The Ballad of Morty Longface

April 03, 2025  •  1 Comment

In the heart of 16th century Wales, amidst the rolling hills and shadowy forests of Brecon Beacons, there lived a most peculiar creature named Morty Longface. As his name suggests, Morty was not blessed with conventional good looks. His face, a grotesque tapestry of mismatched features, was stretched and elongated, adorned with a multitude of misaligned eyes and a gaping maw that could swallow a whole pumpkin pie in a single bite.

Despite his rather alarming appearance, Morty was a gentle soul, a vegetarian with a penchant for philosophy and a love for lute music. He resided in a cozy cave, nestled deep within the forest, where he spent his days contemplating the meaning of existence and composing melancholic melodies on his lute.

One day, while strolling through the woods, Morty stumbled upon a village fayre. The villagers, upon catching sight of his rather unconventional visage, were overcome with fear and disgust. They branded him a monstrous beast, a harbinger of doom, and chased him back into the forest with pitchforks and torches.

Morty, heartbroken and bewildered, retreated to his cave, his lute strings heavy with sorrow. He couldn't understand why his appearance elicited such fear and hostility. Was he not a kind and gentle creature? Did his love for lute music and philosophy count for nothing?

As he pondered his predicament, a mischievous grin spread across his face. He would show those villagers that he was more than just a grotesque monster. He would prove that beauty was more than skin deep, that true worth lay in the kindness of one's heart and the brilliance of one's mind.

With renewed determination, Morty set about crafting a plan. He spent weeks composing a symphony, a masterpiece that would showcase his musical genius and touch the hearts of even the most hardened villagers. He practiced day and night, his lute strings singing with passion and emotion.

Finally, the day of the village's annual music festival arrived. Morty, disguised in a hooded cloak, snuck into the crowd, his heart pounding with anticipation. As the other musicians performed their lackluster tunes, Morty waited patiently for his turn.

When his name was called, a hush fell over the crowd. Morty stepped onto the stage, his cloak falling away to reveal his monstrous form. The villagers gasped in horror, but Morty paid them no heed. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and began to play.

The music flowed from his lute like a torrent of emotion, filling the air with soaring melodies and heart-wrenching harmonies. The villagers, initially repulsed by Morty's appearance, were mesmerized by his music. Their fear and disgust melted away, replaced by awe and admiration.

By the time Morty finished his symphony, the crowd was in raptures. They erupted in thunderous applause, their cheers echoing through the village square. Morty, his heart swelling with joy, took a bow, his grotesque face beaming with pride.

From that day forward, Morty Longface was no longer seen as a monstrous beast but as a musical genius, a creature of immense talent and sensitivity. He became a beloved member of the village, his music bringing joy and harmony to their lives. And as the years passed, the villagers learned to look beyond Morty's grotesque exterior, recognizing the beauty and kindness that lay within.


Comments

Nicolas Raymond
Credits to Google Gemini for helping to compose this story.
No comments posted.
Loading...

Archive
January February March April May June July August (1) September (1) October (1) November December
January February March April May June July August September October November December
January February March April May June July August September October November December
January February March April May June July August September October November December (1)
January February March April May June July August September October November December
January February March April May June July August September October November December
January February March April May June July August September October November (1) December
January February (1) March April May June July August September October November December
January February March (33) April (9) May June July August September October November December