Happiness Quote by George MacDonald
““THE SHADOWS Table of Contents Old Ralph Rinkelmann made his living by comic sketches, and all but lost it again by tragic poems. So he was just the man to be chosen king of the fairies, for in Fairyland the sovereignty is elective. It is no doubt very strange that fairies should desire to have a mortal king; but the fact is, that with all their knowledge and power, they cannot get rid of the feeling that some men are greater than they are, though they can neither fly nor play tricks. So at such times as there happens to be twice the usual number of sensible electors, such a man as Ralph Rinkelmann gets to be chosen. They””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald, 1872
A whimsical tale about a mortal chosen as king of fairies, highlighting the desire for human leadership despite magical beings’ power.
In simple terms: Fairies elect a human king because they feel inferior.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the value of human insight in fantastical contexts.
Themes
leadership
inference
mythology
Mood
playful
imaginative
Type
literary
mythic
When to use this quote
- storytelling
- creative writing
- role‑playing games
- fantasy world‑building
Key Concepts
elective monarchy
human‑fairy dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the election of a mortal king say about authority?
- How do myths reflect human insecurities?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may oversimplify complex power dynamics between species.
![“I wish I had [made that song]. No, I don't That would be to take it from somebody else. But it's mine for all that.' 'What makes it yours?' 'I love it so.' 'Does loving a thing make it yours?' 'I think so, Mother -- at least more than anything else can. . . . Love makes the only myness,' said…” quote by George MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/722/george-macdonald-295_love_i-wish-i-had-made-that-song-no-i-don-t-t_35103.jpg)
