public-domain literary taleThe Heart of Princess Joan - Mary de Morgan, Macmillan1880Research access: 2026-10-21
- Native historical title-page image1880 title page; illustrations by Walter CraneResearch access: 2026-10-21
Image credits
AI-generatedPrince Michael returning with Joan's recovered heart.
AI-generated literary interpretation; depicts the worn returning prince, with clothing details and road composition imagined.
