| Bessie Blithesome | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
Bessie Blithesome |
|
First Appearance |
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (1902) |
|
Original Publisher |
Bowen-Merrill |
|
Created by |
L. Frank Baum |
Origin[]
Bessie Blithesome was the daughter of the wealthy Lord of Lerd. She was very pretty and well-dressed.
Her father had turned away a traveler named Claus who was bringing happiness and cheer to children across the countryside. As time passed, Claus became famous for inventing toys. Bessie took a cavalcade of horsemen to the Laughing Valley where Claus lived, and asked him for a toy.
Until this time, Claus had focused on the happiness of poorer children. He asked Necile and the Lurline, Queen of the Fairies about Bessie's request, and at their advice he broadened his efforts to include all children, whether rich or poor. Bessie became the recipient of the first doll, modeled after the nymph Necile.
Public Domain Appearances[]
- The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus