Riddle of the Sphinx - V

The following riddle requires an answer, and you, Dear reader, have been challenged. I offer my friendship as a prize to the first that would respond with the correct answer- maybe not the greatest of prizes, but it's all I have to offer... I've already givenaway my coffers of gold. If you find that you can not answer or even venture a guess; you may challenge me with a riddle in the comments thread... I look forward to hearing from you. All, including those that have already bested me, are welcome to participate.

It dares to follow the dragon,

And well in the damsel's train.

It pursues the fire in childish delight,

While behind the quick horse it would gain,

And with the fruit that is fully ripe,

It creates quite a different type.

~ Enigma

Comments: 24

Gary L. Sep 22, 2009, 4:37am EDT

A Shadow

Enigma ~ The Benevolent Sphinx of Mezaterra Sep 22, 2009, 10:03pm EDT

Sorry, Gary, but "Shadow" is not the correct answer.

Enigma ~ The Benevolent Sphinx of Mezaterra Sep 22, 2009, 10:10pm EDT

You may guess as often as you like.

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Ann M. (Site Scryer) Sep 22, 2009, 10:49am EDT

Thank you for posting to The Surreal Circus.

Enigma ~ The Benevolent Sphinx of Mezaterra Sep 22, 2009, 10:04pm EDT

Hi, Ann... How do you feel about this one?... do you think you know?

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Tracy Fabre Sep 22, 2009, 5:59pm EDT

I say... a tail!

Enigma ~ The Benevolent Sphinx of Mezaterra Sep 22, 2009, 10:09pm EDT

Hi, Tracy... I am very sorry, but "tail" is not the correct answer... it may follow the dragon and the horse, but doesn't really apply to the other two. This riddle differs from the others I've posted, in that it's more of a play on words. Thanks for guessing, and please do try again.

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Mustafa Demiri Sep 22, 2009, 10:27pm EDT

I enjoy your riddles, and I find them to be a real challenge... On this one my guess will be.........Though I can side with those that have guessed "shadow".....my answer is.............the past.

Enigma ~ The Benevolent Sphinx of Mezaterra Sep 22, 2009, 10:39pm EDT

Hi, Mustafa... No, I am sorry to say that it is not "the past." nor is it "shadow".
It has more to do with the subject of each of the lines, and less to do with any kind of realistic consequences or circumstances... and that's all I'm willing to say.

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Enigma ~ The Benevolent Sphinx of Mezaterra Sep 22, 2009, 10:51pm EDT

I've added a line that I hope will bring someone to closer to the correct answer. (;

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Ann M. (Site Scryer) Sep 23, 2009, 8:58am EDT

You should ask Curt L. to guess.

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Lee P. Sep 23, 2009, 2:14pm EDT

A fly?

Enigma ~ The Benevolent Sphinx of Mezaterra Sep 24, 2009, 12:26am EDT

Yes, Lee! Fly is the answer! And you thought you'd never get one right.

It follows the dragon as in dragonfly
in the damsel's train as in damselfly
pursues the fire as in firefly (a childhood delight)
and of course the horsefly and the fruitfly...

Well done, Lee!

You've bested the Sphinx!