Retold by Joyce Jacobo
[Author’s Note: I watched a virtual tour of a section of the Mammoth Cave system in Kentucky, reportedly the second oldest tourist attraction in the United States (right after Niagara Falls). One of the stories told by the tour guide was of a rock formation known as “The Bridal Altar,” which had a singular story associated with it. So I wanted to share it here as well. Hope you enjoy it!]
There was a woman betrayed and abandoned by her cruel husband. On her deathbed, she made her daughter pledge to never marry any man on the face of the earth.
But the daughter did fall in love.
“What can we do?” she asked her sweetheart. “I love you, but I am a woman of my word who would never break a vow like my father did to my mother.”
Her sweetheart smiled and brought her underground into the labyrinth of Mammoth Cave, where they exchanged their vows and fulfilled a promise, surrounded by ancient formations as witnesses.
The Literary Serenity Archives 
Interesting post!
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A lovely story, and so clever to fit it into 100 words!
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Thank you so much. It was just such a sweet short story that I couldn’t resist trying to adapt it as a drabble. Going on the virtual tour only made me want to visit Mammoth Caves in-person someday soon. Have you ever been there?
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I’m afraid I’ve never been to most of the USA – just NY, Arizona, California and Utah.
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Oooh, I’ve never been to NY or Utah. That’s great. But if you could explore any natural wonder throughout the United States, where would you go? Just out of curiosity.
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The Grand Canyon was absolutely amazing (not least because it snowed!). I regret not exploring Monument Valley. I’d love to see Yellowstone. There are so many places I’d like to go … and so many I know nothing about, such as Mammoth Caves.
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Ooooh, The Grand Canyon is an incredible place, indeed. I guess they have some kind of glass bridge now, at some point. Or maybe that was somewhere else. ^_^ And I agree on all the other parks as well. Yellowstone would be a joy to visit in person. It’s just a wonderful world in which we live!
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Wonderful story. Truly enjoyed.💕
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Thanks! I couldn’t resist sharing it.
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My pleasure 💕
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^_^
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Great story Joyce
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Awww, thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have you ever gone on a cave tour?
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You’re welcome! No I never did get the opportunity
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I hope you do someday soon. ^_^
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Thanks 🙏🏼
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^_^
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I’m not a fan of loopholes. But it is a romantic tale.
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Awww, thank you for that.
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well done Joyce! 💖💖
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Awww, thank you, Cindy. I’m thrilled you enjoyed this retelling of a Mammoth Cave tale.
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