Silvertree and Goldtree

Better than Snow White

As expected, the new Snow White bombed at the box office.

Read my March 11 essay on the movie for why it bombed.

The news is this: As I have been re-arranging my video channel, on YouTube, I thought I’d give you the link to another Snow White story, this one from the Celtic canon, titled, Silvertree and Goldtree. This is my Saint Patrick’s Day performance, from March, 2001, when we were all locked down.

I love this story, much more than Snow White.

As I perused my other storytelling videos, I came across my animated video of Pedro and Inés, the story of the 14th century lovers in Portugal. That’s when it hit me; to turn Silvertree and Goldtree into an animated video.

AI animates, so I will take advantage of that feature. It will take much work, and be a bit of an expense, but methinks it will be worth it. And then? Who knows, maybe I’ll do my own version of Snow White?

Actually, there have been several version of the Snow White, story as both films and live plays. However, none of them tell the full, complete story as the Brother’s Grim tell it. Maybe I will do that as well? My work is billed an “unfiltered.” I like giving you the read deal. No romantics, just reality. Because the point of these stories teaching. They are morality tales.

For now, it will be Silvertree and Goldtree. I’ll leave Snow White for another time.

Firstly, it is interesting to me that both stories name the daughters with colors.

Secondly, there are approximately 21 cultures that have a version of this story, which is about mother and daughter issues. I wonder if any of them also get into the detached father issue? And the rather nice, but passive prince? In the Celtic version, he’s a king who likes to hunt. I’d say he is rather detached himself.

Goldtree, the princess and then queen, does have a father. But one wonders why he pays no attention to the queen, his wife? It seems in the plot line that he understands there is a problem between the daughter and the mother. I suggest it is why he makes the marriage between Goldtree and the King from the kingdom over yonder. Does the story mean to say that these monarchs are derelict in their duty, when something unpleasant happens? Like Joe Biden refusing to look closely at Hunter’s behavior? A wife and mother wanting to kill her child is beyond unpleasant. Does the story, then, warn us that Kings cannot prevent evil under their noses? Then how do we expect them to prevent it out in the world?

Is this like the modern day police forces, that proclaim they will protect and serve? But can only serve us after the crime is committed? Silvertree commits her crime as soon as she calls the Huntsman in and instructs him to murder Goldtree. Ditto Snow White. Even though both Goldtree and Snow White are princesses they are still subjects of the king. The queen cannot command the execution of any children, her own or others; royal or common.

The finale of the Brother’s Grimm Snow White is quite gruesome. Someone gives the Evil Queen iron boots to dance in during Snow White’s wedding ball. The boots heat up, burning the Queen's feet and legs, and then she drops dead.

No one is anguished by her death.

The death of Queen Silvertree, is not so gruesome. Indeed it is a clever death brought to us by a clever woman. But the Celts, well they are known for their charm. No iron boots for them. Just a witty woman who outwits an evil one. And no mirror on the wall, just a charming and truthful trout that swims in a pond.

Here is the link to my St. Patrick's Day telling of Silvertree and Goldtree.

Tell me what you think of my animated video idea.

Here’s the link to Pedro and Inés.

Enjoy!