The Wood Nymph

Summary

Nestled deep within the colossal redwoods of California, a verdant, secluded existence unfolds, far removed from the clamor of modernity. Here dwells the Nymph, a creature of untamed spirit, nurtured by a mother who has deliberately severed ties with civilization, choosing instead the rustic simplicity of a log cabin. Her sole companion, a formidable, Amazonian guardian, vigilantly shields her from the unknown world of men. The Nymph’s education is a tapestry woven from ancient Hellenic myths, her days punctuated by the resonant strains of hymns to Greek divinities played upon her harp. Yet, an irrepressible yearning for discovery pulses within her, driving her to wander through the colossal arboreal cathedrals, her imagination ablaze with heroic sagas. She personifies the towering trees, bestowing upon them the names of gods. In a moment of fervent longing, she embraces a mighty redwood, imploring the resident deity to manifest. When the venerable trunk remains impassive, her pleas escalate, specifically invoking Apollo. As if conjured by her impassioned cry, a young hunter emerges from the sylvan depths. His rugged hunting attire and practical boots initially jar against her idealized vision of a half-draped Greek god, a stark collision of myth and mundane reality. Nevertheless, his unexpected arrival sparks a nascent curiosity, drawing her into his orbit. Their burgeoning connection is swiftly tested by a perilous conflagration that engulfs the ancient forest, a thrilling crucible from which the Nymph is dramatically rescued, ultimately restored to the eager embrace of her newfound adorer.

Synopsis

The locale of the play is among the redwoods of California. The Nymph has grown up under the care of a mother who has forsaken civilization to live in a log house in the timber. There is a stalwart Amazon-like servant, who guards the girl jealously. The Nymph has known nothing of men's society. She is taught the ancient stories of the Greek divinities and plays hymns to these personages on her harp. But the restless girl is not content to stay at home. She runs and dances through the forest, her head filled with the wonderful stories that she has read. She gives the trees the names of the gods. One day she clasps her arms around a tree and calls on the divinity that inhabits it to appear. As the tree remains stolid to her impassioned cries, she clasps her hands and calls again for Apollo. A young hunter, who happens to have come on the scent, steps forward. The girl can hardly reconcile his hunting clothes and high boots with the picture of the half-draped Greek god. He wins her interest, however. There is a thrilling fire scene afterwards and the girl is rescued from danger and restored to her adorer.