Good Grief, a Griffin

Dramatized by Eleanor and Ray Harder, from Frank Stockton’s “The Griffin and the Minor Canon,” an inventive legend of how the last living griffin visited a conservative little town and shook its citizens out of their complacency. One set, with two scenes played on forestage. Medieval or contemporary costumes, as desired. 13 (3 F, 5 M, 5 Either.) Extra townspeople may be added.

The Minor Canon, the cleric of a small village church has his hands full serving cowardly, selfish and small-minded townspeople. When the Mayor demands that the historical statue on the church, of a griffin, be replaced with his own likeness, the Canon protests. Just in time, too, because a real Griffin arrives shortly in search of the statue. It seems the Griffin has never seen its own reflection in three thousand years, and has decided to stay for an extended visit in order to contemplate the statue. The townsfolk are terrified and insist the Canon get rid of the Griffin. Only the Canon will speak to the Griffin, or even come near. Ultimately, the fownsfolk, led by their Mayor, exile the Canon to the Dreadful Wilds in hopes that the Griffin will follow him. But the Griffin does not follow. Instead, it takes on the Canon’s good work, and under its charming influence, the town begins to mend its ways. The Griffin then departs for the Dreadful Wilds, and with a great sacrifice, sends the Canon home to a changed town.