At the Back of the North Wind

Known as one of the most ethereal children’s fantasies by George MacDonald, At the Back of the North Wind has been a favorite among families for over a century. MacDonald, a Scottish author and Christian minister, is most known for his unique children’s fairy tales, blended with lessons on faith and morality. His work has influenced many major literary figures, such as Lewis Carroll, G. K. Chesterton, and C. S. Lewis.

In his children’s book At the Back of the North Wind, published in 1871, Diamond, a sweet young boy who comes from a poor family, is swept away by the North Wind. After he befriends this kind, maternal-like spirit, she takes him on different adventures that call for the North Wind. During these adventures, Diamond learns that the North Wind both helps people and creates disaster, an image of God’s will through life and death, as everything always ends up okay by the end of the night.

Like many of MacDonald’s popular stories, his writing is able to raise questions of theology and philosophy in ways that children can understand and learn from. At the Back of the North Wind is a fairy tale of a different kind, without princesses or goblins, and has touched children all over the world with its beautiful portrayal of spirituality within fantasy.