Household stories from the Land of Hofer

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Busk Rachel Harriette. Household stories from the Land of Hofer

INTRODUCTION

NORG MYTHS

THE ROSE-GARDEN OF LAREYN, THE LAST NORG-KING

THE NICKEL42 OF THE RÖHRERBÜCHEL

THE WILDER JÄGER AND THE BARONESS

THE GRAVE PRINCE AND THE BENEFICENT CAT

KLEIN-ELSE

PRINCE RADPOT67

THE THREE BLACK DOGS

OTTILIA AND THE DEATH’S HEAD; OR, “PUT YOUR TRUST IN PROVIDENCE.”

THE TWO CASKETS

THE PRUDENT COUNSELLOR

THE GEESEHERDS

ST. PETER’S THREE LOAVES77

THE TWO COUSINS OF ST. PETER79

LUXEHALE’S WIVES

ZOVANIN SENZA PAURA90; OR, THE BOY WHO WENT OUT TO DISCOVER WHAT FEAR MEANT

THE DOVE-MAIDEN

KRISELDA

THE GOLDEN PEARS

HOW THE POOREST BECAME THE RICHEST99

Отрывок из книги

The Norgen were a mighty folk in olden time in Tirol. In their span-high bodies resided a power which no child of man, were he ever so stalwart and well-limbed, could resist. But they were also for the most part a peaceable race, and more inclined to assist than to obstruct the industrious inhabitants of the country in their labours; so long as they were treated with respect and deference they seldom interfered with any one. Then they were generally scrupulously honourable, and strict keepers of their word. A service rendered one of them was sure to be repaid a hundredfold. An injury brought a corresponding retribution, and scorn, contempt, or ridicule roused their utmost vengeance; while some there were who entertained a true spirit of mischief, and indulged in wanton tricks which showed their character was not altogether free from malice.

They were most often to be met in lonely paths and unfrequented fastnesses of nature, but a solitary Nörglein could also occasionally stray within the haunts of men, at times asking hospitality at their hands, and at others getting into the bedrooms at night, and teasing the children in their sleep, hence the common proverb —

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Gladly Theodoric heard the counsel, nor was he long in finding with his hand the girdle; by it he raised King Lareyn from the ground, and dashed him down again, till the girdle burst and fell beneath their feet. Hildebrand quickly caught it up, lest the dwarf should again possess himself of it; but Lareyn gave a cry of despair which might have been heard o’er mountain and forest three days’ journey off! Then, with doleful voice, he said, —

“Dietrich von Bern! if you are the noble sword for which men hold you, you will be now content, and will give me my life; while I will be your tributary, and mighty are the gifts I have to offer you.”

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