TALES OF THE NIGHT
What if I were a werewolf?
A pathetic role!
Pathetic?
I'd love to be able to change into a wolf and be feared.
Legend portrays him as a monster who suffers
a slave to metamorphosis, and his urge to kill.
I don't have to kill.
As a wolf, you'd have to feed yourself
and to kill a sheep or a Doe from time to time.
I'm ready to play a werewolf, even if it is a curse.
A dreadful secret, to be hidden at all cost.
Especially from your lover.
From my lovers.
Let's have two sisters, so they can be deadly rivals.
And their costumes?
How about the 15th Century.
Court of Burgundy?
It's magnificent!
Indeed, what refinement.
Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry is without equal.
That hennin is wild.
Personally,
I prefer this one.
Hey, they're wearing turbans.
I've designed my costume.
I added a cape, it's more heroic.
I'll have a long dress,
just how I like them.
Very elegant!
Ready?
Yes!
The Werewolf!
At last Knight Yann
has declared his love for my eldest daughter.
Now they are solemnly betrothed.
Let us take heart!
Long live love!
The handsomest and fairest!
Made for each other!
The ideal couple.
Long life and happiness.
My little girl, cry no more.
One day your turn will come.
No, it's over.
I was meant for him.
I loved him, he loved me.
Who would not?
We'd wondered which one he'd choose.
But it's normal that it be the eldest.
What you don't know
is that she fed Yann in prison when all did spurn him.
She saved him from dying of cold
by sending him her fur.
But it was I who did that!
My child, you are in sorrow.
You were far too young.
I remember,
it was a time when you lost all your jewels.
At last, we are alone.
And tonight,
we'll go walking in the moonlight.
No!
Pardon?
I am yours, body and soul,
night and day,
except on nights of the full moon,
when I must be alone.
And Why?
It's a secret I cannot reveal to any living soul,
not even you.
On the day of our betrothal,
you tell me you do not trust me.
That is not what I meant.
I have always loved you.
I succoured you in prison,
when abandoned by all.
Yes, I shall never forget that.
That was the beginning of my love for you.
A paltry love that already shows its limits.
If trust there is not,
let us end our betrothal.
No!
Goodbye, Sir.
Stay!
I will give you the absolute proof of love
and all power over me.
I am...
a werewolf.
On full moon nights,
this chain I must wear
begins to burn unbearably
and I must remove it.
Whereupon, I change into a wolf.
At dawn,
I must replace the chain around my neck,
to become human again.
If I do not find my chain,
I will remain a wolf
for ever.
Now you know why I must be alone.
No, what you then need is the comfort of she who loves you.
No, spare me that.
I want to see this feat.
I demand it!
If I am the one you truly love.
I hide my chain here, in this bunch of nettles.
It's beginning to burn me terribly.
Please,
look away.
No, go ahead.
Farewell, my love.
Help!
A terrible misfortune is upon us!
Yann was attacked and devoured
by the wolf of the Black Wood.
Alas, my beloved!
Misfortune has struck!
Strange, as that wolf is not a man-eater.
Now he is!
We must mount a hunt and kill that beast
before others suffer the fate of my poor Yann!
My life is finished!
So is mine.
Blow the horn over here,
we'll take him by surprise.
You stay here.
I want no new misfortune.
All I can wish for,
is that the wolf devours me
as he devoured Yann.
The spring, where Yann and I loved to refresh ourselves...
Will you be my new mount?
I must be dreaming.
Wolf, though you do not understand,
I'll tell you all about Yann.
Yann died not knowing
it was I who saved him from prison.
He'd been accused of a terrible crime
and abandoned by all.
My sister was telling everyone
she'd always known he was a monster.
He'd been thrown into a dank dungeon
where one slowly dies of cold and hunger.
By way of pleading and bribes,
I persuaded his jailers
to pass him on food and clothing.
I had no money,
so bit by bit I sold all my jewels
and had to lie,
saying I'd lost them.
My sister had thrown out a fur,
no longer pretty enough for her.
I saved it for myself,
and then sent it on to Yann.
It was just what he needed
in his freezing dungeon.
One day, the real culprit was found.
Yann publicly thanked
the unknown person who'd kept him alive,
whose identity he had guessed.
I was sure he would designate me,
but because of the fur,
he chose my sister.
She took advantage
and took my place.
This forest is filled with memories of Yann.
He'd take me to a delicious spot,
a kind of balcony of honeysuckle,
overlooking a lake of flowering lilies.
In my parcels for the poor prisoner,
I'd put sprigs of this honeysuckle we so loved.
Enchanted wolf,
who are you?
My mind is teeming with so many thoughts.
But I will sort them out.
What's this commotion?
Yann's entire family off to hunt the wolf,
spurred on by my sister.
Galloping in the lead.
She's moved into Yann's manor,
as if it were her own.
Father,
I spent all night in the forest with the wolf.
What madness, my child!
When you left me,
a bear appeared and would've devoured me,
only for the wolf
who fought and killed him.
Then, the wolf lay at my feet
and let me mount him.
All night, he carried me through the forest.
Like a gentle, faithful hound.
It's not possible that he ate Yann.
I must admit, I am perplexed.
Father, I will ask of you the unthinkable.
If you love justice and truth,
if you love me,
you will agree.
Move aside!
Yes, mistress.
Father, you asked for me?
Yes, there's someone I'd like you to meet.
Yann!
What does this mean?
You just said "Yann"!
No, I didn't say "Yann",
I simply cried out.
You spring on me the monster
who devoured my fiancé
and you reproach me for crying out!
You cried "Yann"!
This wolf is Yann!
By some devilry,
she's changed Yann into a wolf.
No! He changed himself!
But he will change no more.
I have cast, into the deepest well,
the chain that could make him human again.
How could you do such a thing?
How could I live with such a monster?
You are promised in marriage.
Exactly,
this was the only way to undo it.
How did you discover his secret?
He entrusted it to me.
I wouldn't have.
He resisted.
But I can do what I like with men.
I even watched his terrible metamorphosis.
He must now change back.
His chain must be returned.
Too late.
That well is so deep
that what falls in stays.
The water was so far down,
so deep,
so cold and dark.
But the chain glittered so,
I managed to find it.
You have saved me once more.
Evil woman,
I want no more to do with you.
You thought I wanted to stay with you?
Me or any other!
From now on,
no woman would ever want you!
I would.
You little fool!
You think you've found the fair knight of your dreams,
whom I stole away from you.
But he's a werewolf!
You forget, that next full moon,
your pretty little husband
will change into a wolf!
But I love him
when he's a wolf.
What if we did a Caribbean tale?
Yes!
With lush vegetation,
succulent fruit,
tasty dishes
and vivid colours.
Pretty girls in Madras outfits.
And an idle and insolent boy.
I've got the story.
He descends into a cave
and goes much further
than he could ever have dreamt.
I'll do the sets
and I won't spare the colour.
Better bring your sunglasses!
Sugar cane, guava trees,
papaya trees, banana trees...
Don't forget the pineapples!
Right, they're both pretty
and delicious.
On the other hand,
you could add some manchineels.
What's that?
A kind of apple tree, that seems harmless
but which is really poisonous.
The Caribbean Indians would tip their arrows with its deadly sap.
I'm doing the animals.
I'll send you some iguanas.
They're extraordinary.
Yes!
What beautiful monsters.
I've made up a nice simple costume.
And can you put on a hint of a local accent?
No trouble.
Accent?
What accent?
I speak normally, like we all do.
You're the one with an accent.
Yes, I know, we all have an accent.
Ready?
Yes!
Ti Jean and Beauty Not Knowing.
What heat!
I'll shelter in this cave.
Hello bats!
A rift, wonder where it leads to?
Well, here goes!
What pretty hibiscuses!
Hello, grannies!
What are you crunching?
Bones.
They're delicious.
Delicious!
Like some, my child?
Very kind, but I just had lunch.
Well, come back when you're hungry.
I will, thank you.
Hello, granddad.
What a nice garden.
Thank you, son.
You look strange.
Really? In what way?
You look like you're alive.
I am alive!
Alive?
Then what are you doing here?
Where's here?
It's the Land of the Dead.
Really?
I came down deeper than I thought.
You're lucky.
As the only living being here
you alone can win the king's eldest daughter
and her inheritance.
Is she pretty?
A wonder to behold!
Her name is Beauty Not Knowing.
To reach the king,
there are three passages to get through
guarded by a giant bee,
a giant mongoose
and a giant iguana!
They are wicked beasts, as they're hungry
and their fury makes them huge.
They'll surely want to eat you.
But you're a good lad,
so I'll help you.
These are the fearsome datura flowers.
Once the bee has sipped the juice,
it Will die
and you may pass.
These venomous manchineel apples
will trick the iguana.
And now, the mongoose.
I have here a big piece of meat.
I'll stuff it with sharp needles.
When the mongoose bites into it
it will no longer stand in your way.
Thanks, granddad.
You cross that sugar cane field,
you come to a door and you're there.
Thanks again.
Good luck, my boy!
That guy had some nasty ideas.
If hunger makes those animals wicked,
I'll feed them.
Mongoose, bee, iguana?
What beast will spring on me first?
Here goes!
I'll eat you UP!
Hello, bee.
I picked you some lovely hibiscus flowers.
I always wanted to stroke a bee's back.
So, who's next to eat me up?
I'll eat you UP!
Hello, mongoose.
I brought you a feroce
prepared by my mother,
with salt-COD, avocadoes,
manioc and lots of chilli.
Tell me what you think.
Now what will that iguana want?
I'll eat you UP!
Hello, iguana.
I brought you
some guavas from my father's garden
and bananas from my aunt's
ripened to perfection.
And now for the king.
Hello, king.
I'm Ti Jean and I've come in search
of Beauty Not Knowing.
What?
This barefoot urchin
dares to woo my royal eldest daughter?
Throw him in jail.
Tomorrow we'll put him
in the Big Chopper
to entertain my daughters.
Unless you pass
the three tests for suitors.
In which case,
not only will your life be spared
but you will wed my eldest daughter
and have rights over my kingdom.
Very well.
Test number one.
Last year,
my youngest daughter's 12 golden-shelled turtles
escaped.
My men looked all over for them,
but found only one.
If tonight, you find the missing eleven
you will escape,
this time around, the Big Chopper.
Of course, you cannot leave your prison.
We can't be making it too easy.
This time,
I sure don't feel very smart.
Hi, Ti Jean.
I came to thank you.
Your mother's feroce was delicious.
I was so hungry.
It's nice of you, mongoose,
to come and thank me.
You don't seem very happy.
I'm condemned to death.
Tomorrow, I'm for the Big Chopper.
No way!
I also came to tell you
that I'll soon bring you
the 11 golden-shelled turtles.
You're dreaming.
The king's men searched all year,
you'll not find them in a night.
Sure I will!
I'm a mongoose, I have a good nose.
My friends and I will track them
from their smell.
Nine, ten, eleven...
All there.
Incredible!
Thank you, mongoose.
Bring in the wretched prisoner.
Not even one turtle?
My poor boy.
Well, you were lucky.
Now, test number two...
If you don't gather them up
you'll lose your turtles again.
What are you waiting for?
As I was saying...
Two years ago, my younger daughter lost
her magnificent blue diamond
while bathing in the sea
near the seething seaweed rocks.
Since, my men have sought for it
in vain.
Bring it to me
and you will escape, for one more day,
the Big Chopper.
Hello, Ti Jean.
I came to thank you.
I so enjoyed your father's guavas
and your aunt's bananas.
I was so hungry.
As for the blue diamond, I'll handle it.
The king's men have searched two years...
He got my drift,
but I'd like to have talked a bit more.
Something to tell me?
Then, outwith it.
Thank you.
That's incredible.
I nearly swallowed it,
grazing the delicious seaweed there
and I brought it home.
Bring in the prisoner.
Nothing?
No one can do the impossible.
Never mind,
my younger daughter can go without her blue diamond.
What do I do with it?
What are you waiting for?
The last test is a doddle.
You simply have to point out.
Beauty Not Knowing
when I present my three daughters.
You don't know what my eldest daughter looks like?
Let me help you.
She looks exactly
like my younger daughter.
And my younger daughter?
She looks exactly
like my youngest daughter.
But what does she look like?
She looks exactly
like my eldest daughter.
Hello, Ti Jean!
I came to thank you.
Here, don't you recognize me?
Those hibiscus flowers were delicious.
I was so hungry.
I want to help.
My poor little bee,
I must escape or I'm for the Big Chopper.
But now you're so tiny
there's nothing you can do.
How's that, nothing?
I can alight on the right princess's nose
and save your life.
Bring in the poor boy.
Hello there, princesses!
Well?
Which one is Beauty Not Knowing,
my dear eldest daughter?
Easy!
I'm waiting.
The one who just dropped her pipe
is Beauty Not Knowing.
I'd know her a mile away.
Well, you've got real flair.
You've won.
Half of my kingdom,
the Land of the Dead,
is yours
as is my eldest daughter,
Beauty Not Knowing.
Rule the Land of the Dead?
Not on your life!
What I want is the Land of the Living.
Marry a girl I don't know?
Out of the question!
In any case,
I have a girlfriend back home
and I can't wait to see my sweetheart.
Goodbye, all!
What if I were one of those girls
stupidly killed
in the belief of obtaining rain,
victory or wealth?
I'd defend you!
I hope so.
But all would be against you.
Know the legend of the Serpent of Ouagadou?
No.
Tales of Africa.
Page 48.
That's all?
It goes nowhere.
That's not an ending.
That's how the legend ends.
Badly.
But it's empty, immoral.
People find it moral.
Not us.
Still, we could keep the story
and change the message,
by speaking at the end.
And if we set it among the Aztecs?
Why the Aztecs?
Human sacrifice.
Such horrors occurred all over.
But I think the Aztecs hold
the most terrible record.
Well, Africa, America or Asia
I'm going to draw a superb golden city.
I've made myself a bird-shaped helmet.
Strange.
Ready?
Yes.
The Chosen One of the Golden City!
The Golden City!
I can hardly believe it.
The people here are rolling in gold.
All the local peoples work for them.
Yet the city folk I meet
don't seem very cheerful.
Where does all this gold come from?
What a space!
A palace entrance, as big as a Mountain.
Golden pyramids.
An incomprehensible monument.
Other golden pyramids.
And a pretty girl...
A Pretty girl
is more interesting than a golden pyramid.
I'd really like to meet her.
Pretty,
but just as cheerless as the others.
She doesn't see me.
Well, here goes.
It's a really wonderful city!
You live in an extraordinary city.
Are you talking to me?
Of course!
You didn't see I was pretty?
Precisely.
And I wondered why you were so sad.
I'm pretty,
it's the City's feast day,
and you ask me why I'm sad?
Sorry, I don't understand.
Back home...
You're a stranger?
In your land, pretty girls look happy?
Yes, especially on feast days.
Especially on feast days?
They're brave.
But what is this feast?
The Golden City ceremoniously offers food
to Our Benefactor,
four times a year.
In exchange, he brings a pile of gold.
He only eats four times a year?
Your Benefactor sure isn't fussy.
And what does he eat?
A Young girl.
It's the first time a young man ever spoke to me.
It's strange.
The first time a young man ever spoke to you?
Here, young people don't speak to pretty girls
as they know they'll die young,
reserved for Our Benefactor.
Tonight, all will gather
on the Esplanade of Sacrifice.
The city's five prettiest girls,
of which I'm one alas,
will be lined up there.
The Great Shepherd will choose the fairest.
She will ascend the Rock of Triumph.
The people will sing
the cantata of the Triumph of the Chosen.
And Our Benefactor will emerge
from his temple
and eat her.
I'll kill him!
They'll kill you if they hear.
"When the Benefactor dies, the Golden City will fall."
That's absurd!
Your Benefactor told you that?
No, he doesn't speak.
Then how do you know?
The Great Shepherd said so.
But who told him?
Your questions baffle me.
The Great Shepherd is our all-knowing guide.
Your answers baffle me,
but I'll fight your Benefactor.
Don't speak such horrors!
You're powerless.
Our Benefactor is covered in scales
on which all swords bend.
I'll poke his eyes out!
Our Benefactor has eyes of diamond
on which all swords break.
But if tonight I am the Chosen One
I'll feel sweetness within.
A young man did speak to me
before I died.
We salute the Great Shepherd!
People of the Golden City,
the moment has come
to strike up the chant
of the Revelation of the Chosen.
You are beauteous among the beautiful.
And the Golden City thanks you
for centuries to come.
Must you slay an innocent girl
just for gold?
Young man, you cannot understand
as you are not from the Golden City.
We pardon you for now,
as Our Benefactor is waiting.
If someone must be sacrificed
then why not you?
I would offer myself,
if Our Benefactor did ask it.
But I did more than that.
I offered up my own daughter.
She was the fairest of all.
People of the Golden City,
strike up the cantata
of the Triumph of the Chosen.
No!
Monster, I defy you!
Wait!
Our Benefactor
seems to want a little distraction.
Long live Our Benefactor!
Our Benefactor is all powerful!
Praised be Our Benefactor,
who is his own hand of justice.
May the Chosen One
of the Golden City triumph.
No!
I won!
Woe is upon us!
Abomination!
The prophecy will come to pass.
"When the benefactor dies,
the Golden City will fall."
Our city is doomed.
No!
Your misfortune is over.
Forget those old tales.
The monster was not invincible
and your city still stands.
See...
Loathsome monster.
You will be destroyed!
Too late, alas.
You don't scare me,
I slew the invincible monster.
We are a thousand
and you are alone.
People of the Golden City,
may the swords wreak justice.
Yes, give me one!
A true daughter of the Golden City!
No, I am with you.
He is not alone.
I am with he who saved me
not those who condemned me.
So a thousand is too few for us!
Hold on, he saved me,
but also those to be sacrificed next season,
and the next,
and thereafter.
The little girls
as yet unaware of their beauty,
the little girls not yet born.
Silence, wretched girl!
He has annihilated us all.
No.
The Golden City has vanished, but not we!
A moment ago, I was about to die.
Now I am alive.
We are all alive!
I now know that all the rest
is of no importance.
Kill them both!
Listen to me!
All you have lost
is the gold of death.
It didn't make you happy.
I can teach you the two things you lacked:
Working
and having a good time!
Blasphemy!
Don't listen to them!
They must die!
No, they must not die.
I want to learn these things.
We want to live,
to have sweethearts.
I want that they stay with us.
Maybe they're right.
Certainly not!
Stop this sacrilegious chanting!
That girl is no longer Chosen.
She is!
They are both Chosen.
Stop!
Put them to death!
I order you to...
What if we invented an African tale?
Yes!
Set in a pretty village in the bush.
With maybe even a pretty princess,
with a pretty hairdo.
True,
there's such a variety of hairstyles.
Sheer wonders.
The possibilities are endless.
Stop that!
We can't hear a thing.
MY tragedy is,
no one recognizes my talent.
There's your story.
A boy dreams of becoming
a great tom-tom player,
but no one believes in him,
nor lets him near a drum.
So he dreams of the Magic Tom-Tom
that makes whoever we choose
dance irresistibly.
But does such a tom-tom exist?
Can he find it?
I've designed myself
a pretty princess hairdo.
Me too, I've done my hair.
Wonderful!
Ready?
Yes!
The Tom-Tom Boy!
Tom-Tom Boy, stop that racket!
You ought to learn to cook.
Tom-Tom Boy, stop that racket!
You ought to learn to hunt.
Tom-Tom Boy, stop that racket!
You ought to learn to farm.
Tom-Tom Boy, stop that racket!
You ought to learn to kill our enemies.
Tom-Tom Boy,
please stop that racket.
The king is ill.
No one goes near
the witch-doctor's sacred drum!
Especially not an urchin like you,
Tom-Tom Boy.
I've had it,
I'll go play on the Savannah.
Good riddance.
Bravo, my boy.
You play really well.
What did you say?
That you play really well.
Well, I never!
It's the first time I've heard that.
What do you usually hear?
"Tom-Tom Boy, stop that racket!
Go play elsewhere!"
You play so well,
you'd be worthy of the Magic Tom-Tom.
The Magic Tom-Tom,
that dances whoever we want?
You think it really exists?
Really exists!
It's a stone's throw away,
and I'm its keeper.
What?
Yes, you heard right.
I'll show it to you, if you like.
Yes!
Down you get.
Thank you, my boy.
Which way?
Wait.
I'd like to gather up this baobab fruit.
It's so delicious to suck,
it'd be a waste to leave it.
I was thinking the same,
but I didn't dare say.
You should have.
Here we are.
There we go.
The Magic Tom-Tom!
That no one can resist.
You can touch it.
I can touch it?
Yes.
And you can play it.
I can play it?
Are you deaf or what?
Stop repeating, play.
But you're not dancing?
The Magic Tom-Tom doesn't work
for mere novices.
Nor indeed for experienced players.
One must tame the Magic Tom-Tom
and let oneself be tamed.
How I'd love to learn!
If you're ready to work, I'll teach you.
I'll work night and day!
Very well.
What are you waiting for? Play!
You only know how to play loud and fast?
Don't just use your palms.
Use your fingers, your knuckles,
your wrists, your elbows!
Don't be always sitting.
You must also play standing,
walking, dancing.
My right hand's bleeding!
Then wipe the tom-tom,
so not to damage the skin,
and play with your left hand.
StOl3-
I did something wrong?
No, you are ready.
I'm ready?
Will you stop parroting everything I say!
Let's go.
You can try the Magic Tom-Tom
on animals.
A porcupine.
Off you go.
There, the Magic Tom-Tom is yours.
Mine?
Still playing the incredulous parrot?
Now bring your tom-tom to the village.
Not coming with me?
No, you'll have to manage without me.
Goodbye, Tom-Tom Boy.
Goodbye, Master.
The king's daughter.
Never would I dare.
But I will.
Stop, please!
I knew you'd be good on a tom-tom,
but not that good.
Well it is the Magic Tom-Tom.
The Magic Tom-Tom?
How wonderful!
It's only right you should have it.
The village really needs a little dancing.
Everyone is so gloomy
since my father fell ill.
I must bring these herbs to the witch-doctor
even though I'm dubious.
All just standing there, idle.
I'll get them moving,
those who made fun of me.
Stop that sacrilegious dancing!
The king is dying.
And all my witchcraft is to no avail.
Tom-Tom Boy,
come and play for my father.
What a notion!
You'll kill him!
You just said he'd die,
despite your witchcraft.
It won't be the drum.
This boy will not play
that tom-tom in this hut!
He will.
Tom-Tom Boy,
enter and play for my father.
I forbid it!
I order it!
I think we'd better remove
all those grigris,
especially the ones in his ears.
No, you're crazy!
Murderers!
You'll kill him!
You said that already.
Now play, Tom-Tom Boy.
It's no time to dance!
Our enemies are crossing the Savannah!
My boy, you woke me just in time.
I hope you're as good with a javelin
as a tom-tom.
On guard.
The coward is running away!
One fearless warrior less.
And now, for the others!
Kill them all!
Long live the Magic Tom-Tom!
Long live Tom-Tom Boy!
Tom-Tom Boy saved us!
We won!
Tom-Tom Boy,
watch over your magic tom-tom,
it's precious.
Yes, let us return to the tree.
Calamity!
Someone took the Magic Tom-Tom!
We must find it at all cost.
Stupid people,
I have the Magic Tom-Tom!
And this time,
I'm on the right side.
Your shield.
And now,
I'm going to make you dance!
He can't play the Magic Tom-Tom.
The traitor has no power over us.
No one shall have the Magic Tom-Tom!
All is now in order.
We are the strongest.
Charge!
Kill them all!
Princess, you're crazy!
Tom-Tom Boy,
it wasn't the drum that was magic.
It was your hands,
so play!
Long live Tom-Tom Boy!
Long live the king's daughter,
who understood all!
Long live the king's daughter,
who understood all!
And what if we danced,
to celebrate our victory?
I can help...
What if we went to Tibet?
Why not?
I found a Tibetan tale
that might inspire you.
It's there on the lectern.
Extraordinary.
There's no way
I'm playing that princess.
How come?
You can't do that.
I so want to play that boy.
Sorry, that princess is a monster
I refuse to play.
It's just theatre!
YES,
but when I play I give my all,
and she's too horrible.
Oh, please!
Théo, help me.
I understand her refusal.
But don't you find this tale engaging?
Yes, but not her.
At the end
she could speak to your liking.
Mere words can make good?
Yes, partly.
Take a look at these Tibetan thangkas,
paintings on canvas,
that could be rolled.
And these mandalas!
Yes, they're very beautiful.
Unlike that princess.
And these paintings by Roerich.
So perfect.
Unlike our princess.
Well, check out this dress!
I won't fall for a dress.
Let's examine the situation.
On the one hand,
we are all intrigued by this tale.
But on the other,
I can't accept that the princess...
Ready?
Yes!
The Boy Who Never Lied!
Melonghi!
I love you!
Let's go watch
the arrival of the foreign princess.
Good idea.
Dear cousin,
Melonghi, your talking horse
is indeed a wonder,
but not unique.
What?
Melonghi is not the only talking horse?
Talking is nothing.
The princess, my daughter,
is just arriving on Somaki
the mare that sings.
A marvel, indeed
and such beautiful singing.
Yet I possess something
even more amazing.
Is that possible?
The boy who minds Melonghi,
my beautiful stallion,
never lies.
Never?
If it were true
it would indeed be amazing.
But I'm willing to wager
half my kingdom
that this boy can be made to lie.
I am so sure of his honesty
that I too wager half my kingdom
that you'll never succeed
in making him lie.
Father, it would be such fun
to make this poor boy lie.
And I delight in winning you
half a kingdom,
so easily.
Quickly, go disguise yourself.
The princess was so pretty!
You didn't see her, she was veiled.
True, but she looked so fine
on her singing mare.
That mare, what a marvel!
Aren't you a bit sad?
Why?
People will say
you're not such a wonder after all,
as there is a mare that sings.
Do I interest you less?
No.
That Somaki is beautiful
and sings so well
but fills me with joy!
Give me to drink, I beg you.
Of course!
There you are.
Thank you.
I have come so far,
I am so tired.
Can I linger here?
It's too late to travel on.
Take my bed,
I'll sleep with Melonghi, my horse.
You are good.
Never have I seen such a pretty girl.
Would you be falling in love?
In love...
In love.
Never have I slept so well.
How pretty it is here.
It feels so good.
Know where you're headed?
No.
Then no need to leave so soon.
You're so good.
Go ahead, tell me about her.
She's so beautiful, Melonghi
so gentle.
Her voice is so harmonious.
Can I stay a bit longer?
I wish you'd stay our whole lives long.
How do you love me?
Like the first and last time.
You mean that?
I only speak the truth.
But with the first little sacrifice,
you'll vanish.
I fear one day you...
What's wrong?
What's the matter?
I'm sorry.
I'm in such pain...
I'll heal you,
I know every herb.
Herbs cannot cure this sickness.
Yes they can, you'll see!
I'm back!
I'll boil up the herbs.
But I know
that no infusion
can save I'T1€.
What then?
It's no good.
You don't love me enough.
I do! Whatever it is, I'll give it.
I won't let you die.
Tell me,
trust me.
Then I...
must eat...
Eat what?
The heart...
of your horse.
See...
how soon you've reached your limit.
I thought I'd spend my life by your side
and yet here my life does already end
as you prefer my death
to that of a horse.
What have you behind your back?
What are you up to?
What's going on?
Tell me.
The only thing
that can save her from dying
is that she eats your heart.
I can't bear that she dies,
but kill you, I cannot.
You love her more than me?
Do not ask such questions.
But I love you.
Me too,
and I'll prove it to you.
Can you bring Somaki to me tonight?
Yes.
He ate
the grass of death?
Melonghi...
Here is Melonghi's heart.
Forgive me if I do not watch you eat it.
Have you finished?
You feel better?
Do not die.
I beg you, do not die!
I cannot tell the king such things.
So, I must learn to lie?
Your Majesty, your fine stallion Melonghi
was stolen by a horde of bandits
against whom I could not...
What's all this?
Just a cairn that collapsed.
The king wants news
of his dear stallion, Melonghi.
Then, let us go.
On foot?
Yes.
Melonghi is ill?
No, Melonghi is not ill.
I got a fright.
SO, my boy!
How fares
our fine stallion, Melonghi?
Your Majesty...
your fine stallion, Melonghi
is dead,
through my fault.
I gave his heart
to a worthless girl to eat.
My friend is dead.
Love does not exist.
I have betrayed the trust of my king.
My boy!
You have surprised me
beyond expression.
But you have not failed me.
You have just earned me
half a kingdom.
Yes, and one day you will reign
over the other half.
Because love does exist.
It is she!
Yes, I am the worthless girl.
And you are the noble man.
All my acts were vile,
all of yours were generous.
I thought I'd trap you,
but you won.
And since I left you
I see all the falsity and greed
of other men
and I know no other can take your place.
Would you agree
to wed a worthless girl?
I love you.
I am lucky.
Somaki told me this:
She will no longer sing,
as Melonghi is dead.
But she is expecting his foal
who will be born the same day
as our first child.
They will be lifelong friends.
What if I were changed into an animal?
What animal?
A fearsome sorcerer will decide.
In truth, I decide.
As we are inventing the story.
I think I can guess your chosen animal.
Set in the Middle Ages?
Yes!
Let's do a real fairy tale.
These are the studies of Violet-le-Duc.
A treasure of information.
Wonderful!
This architecture is fascinating.
You'll find all you want to know
about the Middle Ages.
And why would this fearsome sorcerer
change you into an animal?
Because I'd disobey a monster.
Obvious.
And up against this sorcerer, I'd like
a charming fairy.
Of course.
Your fairy tale is in place.
The plain fashion of the 13th Century.
No frills,
just a simple elegant line.
The same for me.
I like the low waist.
Ready?
Yes!
The Girl Doe
and The Architect's Son.
Your guardian is the best of guardians.
YES,
but he does annoy me at times.
At least he doesn't stop you seeing
who you wish.
Maud“.
Thibault...
Shameful girl!
I forbid you to speak to young men,
above all
to the son of that paltry architect
who refused all my offers.
I'll speak to whom I like.
Obey!
I am your guardian.
Alas.
And your fiancé.
Never!
My patience is at an end.
I will henceforth lock you up
in my fortress.
You will not leave
until you've agreed to be my wife.
Then I'll die there.
It's a nightmare!
That Zakariak is a monster.
Now Maud is imprisoned in this fortress.
She cannot leave,
I cannot enter.
To think that one such window
may be hers.
Knowing which one will do you no good.
Who knows?
Look!
It is she!
A hasty judgment.
Even if it were true,
you could not reach that window.
My father used to take me
on the scaffolding as a child.
I know, and I found it unwise.
I explored all his buildings,
especially the stone universe
of his cathedral.
I climbed its every tower,
every gable
and flying buttress,
its pinnacles
and gargoyles,
its parapets
and spires!
And now I will climb
this fortress!
You're crazy!
It's a sheer drop.
You'll kill yourself!
Or Zakariak, the sorcerer, will kill you.
What madness!
From here, it's easy going.
All this is in vain...
Maud, it's me.
Thibault!
How did you do it?
You'll kill yourself.
The only way to save yourself
is to agree to marry the sorcerer.
What?
How could you say such a thing?
I'll arrive in the Nick of time!
What you must do is...
Who were you talking to?
Who could I be talking to?
Double locked in
with a tiny window above the abyss?
I was thinking of the architect's son.
He's just a mosquito,
but mosquitoes annoy me.
Think no more of him, Zakariak.
I agree to be your wife.
What?
I have no choice.
He's powerless against you,
you are all powerful.
And I know I'll get used to being
immensely rich
and to sharing a little of your power.
I am astounded by this change of heart
so I'll not dally
in accepting your good resolutions.
Escort my lady fiancée
to the windowless bedroom in the keep.
But...
Dress her
in the finest ceremonial attire.
We shall wed
tomorrow!
Beyond his devilry with thunder and lightning,
his power bursts forth here.
Overnight,
to obtain a wedding in the cathedral
with the city elders all in attendance
in all their finery and in total submission.
But what horrifies me most is your gamble
on Maud's marriage to the sorcerer.
Maud is truly in his power, everywhere,
so there is nothing I can do
except in that place
where he himself brings her,
the cathedral.
My father told me secrets
that even the bishop doesn't know.
My young friend,
not only will there be an army of guards
but the sorcerer too will be by her side.
Zakariak,
do you take Maud for wife?
I do.
Maud,
do you take Zakariak for husband?
No.
This man is a furious beast
who does violence to me
as you all do.
Quickly!
It's a secret passage
beneath the city
that emerges in the Great Wood.
Horses await us.
Mount!
I don't believe this.
Let us away!
Vile creature!
I relinquish having you.
But your whippersnapper lover
won't have you either!
You called me a beast.
So wherever you are
become a beast!
Maud!
Wretched bird.
He scared your poor fiancée.
So easily scared?
Maud has become a Doe,
and so fears everything.
Then I'll have to tame her.
Her favourite sweetmeat.
Maud“.
Don't feed that voracious fowl.
You won't be rid of him.
Does all look alike
and does all run away.
Take heart.
There is a fairy who can remedy
such problems of metamorphosis.
If we can reach the Fairy of Caresses
she'll return Maud to you
more beautiful than ever.
My father told me
about this Fairy of Caresses.
I was surprised he'd worked for a fairy.
Have no doubt,
fairies can't do everything.
And what's more, I suspect
she was even fond of your father,
a man of certain charm.
He told me none of the building's secrets.
Nor me, though I was his best friend.
It was "Fairy's Secret".
But my reading,
and your knowledge of your father's work,
should open a few doors.
Yes.
I told you.
Shoo off that feathered scrounger!
I think he's fun.
Bear right,
we are nearing the Hollow Cliff.
Now, let's hope we see a star
escape from a hole in the cliff.
Keep your wits about you.
The door is concealed just below.
If the door opens, promise me this:
That coruscating corvid stays outside.
He already chased off your fiancée.
That'll do.
He spotted the star before we did.
It's normal.
Such scavengers love all that glitters.
I can't stand them.
Sorry, but fun is not the issue here.
You must choose between that ill-fated fowl
and your devoted guardian.
Very well, the crow stays outside.
I think I've found
a familiar mechanism.
It's the air vent,
so we can breathe
in this underground enclosure.
Oh, no!
That feathered menace will hold us back.
So far, he's ahead.
That portcullis is one of my father's.
Can you find the release?
No.
Nothing.
But of course!
Where?
On the other side.
Oh, no.
That wooden lever, there.
If only I could get the crow to do it.
Good crow...
You must go and perch...
Over there.
Well done, crow!
This time, good Sir,
this bird is our companion.
Until the next catastrophe!
Cornered like rats!
No!
It's my father's favourite motif.
Look“.
(One)
Three, four, five,
six, seven,
eight, nine,
ten!
Oh, no!
What is it?
When the Fairy of Caresses gets bored
little by little,
an egg forms around her.
The Fairy is inside,
out of reach.
So close to our goal...
We must break the egg!
Break it?
Alas, it is the egg that breaks all swords.
I'll try just the same.
Then do better, if you're so smart.
Thank you.
I've been shut in for so long.
What can I do for you, kind young man.
The girl I love was changed into a Doe.
Well, one caress
and she shall be yours once more.
Where is the Doe?
But, we don't know.
You don't know?
How can I caress the Doe
if she's not here?
Doe, swan,
bluebird, whatever.
But,
we thought you could remedy
any transformation?
If only we could silence
that cacophonic corvus!
It's just he has so much to say.
Do you know bird language?
Alas, no.
But my cousin, the Bird Fairy,
speaks fluent Crow.
Then let us go to her immediately.
She lives in the middle of the Fifth Ocean,
on Bird Island.
Oh, no!
It's at the ends of the earth.
Yes.
Good crow, will you come with me
to the ends of the earth
to deliver the girl I love?
I was neither Doe nor swan...
My prince,
you took your time in caressing me.
I'll make up for it.
Maud“.
Thibault...
Good Fairy,
I must admit, I cannot fathom
how Maud regained her human form.
Come now Sir,
do you need an explanation
of love?
But you have the power
to reverse metamorphosis,
not Thibault.
Good Sir,
despite all your science,
you are still very naïve.
The magic that happens
between boy and girl
goes well beyond
what we poor fairies can do.
I must say,
he did caress the crow with ease
and even science.
This young man is talented.
I feel he's like you.
Really?
I feel he's more like his father.
Madam...
Sir, a fairy's secret so remains.