Ruth

Ruth is the mother of James and his twin brother.

Early Life
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 wellfare. Ruth and her family were starving when Rumpelstiltskin 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.

James Discovers the Truth
Years later, when the son Ruth had kept had reached adulthood and become a simple shepherd, she discused 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, Rumpelstiltskin pops up and disagrees. Reconizing him from long ago, Ruth takes her son and tells him of his twin brother, Prince James, who Rumpelstiltskin says has died in battle, and now the shepherd is being expected to take his place and slay a ferocious dragon.

Saying Goodbye to James
After defeating with the dragon, the shepherd returned home. Ruth runs up to him and tells him that he looks just like a prince. She tells him that the king is already taking care of them and that they will live a good life. However, he tells her that he can't stay and that he must get married to Midas' daughter Abigail in James' 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.