Once upon a time, there was a wicked duke named Frederick, who took over the duchy that actually belonged to his brother. He sent his brother into exile to the Forest of Arden, where he lived the life of a brave forester.
Rosalind, the daughter of the banished duke, stayed with Celia, the daughter of the wicked Duke Frederick. The two loved each other even more than two sisters. One day, there was a wrestling match and Rosalind and Celia went to watch.
Orlando, a young man with a kind heart, was to fight the champion wrestler Charles. Rosalind and Celia begged him not to fight, fearing he would be hurt. But the sight of beautiful Rosalind gave Orlando strength and courage, and he won the match!
Rosalind was delighted when she learned that Orlando was the son of her father's old friend. As they left, she gave him her chain and said, "Wear this for me." From that moment, both knew they had found true love.
But Duke Frederick was cruel. "You must leave the duchy immediately," he said to Rosalind. "You are banished!" So Rosalind went to find her father in the Forest of Arden. Celia loved her too much to let her go alone.
For safety, Rosalind disguised herself as a young man named Ganymede, and Celia dressed as a country girl called Aliena. Together they traveled through the wild lands until they reached the magical Forest of Arden.
Orlando, who had also escaped from his unkind brother Oliver, was wandering in the same forest. He could think only of Rosalind! He carved her name into trees and wrote love poems, hanging them on every bush and branch.
Rosalind and Celia found the poems and laughed with delight. When Orlando met Ganymede, he did not recognize Rosalind, but he liked this young shepherd very much, seeing something in him that he loved in Rosalind.
One morning, Orlando saw his wicked brother Oliver sleeping on the ground, with a lioness ready to attack! Though Oliver had been cruel to him, Orlando bravely fought the lion and saved his brother's life.
Oliver woke up and saw that Orlando had risked his life to save him. Full of shame, he asked for forgiveness, and from that moment on, they became beloved brothers again. Oliver met Aliena and fell instantly in love.
Rosalind decided it was time to reveal herself. She put on her beautiful gown and appeared before everyone. "I give myself to you, for I am yours," she said to her father, and then to Orlando. "If the truth is evident, then you are my Rosalind!" Orlando cried with joy.
On a beautiful mossy clearing in the forest, there was a grand wedding celebration. Orlando married Rosalind, Oliver married Celia, and all the kingdom rejoiced. Even Duke Frederick repented of his wickedness and returned the duchy to his brother. And they all lived happily ever after.
Introduction
As You Like It is a beloved romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, adapted here for young readers. This enchanting tale follows the clever princess Rosalind, who disguises herself as a young man and flees to the magical Forest of Arden. There she finds adventure, true love, and learns that forgiveness can heal even the deepest wounds. With themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of love, this story has delighted audiences for over four hundred years.
About William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright and poet, often called the greatest writer in the English language. He wrote comedies full of wit and love, tragedies of great passion, and histories of kings and heroes. As You Like It is one of his happiest plays, celebrating love, friendship, and the beauty of nature.
The Moral of the Story
This story teaches us that forgiveness can heal old wounds, and that true love sees beyond disguises to the heart within. When Orlando saves his brother despite Oliver's past cruelty, he shows that kindness is always the right choice. The Forest of Arden reminds us that nature can help us find our true selves.
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As You Like It
As You Like It is a beloved romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, adapted here for young readers. This enchanting tale follows the clever princess Rosalind, who disguises herself as a young man and flees to the magical Forest of Arden. There she finds adventure, true love, and learns that forgiveness can heal even the deepest wounds. With themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of love, this story has delighted audiences for over four hundred years.
Origin of This Classic Story
As You Like It was written by William Shakespeare around 1599 and is one of his most beloved comedies. The original play is set in the Forest of Arden, a magical place where people discover love and find themselves. This version has been carefully adapted for children, keeping the beautiful story of Rosalind's adventures while making it accessible for young readers.
About William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright and poet, often called the greatest writer in the English language. He wrote comedies full of wit and love, tragedies of great passion, and histories of kings and heroes. As You Like It is one of his happiest plays, celebrating love, friendship, and the beauty of nature.
The Moral of the Story
This story teaches us that forgiveness can heal old wounds, and that true love sees beyond disguises to the heart within. When Orlando saves his brother despite Oliver's past cruelty, he shows that kindness is always the right choice. The Forest of Arden reminds us that nature can help us find our true selves.
forgiveness
true love
friendship
bravery
kindness
Learning Activities
Engage children with these fun activities based on As You Like It:
🎨Draw Rosalind in both her princess gown and her Ganymede disguise
💬Imagine your own magical forest - what would you find there?
✨Write a love poem like the ones Orlando hung on the trees
📝Discuss: Why did Orlando save his brother even though Oliver had been unkind?
Frequently Asked Questions
❓Why does Rosalind disguise herself as a boy?
Rosalind disguises herself as a young man named Ganymede to travel safely through the dangerous forest. In Shakespeare's time, it wasn't safe for young women to travel alone.
❓What is the Forest of Arden?
The Forest of Arden is a magical forest where much of the story takes place. It's a place where people find love, forgiveness, and their true selves.
❓Is this the original Shakespeare play?
This is a gentle adaptation for children that keeps the essential story and characters while making it accessible for young readers.
