Bluebeard's Key
A magical metal tooth that unlocks a history of blood and betrayal in Fabletown.
via Wikipedia: Bluebeard · see source
Bluebeard's Key is a notorious object within the Fables universe, inextricably linked to the infamous Fable known as Bluebeard. Unlike many enchanted items in the Enchanted Forest, its magic is subtle but damning: once stained with blood, the mark cannot be removed. It serves as the physical access point to the forbidden chambers where Bluebeard concealed his victims, making it a crucial piece of evidence during investigations into his crimes within Fabletown.
Quick Facts
- Function
- Opens the forbidden chamber
Lore & Background
The artifact does not glow or hum with obvious power; its magic is revealed only through a single, damning property: when the key is dropped in blood, the stain cannot be removed from it. This magical trait is what exposes the wife's disobedience to Bluebeard. The key is given by Bluebeard to his wife along with the palace keys, with the strict forbiddance to enter a forbidden chamber. She sneaks away from a party, ventures into the room, and discovers it flooded with blood and the murdered corpses of Bluebeard's previous six wives hanging on hooks from the walls. The key stands as a reminder that even objects with subtle magic can hold the weight of history and justice within the community.
Reader's Guide
The source of Bluebeard's Key is his personal estate, originally located in the Enchanted Forest before being replicated or referenced within Fabletown. Its primary limitation is its mundane nature; it cannot be used to open magical barriers or doors other than those specific to Bluebeard's design. Known users include Snow White during her investigation and potentially Fabletown Police for evidentiary storage. The key holds historical significance as the instrument that exposed one of the earliest major criminal cases handled by the Sheriff of Fabletown. It serves less as a weapon or tool and more as a symbol of the law's reach into fairy tale history. Collectors might view it as a relic, but within the community, it is treated with solemnity due to its association with murder and betrayal.
More in Magic & Artifacts
Elsewhere in Fables
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced