Ruth

"True love follows this ring wherever it goes, my son... Take it, and I'll know you'll be happy."

- Ruth to her son

Ruth is a minor character on Once Upon a Time. She makes her debut in the sixth episode of the first season only. She is portrayed by guest star Gabrielle Rose and it is currently unknown who, if anyone, is her Storybrooke counterpart.

Season One
Ruth fell deeply in love with a farmer and had twin sons with him. However, this short-lived amount of joy would be crushed by the family's welfare. Ruth and her family were starving when Rumplestiltskin came along. He offered them a large amount of money for one of their sons, which the sorcerer would give to the barren king and queen.

Ruth and her husband agreed to his terms, something her husband would regret until his untimely death. Years later, when the twin Ruth kept reached adulthood and became a simple shepherd, she discussed a prospect of marriage, but he told her that he didn't want to marry anyone save his true love. She tells him that he can't have everything he wants.

Just then, Rumplestiltskin appears and disagrees. Recognizing him from long ago, Ruth takes her son and tells him of his twin brother, Prince James, who Rumplestiltskin says has died in battle, and now the shepherd is being expected to take his place and slay a ferocious dragon. After defeating the dragon, the shepherd returns home.

Ruth runs up to him and tells him that he looks just like a prince. She tells him that the king has already taken care of them and that they will live a good life. However, Ruth's son confesses that he can't stay and that he must marry King Midas' daughter, Princess Abigail, in James's place.

Ruth begins to cry and tells him that they cannot force him to do anything. He tells her that they can, and that she can never see him again. "James" then leaves his tearful mother and the farm behind forever.

Trivia

 * The ring she gives Charming is the same one Snow steals from him, but later she wears it after they marry each other. It is Mary Margaret's only possession she has from her former life as Snow White.
 * Charming's love for his mother Ruth allows King George to coerce him into staying by threatening to kill her otherwise.

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