'Königsbraut' Summary

Ännchen, a young woman with a passion for gardening, finds a beautiful ring while tending her father's carrots. The ring, imbued with magic, compels her to become the bride of Porphyrio von Ockerodastes, a mysterious figure. Ännchen's father, Dapsul von Zabelthau, is initially overjoyed at this prospect, but Ännchen herself is horrified. She seeks help from her fiancé, Amandus von Nebelstern, but the situation proves more complex than anticipated. It turns out that Porphyrio is actually the Gnome King of the carrot kingdom, Daucus Carota, a being both powerful and ... unique in appearance. Dapsul's initial enthusiasm turns to despair, but Ännchen finds herself strangely captivated by the prospect of becoming the Queen of the vegetables. Hoffmann's story playfully explores the boundaries of love, duty, and personal desire, all within a world of fantastical creatures and hidden magic.