Iain Kelly

NEMESIS AND THE BEAUTY QUEEN

She checked behind her. The dilapidated shack stood there.

She looked back at the mirror. The shack was reflected in it.

The mirror seemed to work as a mirror should.

She bent down and peered into, her breath clouded the smooth surface, but still the mirror did not show her reflection.

She pinched herself, poked her sides, pulled her hair. She was real, she existed.

From the shack a man appeared, surrounded by a glow.

He spoke: ‘Can you discover a beauty that lies within? Can you live without the ardour that your appearance provokes in others?’

With that, he vanished.

nathan-sowers-dawn-millers-friend
Copyright Dawn M. Miller

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

The original Nemesis myth: Wikipedia, and particularly the encounter with Narcissus, upon which this story is based around.

Iain Kelly

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118 responses to “NEMESIS AND THE BEAUTY QUEEN”

  1. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    “Mirror, Mirror on the wall…” Evocative and thoughtful piece.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Rochelle

      Like

      Reply
  2. abhiray59 Avatar
    abhiray59

    Nice mirror. Does not show reflection. But talks back. Magical!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  3. syncwithdeep Avatar
    syncwithdeep

    Brilliant writeup Iain

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. robertawrites235681907 Avatar
    robertawrites235681907

    A mirror that doesn’t show your reflection, jolly good idea, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Roberta 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  5. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    Can we live without admiring our own refelctions? I’m convinced that some people could not!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I am convinced of this too – quite a few people in fact!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  6. James Avatar
    James

    Magic mirror.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yes.

      Like

      Reply
  7. J Hardy Carroll Avatar
    J Hardy Carroll

    Mirror mirror. Good story. Is the misspelling of Nemesis intentional?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It wasn’t, just a misspelling, which no one else seems to have noticed, or at least mentioned!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. pensitivity101 Avatar
    pensitivity101

    Oh yes Iain! Another thought provoking post.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Di

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    Quite a nightmare for the beauty queen, to live without the ardour her appearance provokes in others.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Perhaps she will learn and adapt her ways. Thanks Penny

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. joyroses13 Avatar
    joyroses13

    This is is so cool! I Great creative post.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Joy 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. yarnspinnerr Avatar
    yarnspinnerr

    An apt take for this prompt.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Fatima Fakier Avatar
    Fatima Fakier

    This may begin a soul-searching transformation for her true self.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Let’s hope she uses the opportunity. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. James McEwan Avatar
    James McEwan

    Ah, the magic of mirrors, if you stare into them long enough does your soul emerge?
    I would say, Iain, you have given us a mystical horror with a touch of self centred vanity from the character,Beauty.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you James, reflections are indeed magical things.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. prior.. Avatar
    prior..

    a very deep question for many a human beings…
    the beauty within….

    beautiful message here and could feel it in a collection with something on Narcissim

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Prior, Narcissism was the starting point from which this story sprung.

      Like

      Reply
      1. prior.. Avatar
        prior..

        NICE……

        Liked by 1 person

  15. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    The only thing worse than being looked at is not being looked at? Nice one, Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Better to be known for something than not known at all.

      Like

      Reply
  16. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    I loved that! One of your best.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much Sandra 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  17. Tracey at Whatsfordinnerdoc.com and TraceyDelaplainMD.com Avatar
    Tracey at Whatsfordinnerdoc.com and TraceyDelaplainMD.com

    A good fairytale. Can we indeed see past our physical appearance? I wrote about this yesterday. I’m trying to see past my weathered face.
    Tracey

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Weathered faces have good stories to tell 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Tracey at Whatsfordinnerdoc.com and TraceyDelaplainMD.com Avatar
        Tracey at Whatsfordinnerdoc.com and TraceyDelaplainMD.com

        Yes, I do

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Fandango Avatar
    Fandango

    I thought she was going to discover that she was a vampire, because, as you know, vampires can’t see their own reflections.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I did think about that at first, but thought there might be a few vampire stories this week.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    Oh yes… maybe we need to find ourselves inside… a mirror showing that would be great…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It would be good if they showed us more than our external appearance. Thanks Bjorn.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. Alice Audrey Avatar
    Alice Audrey

    But until he said something she ddn’t seem to be thinking about her personal beauty at all. Merely the reality of her existence. He is unfair.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Hmm, I think he might be trying to teach her a lesson based on her life so far.

      Like

      Reply
  21. peppylady (Dora) Avatar
    peppylady (Dora)

    Pinch her rosey check.
    Stop in from Alice and hope you can stop in for a cup of coffee.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Okay, will do.

      Like

      Reply
  22. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    I can think of a few people in need of such a mirror.
    I really loved this one, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Dale, much appreciated 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. 4963andypop Avatar
    4963andypop

    What a nice take on the Narcissus myth, Iain. It was an overdue refresher course for me, to peruse the wikipedia links. I did not know Nemesis was a goddess of retribution for those with too much hubris ( havent used that word since college!) and she was the one who set Narcissus to looking at his own reflection till he pined away, for love of himself.
    What nice twist, rather than to punish with the reflection, punish with the lack of it. And switching the sexes of the punished and punisher also makes the story more your own. Let us hope she does better than Narcissus, and does further provoke her Nemesis to restrain “the frivolous insolences of mortals”.

    Like

    Reply
    1. 4963andypop Avatar
      4963andypop

      Does not I mean. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    2. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you. A little bit of research for me too. does make me think that the modern use of ‘nemesis’, such as in sport, an ‘arch-nemesis’ is actually inaccurate based on the myth it comes from.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. Anshu Bhojnagarwala Avatar
    Anshu Bhojnagarwala

    A mirror that doesn’t reflect vanity… Brilliant idea.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Anshu 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  25. StuHN Avatar
    StuHN

    The mirror as the reflection of the soul. Nice take on the photo.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Stu

      Like

      Reply
  26. anuragbakhshi Avatar
    anuragbakhshi

    If I do not Instagram, do I even exist?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      A modern moral dilemma!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    Beautifully written, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Sascha

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  28. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    Nice – without your appearance to rely on, is there inner beauty enough? Something like this would turn the world on its head!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It really would, which is why it would never be allowed!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    I wonder if she can? Most of us have a streak of vanity through us – some greater than others! An imaginative spin on the myth, Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Lynn.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Lynn Love Avatar
        Lynn Love

        My pleasure 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  30. subroto Avatar
    subroto

    I suppose the title infers that Nemesis was responsible for turning the mirror into a magic one. It is a story that makes you think.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Indeed it does, glad it got you thinking.

      Like

      Reply
  31. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    I’m trying to come up with something deep and meaningful to say about this, but I give up! Nice one Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Keith, I’m happy for you to keep it shallow and meaningless 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. Sonia Chatterjee Avatar
    Sonia Chatterjee

    That was a thought-provoking post. Can we live with a mirror that doesn’t show our reflection? I doubt that.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Sonia

      Like

      Reply
  33. Piyali Avatar
    Piyali

    A mirror that shows the real you. Interesting story, Lain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  34. Priya Avatar
    Priya

    Mirror can’t reflect the inner beauty. Wise man!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  35. Woman walking Max Avatar
    Woman walking Max

    Beautifully written, in a cleverly understated way. Lots to ponder -‘ can you live without the ardour your appearance provokes in others ? ‘ That is some challenge. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much, a question for all ages, but especially today;s society I think.

      Like

      Reply
  36. Jelli Avatar
    Jelli

    Shiver me bones a good un’. Loved it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  37. Inside the Mind of Isadora Avatar
    Inside the Mind of Isadora

    A magical mirror fit for a fairytale. I enjoyed where you took the prompt, Iain.
    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  38. jillyfunnell Avatar
    jillyfunnell

    I have an inkling that while beauty is only skin deep, vanity lies much deeper,. A most original and interesting take, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Jilly, you have nailed my thoughts.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  39. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    she should try another mirror. perhaps she would have better luck. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Hmm, I wonder if he has thought of that and applied his spell to all mirrors?!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  40. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar
    theministryofshrawleywalks

    spooky stuff

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks

      Like

      Reply
  41. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Aha! Magic mirror speaks a truth she may not hear

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Maybe after a few months or years she will get the message…

      Like

      Reply
  42. Russell Avatar
    Russell

    Deep stuff. Nicely written!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Russell

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  43. lisarey1990 Avatar
    lisarey1990

    Very clever piece & thought-provoking.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Lisa

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  44. Jan Morrill Avatar
    Jan Morrill

    Your story gave me goosebumps! And so, I read it more than once!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Jan, very kind 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  45. Ellie Scott Avatar
    Ellie Scott

    Such a thought provoking piece!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Ellie

      Like

      Reply
  46. Rowena Avatar
    Rowena

    Very well done, Iain. There’s so much depth and clearly a mythical feel, which I really love.
    Every now and then, I intend to explore the Greek myths in more detail and sit down and read the Odyssey and the Iliad, as they’re inspired so many creatives through the centuries. Yet, another part of me, wonders about going so far back in time these days and whether there’s enough inspiration around me.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena
    PS There’s also another issue these days and that is that the public isn’t as familiar with these stories as they were in the past. So, do they manage to communicate in quite the same way as they did in previous times?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I agree, I managed to get through the Iliad when at University, but it was more an academic exercise than an enjoyable one! But I felt the need to include the Wikipedia links with my story because I wasn’t sure everyone would pick up the link.

      Like

      Reply
  47. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar
    Brenda’s Thoughts

    I enjoyed your story as always, and I learned a bit more of mythology to boot. We all have a bit of narcissism inside us, it’s all degrees though and as long as it doesn’t define us, it’s okay I guess. Nicely done!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Brenda. Yes, there’s taking a little pride in your appearance, and then there’s caring about nothing else apart from that.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  48. Dawn M. Miller Avatar
    Dawn M. Miller

    Wonderful mystical fable!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Dawn

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  49. gahlearner Avatar
    gahlearner

    Oh, I love this, this is such an original variation on the magical mirror theme. Just imagine all mirrors spoke to us like this. Would the world be a better place or would there be a lot of broken mirrors?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It would certainly be different. Thanks Gabi.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  50. Bernadette Braganza Avatar
    Bernadette Braganza

    I think those 2 questions are going to haunt her for the rest of her life.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Hopefully it gets her to think about her life at least. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
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