The Three Peasant Maidens

Chapter I

how Queen Hertha Fell From Her High Estate

In a distant island, long, long ago, there lived a wealthy peasant, who

had three daughters called Alitea, Truda, and Hertha. Alitea and Truda

were both fine handsome girls, but Hertha, the youngest, was by far the

loveliest of the three.

Their house was not far from the king’s palace, and one day, when the

three sisters were out walking, they met the king, attended by his

secretary and his valet.

“Ah,” sighed Alitea, the eldest sister, “how happy I should be if I

could only marry the king’s valet! I should then be able to see all the

grand feasts that are held at the palace!”

“And I should like to marry his secretary,” murmured Truda, the second

sister, “for then I should both hear and see all that was going on.”

“Oh, if I had to marry any one,” cried Hertha, the youngest sister, “I

should like to marry King Leofric himself! See how young and handsome

he is!”

The king, who had noticed the whispers and eager glances of the girls,

said to his attendants—

“I wonder what those pretty maidens want? Let us go to them and find

out what they are talking about; I thought I heard them mention my

name.”

The secretary tried to dissuade the young king from speaking to the

girls, saying he was sure their chatter was not worth listening to, and

that his Majesty had better not attend to them. But King Leofric would

not be put off, and it ended in their all three going up to the young

maidens. Then the king asked them what they had been talking about when

he and his attendants came in sight.

Now when the girls saw the king come up to them, they were rather

frightened, but he spoke so kindly and pleasantly that their fears soon

vanished, and when he insisted on hearing what they had said, they at

last confessed the truth.

King Leofric was mightily amused when he heard their tale. He thought

the girls very handsome, especially the youngest one, and after

chatting with them for some little time, he found them so bright and

clever, that he told them their wishes should be fulfilled.

The sisters were so surprised to think their idle words should speedily

become real facts, that they were speechless with wonder and delight.

So the king and his two attendants escorted the girls back to their

home, where the father’s pride may be imagined when he heard who the

suitors were. Of course he threw no difficulties in the way, and as the

king’s wishes were law, all three maidens were shortly married each to

the man of her choice.

Now, although Alitea and Truda would have been quite satisfied with

their choice had Hertha not become queen, no sooner did they realize

how much grander was her lot than theirs, than they became very jealous

of her, and though she did her best to be friends with them, giving

them handsome presents, and taking them everywhere with her, their envy

only grew stronger, till at last they determined that, no matter at

what cost, she must be brought down from her high estate. So they

plotted and planned for many a long hour, how they could best get her

out of the way.

At the end of a year the queen had a little son. Then her sisters took

away the baby in the night, and arranged that it should be cast into

the deep ditch outside the city walls, where all the rubbish was

thrown. But the old woman who had undertaken to do this, thought she

would give the poor babe a chance for its life; so, instead of throwing

it in the ditch, she placed it on the bank, hoping that some kind

person passing might see it and take it away.

And this actually did happen, for Osric, a poor old woodcutter, on his

way home, seeing the pretty babe lying there crying helplessly, took it

up in his arms.

“This is a strange thing,” he said. “Some one surely must have put it

here purposely. But I cannot leave the poor bairn crying here.”

So saying, he carefully wrapped it in his old coat and took it home,

where he fed it as best he could.

When next morning it was found that the baby had disappeared, the

sisters told the king they were sure that the queen must have put away

or killed the child; but, though King Leofric was greatly grieved at

the loss of his little son, he loved his wife too dearly to blame her

for the child’s disappearance.

The next year the queen again had a baby boy, and the news caused great

rejoicings all through the kingdom. But that same night this child also

disappeared, and the two sisters again told the king that they were

sure the queen had caused it to be killed.

But King Leofric, though startled and grieved at these strange

disappearances of his children, still trusted his wife and would not

hear a word against her.

The following year, greatly to the king’s delight, the queen had a baby

girl.

“Surely,” she thought, “this time nothing shall come between me and my

baby.” So she would not let the little creature out of her arms day or

night.

But she was weak and ill, and the second night, seeing she would not

lay down the child, the wicked sisters gave her a sleeping-draught, and

as soon as her eyelids closed, they again took away the babe and gave

it to the old woman to throw into the ditch.

When next morning the king heard that his little daughter, at whose

birth he had so rejoiced, had also disappeared, his grief and anger

knew no bounds. They quite overcame his former love for his wife. He

would listen to no excuses, and ordered her to be thrown into the den

of the big lion.

When the wicked sisters heard this, they thought they had now got rid

of Queen Hertha. They were quite pleased to think they had at last

succeeded in the wicked plot they had planned, without the king or any

one else ever suspecting the part they had taken in it.

Chapter Ii

what Had Befallen The Two Little Princes And Their Sister

But Queen Hertha was not dead; for the lion, so far from hurting her,

laid himself quietly down at her feet, and when his food was brought to

him, he would never touch it till the queen had taken her share.

So, while every one thought she was dead, Queen Hertha lived beside her

powerful friend. At first she had been terribly frightened, but she

speedily grew almost to love the huge beast, who, when the king and her

sisters had been so cruel, had befriended her in her hour of need.

Still it was at best but a dreary existence, and many times and often

she wished she could but know what was happening outside the lion’s

den.

As for the children, the same old man, Osric, who had picked up the

first baby, had fortunately also found the other boy and the baby girl,

and had taken them home to his own little cot, near the woods, where he

brought them up as well as he could. He called the elder boy Wilhelm,

the second one Sigurd, and the little baby girl Olga.

He had tried at first to find out whose children they could possibly

be, but one night he dreamed that a beautiful fairy came to his

bedside, and said—

“Osric, if you love the children, don’t ask any questions about them,

but bring them up as your own—their enemies will else destroy them. Let

them wait till they are grown up.”

So he had kept his own counsel, and did the best he could for them.

Strangely enough, too, he found that his barrel of meal never ran

short, and with his cow and his little patch of garden ground they

always had a sufficiency of food.

So the children grew up strong and healthy, the boys helping the old

man in his forest work, and fetching the wood and water that was

wanted; and as for Olga, she soon became quite an expert little

housekeeper. But, though they wore rough, home-spun garments, they were

good to look at, for they all three inherited the marvellous beauty of

their father and mother.

At last, when the young people were grown up, the old man, feeling his

end draw near, called Olga and her brothers to his bedside. He then

told them how and where he had found them, and also mentioned the

strange vision he had had.

“But now that you are grown up,” he added, “I should advise you to make

all inquiries, and not to rest till you have found out who and what you

are, for I feel sure you are no ordinary children.” Thereupon he gave

them his blessing and died.

Wilhelm, Sigurd, and Olga sorrowed deeply over the death of their kind

foster-father, for they had loved him dearly. When they had buried him

in the forest, they returned sadly to the empty hut and consulted

together as to what they had best do in order to carry out his

instructions.

While they were thus sitting and talking, the door of the hut opened,

and an old man entered. He was dressed entirely in green; his hair was

long and white, so also was his beard, and in his hand he carried a

thick oaken staff.

“Good morrow, father,” said Wilhelm; “you are welcome, though we have

not much to offer you. Pray take a seat and rest, for you look weary.”

“I have come a long way, my son,” answered the old man; “but though I

am still hale and hearty, I shall not be sorry for a short rest. But

you seem in sorrow or trouble,” he added, looking from one to the

other. “Perhaps I might be able to help you, for I have travelled far,

and seen many strange and wonderful things.”

“We shall indeed be glad of some advice,” said Sigurd, while Olga

hastened to place a bowl of new milk and some oatcakes before the

traveller. “Sir, we are sadly perplexed as to what we ought to do.” And

the brothers then proceeded to tell the stranger their story, and the

advice their foster-father had given them.

When he had heard their strange tale, the old man said—

“I fear I cannot help you myself, but I think I know some one who may

be able to advise you. You must know that about three days’ journey

from here, there lies a valley full of strangely shaped stones. In the

middle of this valley there is a rock, on which a large bird sits, who

is very wise, and understands and speaks the human language. Now, I

think you should go and see this bird, though I will not conceal from

you that there is very great danger attending such a visit. Many people

have gone to consult him, but so far no one has ever returned. He is,

however, so wise that he can both foretell the future, and also reveal

the past. Many princes and others have gone for advice to this

wonderful bird, but one and all have failed in carrying out the

conditions, which can alone insure success. You must know that whoever

mounts the rock on which the bird sits, must be so brave, and have such

strength of will, that, no matter what he may see or hear, he must not

turn round or look back; for if he does, even for only a second, he

will at once be turned into stone. So far, no one yet has possessed the

required purpose and unswerving staunchness,” continued the old man;

“but it is not difficult to mount the rock, provided you have the

necessary determination. Then, when you have mounted, you will have the

power to restore to life all those who, through lack of will and

strength of purpose, were turned into stone, for on the summit of the

rock there is a huge jar filled with magic water, and he who safely

reaches the summit may take some of this water, and sprinkle it over

those who have been turned to stone; they will then awake to life, and

regain their form and figure.”

Both brothers thought the task by no means a difficult one, and

declared themselves quite ready and willing to undertake the journey.

They thanked the old man heartily for all his information and advice,

and then sped him on his journey.

Next morning Wilhelm said to Sigurd that he would start forth in search

of the rock. But before he left, he said to his brother—

“If at any time you see three drops of blood on your knife when you are

at dinner, you must get up and follow me, for you will then know that I

have failed, and have been turned to stone, and that you must then try

your best.”

So Wilhelm went forth, followed by the good wishes of Sigurd and Olga.

But after three days, when the brother and sister sat down to dinner,

behold three drops of blood were on the blade of Sigurd’s knife!

Hastily starting up, he told Olga he must be off at once in search of

their brother.

“And remember, Olga, though I hope I may be successful, if at the end

of three days you see three drops of blood, on your knife, you will

know that I too have failed.”

He then bade her a loving farewell; and Olga saw him start on his way,

with many fears and prayers in her heart for his safety.

Chapter Iii

olga’s Courage Rescues Her Brothers, Queen Hertha Is Restored To Her

husband, And The Parents Recover Their Children

It seemed to Olga as if the time would never pass. Each day seemed

longer than the last, and when the morning of the third day arrived,

she had scarcely courage to look at her knife as she sat down to her

breakfast.

But, oh joy! the blade was bright and clear, and with a light and happy

heart, she went about her daily tasks.

When midday approached, she again glanced anxiously at the table, but,

to her intense relief, the knife beside her plate was undimmed by

either spot or stain, and feeling as if a great weight had been lifted

off her, she sat down to her spinning-wheel, which she had not had the

heart to do before, and hummed one of her favourite ballads, to drive

away the feeling of loneliness that crept over her. And thus the hours

passed; then, as the long, slanting rays of the sun warned her that the

day was nearly over, Olga put away her spinning-wheel, and got ready

her supper. She had placed her plate of porridge on the table, and,

bringing a bowl of milk from the cupboard, had just seated herself,

when, glancing down, she saw three bright crimson drops on the knife

beside her plate!

With a cry of grief and horror, Olga sprang up. There was now no

thought of food or rest. Not a second must be lost if she hoped to save

her brothers!

Hastily putting on her cloak and hood, she hurried out into the forest,

following the path she had seen her brothers take.

Evening was closing in, and the tall trees cast dark and weird shadows

around her. But never for a moment did Olga hesitate or rest. Strange,

uncouth sounds seemed to fill the air, and she could almost fancy that

the clinging brushwood which often crossed her path, seemed like long

arms trying to hold her back. But she had only one thought, one

resolve—the rescue of her brothers; so she kept bravely on, putting

aside every obstacle that obstructed her way.

At length, after a long and weary journey, Olga arrived at the valley

in which stood the great rock. As she came near, she saw that the whole

ground was covered with innumerable stones of quaint and varied forms.

Some looked like people, some like animals, and one tall figure had

several square stones at his feet, like chests or boxes.

But Olga, though her heart almost jumped into her mouth at the wild,

weird scene, walked courageously forward, turning neither to the right

nor left till she reached the rock on which sat the bird, his crest

raised fiercely, while angry flashes of light from his eyes almost

blinded her. No sooner, however, had her foot touched it, than a loud

rumbling noise arose, wild cries and screams filled the air, thunder

pealed, and flash after flash of lightning filled the valley with a

lurid light, strong arms caught hold of her and tried to keep her back,

while entreaties for help sounded on every side. Once, indeed, she

distinctly heard her brothers’ voices, praying her to look round if she

loved them. Steadfastly, however, with a prayer on her lips for

strength and guidance, Olga went bravely up the rock.

No sooner had she reached the summit, than immediately the thunder and

lightning ceased, the weird cries and screams were silent, and, as she

approached the great bird, he lowered his angry crest, and in a soft

voice, praised her for her courage and steadfastness.

“I can now tell you whatever you desire, and will gladly help you in

any way you wish,” he added.

Then Olga asked that she might first of all be allowed to restore to

life all those who had been turned to stone.

This the bird readily granted, and, filling the lid of the stone jar

with some of the life-restoring water, Olga lost no time in sprinkling

all the strangely shaped stones with the magic water.

They all immediately regained their natural forms; the still and silent

valley soon re-echoed with the sound of voices, and as the girl stood

there between her two rescued brothers, all the others came up to thank

the fair and brave maiden whose courage and steadfastness had rescued

them from their stony prison and restored them to life.

“And now,” said Olga, turning again to the wonderful bird, “can you

tell us whose children we are?”

“You are the children of the king of this country,” he replied; and

then proceeded to tell them how the two wicked aunts, through jealousy,

had caused them to be carried away, and had then accused their mother

of destroying them, for which supposed misdeed she had been thrown into

the lion’s den.

“But,” he added, seeing the grief and horror of the young people, “the

lion’s mouth was closed, so that, instead of killing her, he not only

shares his food with her, but has so guarded the cage that no one dares

enter; she is still alive, therefore, though almost at death’s door

through grief and all the anxiety she has endured.”

Then one of the strange figures who had been restored to life, and whom

Olga had especially noticed as being taller and fairer than most of the

others, and also because he was surrounded with several quaintly shaped

chests, now came forward. He was a handsome young fellow, and stated

that he was called Odo, and was the son of a neighbouring king, and

that, having gone forth in search of treasure and adventures, he had

succeeded in amassing a large quantity of gold and precious stones, and

was on his way home, when he heard of the wonderful bird, who could

foretell the future. He had gained the valley and was almost close to

the bird, when he incautiously looked back, hearing wild cries for

help, and in that moment he had been turned to stone, and his were the

quaintly shaped chests Olga had noticed.

The bird, being in a gracious mood, allowed the prince to carry away

his treasure; so, followed by his servants, he accompanied Olga and her

brothers to their home.

As soon as they arrived, they at once went to the lion’s den and

liberated the poor queen—the lion offering no resistance—and took her

back to their hut. Poor Hertha was almost dead with grief and anxiety;

but loving care quickly restored her to health, and the delight of

seeing her dear children, whom she had thought dead, alive and well

before her, did more than anything to restore her and make her strong

and well.

They then procured her some rich and fitting garments, and leaving her

in the hut, they repaired to the king’s court and demanded an audience.

After some little delay, this was granted, for after the loss of his

wife and children the king had grown sad and listless, often blaming

himself for condemning his queen so hurriedly; for, when he had time to

think it all over, he could not, despite her sisters’ repeated

representations, believe that the queen had really killed her children.

When the sister and brothers were ushered into the royal presence, the

king was at once struck by their noble appearance, especially with

Olga, whose likeness to her mother was marvellous.

They then told him who they were and how they had been saved, and also

that they had just freed their mother, who was not dead, as he had been

told.

King Leofric could scarcely believe he heard aright as they related

their wonderful tale, the particulars of which they had received from

the magic bird, and it is impossible to describe his delight and

thankfulness to find that his wife, whom he had loved so dearly, was

not only proved innocent, but was alive and well.

He immediately sent for her two wicked sisters, and when questioned as

to what they had done, they began first to prevaricate, and then each

accused the other of having done the wicked deed. But the truth was

clearly proved against them, they were therefore both thrown into the

lion’s den, where the poor queen had so long lingered; this time,

however, the lion never hesitated, but eat them both up at once.

The king then eagerly went to fetch his queen, who returned to the

palace with all due honours and splendour.

A great feast was immediately prepared to celebrate the happy

restoration of the lost queen and her three children.

This feast lasted many days, for all who chose to come were welcome;

indeed, it seemed as if the king could not do enough to show how

thankful he was.

He remitted the sentences of many state prisoners, and all the poor in

the kingdom received rich gifts.

When at length the feast came to an end, Prince Odo asked the king for

the hand of his daughter, the fair princess Olga.

Thereupon a fresh feast was arranged to celebrate the marriage of the

prince and princess, and this was carried out with still greater

splendour, such as had never been seen before.

Not only was the big hall of the palace prepared for the invited

guests, but endless tables were spread in the great courtyard for all

the poor and homeless, to whom abundant good fare was generously

dispensed, for, Princess Olga said, as they had been poor themselves

they must never forget their less fortunate subjects.

Then, when it was over, Prince Odo returned to his own kingdom with his

wife, where they reigned in peace and happiness for many years.

Wilhelm married a beautiful cousin, and succeeded to the throne at his

father’s death, Sigurd also married a lovely princess in a neighbouring

state, and came to the throne on the death of his father-in-law.

Thus Olga and her brothers, after all their trials, lived long and

happily, their children and children’s children reigning after them for

many generations.