The Polar Bear King

This is inspired by the Norwegian folk tale called, "East of the Sun, West of the Moon". It's about a handsome prince who was bewitched by his stepmother to become a Polar Bear by day and return to his human form at night. The only way to break it is for a girl to love him unconditionally without knowing his true form for an entire year. He found the girl who agreed to be with him, but she did not know that this bear is actually a prince. But one night, while they lay together in bed, the girl lit a candle to glimpse her love, and she found that he was a handsome man.

This betrayal cost the Prince his freedom. He must know marry an ugly princess with a long nose who lived in a castle east of the sun and west of the moon. The girl asked if she could come with him but he said she couldn't. She then vowed to go after him and claim him back. The girl went through many lengths to find this castle and with the help of some enchanted old women, she finally got there, tricked the ugly princess and was reunited with her beloved Prince forever.
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This particular scene shows the Polar Bear leading the hesitant girl to his magical castle through Winterland.

I first came across this story by watching a movie when I was a child entitled, "Polar Bear King". The story has elements of the story of Cupid and Psyche, and Beauty and the Beast. I think it's a very nice fairy tale.

This is also made for 's Forgotten Folklore contest.

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I never thought I'd win this contest because such cool photomanipulations were in it, too. But I did!!!! First place! WOW!!! I'm just sooo happy. Thanks
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Many thanks...

Lady
Polar Bear
Fractal
Background
Winter Brushes
Winter Plants