| “ | So my mother-to-be planted that kernel of barleycorn in a flower pot. And a tulip grew out of it and I sprang out of the tulip blossom. | „ |
| ~ Thumbelina to the Lilliputians, Fables #18 — "Barleycorn Brides" |
Thumbelina is a Barleycorn Bride Fable who lives in Smalltown on the Farm, alongside the Lilliputians. For a while, she was the only woman there, causing many fights about who would win her affection. Thumbelina later joins Pinocchio's super team. She first appears in Fables #6 — "Road Trip: Part One of Animal Farm."
History
Homelands
The Fairy Witch possessed a jar full of enchanted barleycorns back in the Homelands, which she was forced to leave behind when she escaped to the mundane world. Thumbelina's mother planted a barleycorn in a flower pot, and from it grew a beautiful tulip. As the flower bloomed, Thumbelina emerged from its petals, born directly from the blossom itself.[2]
Smalltown
After escaping the Homelands, Thumbelina moved to the Farm during the 18th century. The Fabletown authorities relocated her to Smalltown, where she could fit in with the Lilliputians, as they were all tiny in size. Thumbelina was the sole female in the group, causing many of the Lilliputians to be ecstatic at the sight of a real woman who was not only their size but also stunningly beautiful. Sadly, being the only woman in the group led to numerous fights over who would win her hand. On a particular day, two men approached her with romantic intentions, leading to a big brawl. Thumbelina was left feeling distraught and unhappy. Later, a solution came from an unexpected corner, when Thumbelina shared the story of how her adoptive mother grew her from a tulip blossom. Bigby Wolf personally sought out the witch who possessed the barleycorns that brought Thumbelina into existence. She confirmed their existence, but informed him that she had left them back in the Homelands.[2]
Johnny Bullhorn, a resident of Smalltown, joined forces with Commander Arrow to journey back to the Homelands and retrieve the coveted barleycorns. Before he left, Thumbelina was among those who bid him farewell, and she personally reminded him to be cautious on his travels. After it seemed like he had not succeeded on his journey, a small memorial was set up in his honor, and Thumbelina attended. With assistance from Mister Grandours and Mustard Pot Pete, he finally obtained the enchanted barleycorns, resulting in the arrival of women to Smalltown. Thumbelina was there to welcome him back home with a warm greeting.[2]
The Farm
Thumbelina is present hundreds of years later, riding her swallow, at a gathering of Fable creatures discussing whether they should take up arms against the Adversary. Coincidentally, Snow White arrives at the Farm just as she does twice a year to check on the Fable community there, and walks in on them. The Fables are shocked when they notice her sudden presence in the room.[3]
During Goldilocks revolution shortly afterward, it is stated that Thumbelina has been dating Tom Thumb, and that the two had previously broken up, but are supposedly back together again.[4]
Kingdom of Haven
Due to the danger of Mister Dark, the Fables are forced to move to the Kingdom of Haven for safety. Thumbelina is there as Flycatcher greets the Smalltown residents and assures them that preparations are being made for their stay in this new temporary home. A Lilliputian, who goes by the name of Elam, introduces himself to Thumbelina. He mentions that they used to live close to each other in Smalltown, during the time when she had "that place" on Treehouse Lane. Thumbelina remembers, and says that this took place before she moved. She inquires about his parents, and he responds that they are doing well. He tries to ask her on a date, but she kindly declines, explaining that with their lives being uprooted, it's not the right time for such things. Out of nowhere, a bird dives and snatches Thumbelina in its sharp talons. Flycatcher quickly assigns a team of flying Fables to organize a rescue mission. As the bird carries her away, Thumbelina sighs to herself that this is definitely shaping up to be a lovely day.[5]
Thumbelina auditions for a spot in Pinocchio's group of superheroes, proudly sporting her own unique costume. Pinocchio proposes the superhero monikers "Diminutive Girl" and "Miniature Maiden" for her, but she declines both options. Pinocchio clarifies to Ozma that Thumbelina has already been chosen for the team, as it is common for super teams to have at least one member who is smaller in stature. Ozma inquires what Thumbelina can contribute to their quest, so the tiny girl reveals that she is small enough to ride on Clara the raven's back, and together they can utilize Clara's dragon fire as a powerful team. But Ozma argues that Clara is perfectly capable of doing these tasks without Thumbelina, and she orders Pinocchio to get rid of her. This infuriates him, and he stands up to Ozma, stating that it's not right to treat people in such a disrespectful manner.[6]
Thumbelina is given the supero title "Tiny Titan" and attends Pinocchio's training sessions riding Clara. During a break, Pinocchio shares with the team a made-up scenario where his superhero squad, with the help of Thumbelina riding on Clara's back, successfully defeats Mister Dark. He envisions a key factor in their triumph will be Thumbelina sneaking into Mister Dark's head and disrupting his inner ear, throwing off his sense of balance. Thumbelina admits that manipulating Mister Dark's inner ear could be effective, but Clara points out that it may not work.[1]
Return to the Farm
When Bonny Lamb proposes the idea of forming an animal superhero team, she immediately approaches Thumbelina, hoping to recruit her. However, Thumbelina is already packed and ready to return to the Homelands, and makes it clear that she is done with the superhero business.[7]
Physical appearance
Thumbelina is a tiny Barleycorn Bride with fair skin and blond hair. The Lilliputian men consider her to be gorgeous.[2]
Appearances
Fables
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Fairest
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Original source
She is based on the titular character of the "Thumbelina" fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Fables #104 — "F-Men!: Chapter Three of Super Team"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Fables #18 — "Barleycorn Brides"
- ↑ Fables #6 — "Road Trip: Part One of Animal Farm"
- ↑ Fables #9 — "Warlord of the Flies: Part Four of Animal Farm"
- ↑ Fables #100 — "After the Duel, Part One: The Perils of Thumbelina"
- ↑ Fables #103 — "Selection Day: Chapter Two of Super Team"
- ↑ Fairest #31 — "Super-Lamb, the Just Us League of Animals, and Other Unexpected Tails: Chapter Five of The Clamour for Glamour"