First published in 1913, her fairy tale explores themes that would resonate throughout her life—love, sacrifice, compassion, hope, and the search for something greater than oneself.

Years later, Queen Marie encountered the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith and wrote movingly of the hope and spiritual solace she found within them:

“The Bahá’í Teaching brings peace to the soul and hope to the heart.”
— Queen Marie of Romania

Her words echo beautifully through The Lily of Life. At its heart is the belief that love can call us beyond ourselves, that sacrifice can become an expression of profound devotion, and that even in the darkest moments, hope can endure.

Through this new ballet, we honor Queen Marie not only as the author of a remarkable story, but as a woman whose enduring vision of compassion, humanity, and hope continues to inspire more than a century later.