The story of Joan of Arc is also a heroic bedtime story. A young girl who led the French army to victory in several battles against the English during the Hundred Years' War. Despite being a peasant girl, she had the courage to stand up and fight for her country, believing she was guided by divine voices.
One example could be the story of King Arthur. His courage in uniting the knights and his quest for the Holy Grail makes for a great heroic bedtime story. The knights around him also showed great heroism, like Sir Lancelot with his amazing feats of strength and chivalry.
The story of Sergeant Alvin York in World War I is quite heroic. York was a pacifist, but when his country called, he served. He found himself in a situation where he had to fight. He showed remarkable marksmanship and leadership, capturing a large number of German soldiers almost single - handedly. Also, there's the story of the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II. The Soviet soldiers fought with great tenacity against the German invaders. They endured extreme conditions, like freezing cold and lack of supplies, but still held the city, which was a turning point in the war.
Well, one could be a story about a magical dragon that breathes fire and goes on an adventure to save a kingdom at night. Another might be a tale of a brave firefighter who battles a blazing inferno during the night and has an inspiring story to tell as a bedtime story.
One example could be the story of 'The Little Red Riding Hood'. It has been told for generations and has that nostalgic feel. The story of a little girl going through the forest to visit her grandmother, with the menacing wolf lurking about, is both exciting and a bit scary in a nostalgic way. Another is 'Cinderella'. The idea of a poor girl finding true love and a better life with the help of her fairy godmother is a classic that many grew up hearing at bedtime.
A disturbing bedtime story might involve a lost traveler in a dark forest. As the night falls, the traveler hears howls of strange creatures all around. The trees seem to have a life of their own, with branches reaching out like arms to grab the traveler. The deeper the traveler goes into the forest, the more disoriented they become, and there's a sense of impending doom as they struggle to find a way out.
One example is 'The Little Prince'. It's a beautiful and philosophical story that can be a great bedtime read. The story of the little prince's adventures on different planets is both imaginative and thought - provoking.
One example could be a story about a talking teapot that travels to the moon to have tea with the moon rabbits. Another might be a tale of a magic sock that can fly and takes a little boy on an adventure through a cloud city. There could also be a story of a tree that grows upside - down and has fruits that are actually tiny houses for fairies.
One example of a zen bedtime story could be about a little turtle who slowly makes its way across a peaceful pond at sunset. The turtle takes its time, enjoying every moment, and as it moves, it feels the gentle ripples of the water. Another could be a story of a young monk in a serene monastery garden, observing the blooming of a flower, understanding the beauty of patience in nature.
One example could be stories that depict a certain race as inferior or stupid. For instance, if a story always shows people of one ethnic group as being lazy and good - for - nothing while glorifying another race. Another might be a story where the 'bad guys' are always of a particular race, creating a negative stereotype.
Some demented bedtime stories could involve a world where dreams turn into nightmares that are real. For instance, a child dreams of a friendly puppy, but when it wakes up, the puppy in the dream has turned into a menacing wolf that is now chasing it in the real world. Or a story about a house that is alive and eats its inhabitants when they fall asleep. Also, a story of a mirror that shows a different, scarier version of oneself and that version tries to break through the mirror to take over the real self.
One example could be a story set in an ancient Incan civilization where a young girl discovers a hidden temple filled with magic. Another might be a tale about a mermaid who ventures into an underwater kingdom full of strange and beautiful creatures that no one has ever seen before. And there could also be a story about a boy in a far - off African savannah who befriends a talking elephant and they go on adventures together.