| "The King of the Elves" | |
|---|---|
| Author | Philip K. Dick |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | fantasy |
| Published in | Beyond Fantasy Fiction |
| Publication type | Magazine |
| Publisher | H. L. Gold |
| Publication date | September 1953 |
"The King of the Elves" is a short story by science fiction writer Philip K. Dick and first published in the September 1953 issue of Beyond Fantasy Fiction.[1]
Plot summary[edit]
Shadrach Jones is an old man who owns and runs a gas station in the fictional town of Derryville, Colorado, along an old highway fallen into disrepair due to it having been replaced by a modern interstate highway. One night he counts the money he made that day and realizes that although his income is meager, it is enough to sustain a humble lifestyle that suits him. He then looks outside and sees sickly elves standing in the rain in front of his store. He invites them inside his home to comfort them and learns that they are an army with their king, who is ill and needs rest. They tell him that they are at war with trolls. Shadrach allows them to sleep in his bedroom while he sleeps in his living room.
During the night, Shadrach feels foolish for believing in the existence of elves, and goes to check on them. He finds that the King of the Elves has died in his bed, but his last command to his subjects was that they should have Shadrach be the new King of the Elves, and have him lead them into battle against the trolls. Shadrach looks in the mirror and sees his aged face; immediately he thinks to tell his friend Phineas Judd of his royal status. The next day Shadrach tells Phineas that he is king, and by the end of the day the local community has all heard this news. Away from Shadrach, they question among themselves whether he actually believes that he is king, and why he would say this, and whether he is trying to get more customers for his gas station.
That night a messenger elf comes to Shadrach and tells him that he must help his staff develop battle plans against the trolls at a meeting tonight under the oak tree on Phineas’ property. Shadrach thinks of his dinner, of being ready to serve customers the next day, and of the opinions of his human peers, and suggests that the elf choose a different person to be king. Still, he commits to attend the meeting. When he goes to attend at the appointed time the cold weather bothers him and on the way he passes Phineas at his home. When Phineas invites him inside for a short while, Shadrach gets comfortable inside and forgets his commitment as they reflect on their long friendship. At Phineas' advice Shadrach decides to return home to be warm and comfortable. As Phineas takes Shadrach outside, Shadrach realizes in the moonlight that Phineas is an inhuman, beastly troll.
Phineas attacks Shadrach as legions of trolls pour from the shadows. Shadrach calls for help and attacks trolls as best he can while elves rush to his rescue. In the end, Shadrach has fought effectively and killed many trolls, including Phineas. The elves reveal Phineas to be the Great Troll, and are awed that he is defeated. With the trolls routed, Shadrach expresses a desire to return to his life as a gas station attendant, and the elves respect this. But after seeing his dilapidated home and gas station, he reconsiders, and accepts the status of King of the Elves.
Film adaptation[edit]
In April 2008, Walt Disney Animation Studios announced a 3D animated feature film adaptation, titled King of the Elves. The film was originally to have been directed by Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker (directors of Brother Bear), and produced by Chuck Williams.[2]
Originally slated for release in 2012, the film was reported as shelved in December 2009.[3] In July 2010, it was reported by various sources that King of the Elves was back in development and it was being directed by Chris Williams, director of Bolt,[4] while John Lasseter would be joining Chuck Williams as producer.[5] The new director was confirmed by Variety in June 2011, as well a new script writer, Michael Markowitz.[6] Apparently, production was advancing rapidly enough that it was considered a viable competitor to Frozen for a 2013 release date. However, the production of the film was set back due to troubles with the story.[5] In December 2013, it was revealed that Williams had joined another Walt Disney Animation's film, Big Hero 6, as a co-director.[7]
References[edit]
- ^ "Philip K. Dick Bibliography". Philip K. Dick Bookshelf. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
- ^ The Walt Disney Studios (April 8, 2008). "The Walt Disney Studios Rolls Out Slate of 10 New Animated Motion Pictures Through 2012" (Press release). PR Newswire. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
- ^ Cohen, David (2010-04-26). "Blaise to head Digital Domain Florida". Variety. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
- ^ Connelly, Brendon (2010-08-03). "Disney Futures – Including The On-Again King Of the Elves". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved 2010-11-26.
- ^ a b Roland-Martin, Tré (July 1, 2014). "Disney's 'King of the Elves' Is Well Worth Waiting For!". Moviepilot. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
- ^ Graser, Marc; Sneider, Jeff (2011-06-29). "Disney revives 'King of the Elves' toon". Variety. Retrieved 2011-06-30.
- ^ Giardina, Carolyn (December 31, 2013). "Chris Williams To Co-Direct Disney Animation’s ‘Big Hero 6’ With Don Hall". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 31, 2013.