Background[]
The Wicked Stepmother is the fairytale character also known as "Cinderella's Wicked Stepmother" (from Charles Perrault[1] / The Brothers Grimm), who makes her stepdaughter Cinderella clean the house while her own daughters live in luxury. When an invitation comes asking all unmarried women to the royal ball, she forbids Cinderella to go in hopes of her own daughters catching the prince's eye
The Land of Stories series takes place after Cinderella marries the prince and becomes Queen, and in The Enchantress Returns, the Wicked Stepmother is living in a secluded mansion in the Charming Kingdom with her two daughters, Petunia and Rosemary. Her actual name is Lady Iris.
Appearance and Personality[]
"She was very thin and her hair was graying and done up in an impressively high bun. Her make-up was splotchy and smeared as if she had freshened herself in a rush. She held a cane as she wobbled down the stairs."[1]
Froggy describes Lady Iris as a woman who has "always been obsessed with titles and social status"[2]. Lady Iris is very positive around her daughters and brags about them when they are within earshot, even though she is aware that the things she praises them for aren't actually all that praiseworthy.[3]
When the twins go and visit her, she admits to treating Cinderella badly because she resembled her late husband so much.[4] Despite her treatment of Cinderella, her stepdaughter had protection put up around their house so they will not be bothered by vandals. In return for her generosity and care, Lady Iris willingly parts with her late husband's wedding ring to help the twins assemble the Wand of Wonderment.[5]
When Conner offers her the chance to leave the Land of Stories to make a fresh start in the Otherworld, she accepts, but not before reconciling with Cinderella and apologizing to her.[6] In A Grimm Warning, Conner is back in the Land of Stories and tells Cinderella that Lady Iris and her daughters are very happy in his world. Lady Iris and Rosemary have opened a diner there.[7]
In Beyond the Kingdoms, Lady Iris, Rosemary, and Petunia all work in the Storybook Grill, which is a restaurant. Lady Iris' daughters squabble a lot, but Lady Iris seems to be dealing with it graciously. She talks to Bree and ends up giving her advice. She tells her to follow her heart and gives her a tip on how to get to Connecticut.[8]
Quotes[]
"Unfortunately, some sins are forgiven and others are never forgotten. I'm afraid the only place we could live free of judgment would be another world completely."[9]
"It's better to be the hero of your own story than to become the villain of someone else's."[10]
References[]
- ↑ The Enchantress Returns, ch 18, p. 318
- ↑ The Enchantress Returns, ch 18, p. 312
- ↑ The Enchantress Returns, ch 18, p. 322
- ↑ The Enchantress Returns, ch 18, p. 323
- ↑ The Enchantress Returns, ch 18, p. 326
- ↑ The Enchantress Returns, ch 30, p. 511
- ↑ A Grimm Warning, ch 18, p. 310
- ↑ Beyond the Kingdoms, ch 20, p. 270
- ↑ The Enchantress Returns, ch 18, p. 327
- ↑ Beyond the Kingdoms, ch 20, p. 270