Big Fish: Part 1: The Girl in the River Summary & Analysis

There’s a shady oak tree near the Blue River where Edward usually stops and rests. One day, as he’s napping in the shady moss, he spots a beautiful river girl bathing in the water, cupping the cool water over her smooth, round breasts. Edward tries to stay calm, so as not to alert her to his presence. Suddenly, he sees a snake gliding towards her. Knowing it could kill her, Edward dives into the water and she screams as he grabs the snake, wrapping it up in his shirt. He doesn’t like killing animals. He’s in the water now, staring at the young woman, and neither of them knows what to say. Finally, she says, “you saved my life.”

It’s true, of course. They both know Edward risked his life to save her. The river girl says he’s brave and asks his name, declaring this spot Edward’s Grove, saying it’s his now—his place to come and rest whenever he’s not feeling well. Edward feels as if he’s in another world. He turns around so she can get dressed, and when he turns back, she’s vanished. He wants to call out after her but doesn’t know her name. In his shirt there’s no snake, but a small brown stick. It looks like a snake though, especially when he throws it in the river and watches it swim away.