Norg Myths

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--

"Shut the door closely to,

Or the Norg will come through [1]."

And at other times, again, they would take part in the field and

household labours, as if they found it sport. The name of Norg

was chiefly appropriated to them in South Tirol; in Vorarlberg the

analogous cobbold went by the name of Rutschifenggen. Every locality,

every valley, every hamlet, and almost every farm, had its own familiar

dwarf whose doings were handed down as household words.

1. The Eggshells

Thus it is told that there was once a countrywoman, who lived in a

lonely Meierhof [2] of the Passeierthal, standing over her stove,

preparing a pancake for her husband's dinner, and as he was a great

eater she used an immense number of eggs--three dozen and more--in

his pancake: as fast as she broke the eggs into the pan, she threw

the shells behind her. Three Norgs came by as she was so occupied

and amused themselves with playing with them and arranging them into

all kinds of patterns. The Meierin [3] was a grumpy sort of woman,

and instead of finding pleasure in the glee of the little people,

grew cross with them, and scattered the dirty black ashes among the

egg-shells they had arranged so prettily. Offended at this ill-natured

treatment, the Norgs took their departure, but first laid the thread

of the good wife's spinning-bobbin as a snare across the floor,

and then stationed themselves outside the window to see what happened.

Presently the husband called to know if the pancake was not ready, and

the Meierin, running to satisfy him, with both hands engaged in holding

the dish of the enormous pancake, caught her feet in the thread, and

fell flat on the ground with her face in the dish, while the three

Norgs completed her vexation by setting up a loud laugh in chorus.

2. The Reckoning Day

Here is another story of their doings, in which they play a different

part. There was a storm in the valley of Matsch, and a storm in the

valley of Matsch is often a terrible matter. This was one of the

worst: the pitiless flood streamed down the heights, and threatened

to overflow the banks of the Hochseen [4]; the wind from the glacier

howled dismally over the mountain-sides; the people closed their

doors and shutters against the blast, and listened to the roar of the

elements, trembling with the thought that every moment might come the

signal of the inundation which should carry them and their habitations

away in its torrent. In the solidest and most important house of

the straggling village, which bears the same name as the valley,

was gathered the family of the richest man of the place, who had no

reason to share these fears, but with singing and lively conversation

chased away the dismal influence of the lugubrious sounds without.

Suddenly, between the angry gusts of wind, a doleful voice was heard

piteously praying for help. One of the party opened the casement,

and looked out, but with more of curiosity than interest, and then

quickly closing it again, came back into the room with a laugh to

describe the ludicrous figure he had seen. It was a little mannikin

with a beard big enough for a full-grown man, his clothes drenched

with the rain, and slung over his shoulder a tiny bundle tied in a

handkerchief, which yet seemed to bow him down with its weight. The

description provoked a chorus of laughter, and the wretched little

Norg--for it was a Norg--would have been no more thought of but that

his wail became more irritating than that of the wind, and at last

the master of the house got up and shouted to him to go on, for it

was useless to stand droning there, he was not going to open his house

at that time of night, or to such a ridiculous object. But though he

banged the window to as closely as possible after delivering himself

of this speech, the little man's menacing couplet yet reached his ear--

"The reckoning day

Is not far away [5]."

Nevertheless the Norg begged no more, but endeavoured to pass on his

way. He could not get far: the torrents of rain had obliterated the

path which led from the rising ground on which this house was built,

to the next, and it was scarcely safe to descend in the dark with the

loose stones rattling away under the feet. Fortunately a glimmering

light betrayed a low hut built into the slope. It looked so poor and

humble, that the Norg felt ashamed to ask aught of its inhabitants,

who could scarcely have had enough for their own needs; but when he

saw how utterly forlorn was his position, he sat down on a stone,

and wept. Notwithstanding that the poor little Norg had such a

hoarse voice that it was more like that of a wild animal than a man,

there was a compassionate little maid within who perceived it was a

voice of distress, and put her head out to ask who was there. "Poor

old man!" she cried; "come inside and dry yourself, and let me give

you something warm." But before he could answer he heard a weak voice

within, "Beware, Theresl, of the wolves--remember we are in 'Matsch der

Wölfe Heimath [6].'" "Never fear, mother dear," replied the maiden,

"this is no wolf, but a very distressed little old man, who does not

look as if he could harm any one; and besides we are now in June--the

wolves don't threaten us in the summer," and she opened the door,

and let in the little man.

By the time she had dried his clothes and fed him with some warm

soup, the worst of the storm had abated, and he was able to go on his

way. The maiden offered him shelter for the night, but he declared

he must reach home before midnight, and prepared to depart. Before

he left he asked her what there was she most desired. "Oh, that my

mother be restored to health!" answered Theresa; "I desire nothing

more than that!"

The Norg walked to the bedside, and informed himself of the

nature of the sick mother's illness. "Your mother shall be

cured," said the little man; "but you must come to me to-morrow

at midnight to the Nörgelspitz;" and as the girl started at the

impossibility of the feat, he continued, "You have only to make

your way as far as the Wetterkreuz, and there call three times

'Kruzinegele! Kruzinegele! Kruzinegele!' and I will be at your side,

and take you up the rest of the way." And he took his departure,

singing,--

"Morgen oder Heut

Kommt die Zahlzeit."

The next night Theresa courageously set out on her way, and climbed

as far as the Wetterkreuz--and it was lucky she had to go no farther,

for here she sank down quite exhausted. She had not lain there many

seconds when she saw a procession of little men just like Kruzinegele,

with a litter and torches, who carried her up till they came to

a door in the rock, which opened at their approach. This led to a

magnificent crystal hall glittering with gold and gems, and on a

gold throne sat Kruzinegele himself, with his fair daughter by his

side. When the litter was brought to the steps of the throne, he

came down courteously, and renewed his thanks for her hospitality,

but she could not find a word to say, in her astonishment at seeing

him so changed. Meantime he sent his daughter to fetch the herbs

which were to cure the poor mother, and gave them to her, telling

her how to administer them. "You see," he added,--

"Morgen oder Heut

Kommt die Zahlzeit;

and your rich neighbour will find it so too." Then he told the little

men to carry her home, and they laid her in the litter, and bore

her away; and she remembered nothing more till she found herself

comfortably in bed, with the rising sun kissing her cheeks. But the

appearance of every thing was as much changed as Kruzinegele himself

had been! The walls that used to bulge, and reek with mildew and

damp, were straight and smooth; glass casements replaced the ricketty

shutters; nice white curtains tempered the sunshine; the scanty and

broken furniture was replaced by new. But what she valued above all,

in her hand were the herbs which were to make her mother's healing

drink! Their decoction was her first occupation; and by the next day

they had restored her mother to health, and joy once more reigned in

the cottage, thanks to the Norg!

It had been the rich churl's custom, equally with the other villagers,

to take his cattle on to the mountain pastures to graze for the

beginning of the summer season am Johanni [7]. His grazing ground

was just the highest pasture of the Nörgelspitz. The festival now

soon arrived, and the picturesque processions of cattle with their

herds went lowing forth as usual, to enjoy their summer feed.

When the Norg's enemy, however, arrived at his destination, instead

of the emerald slopes he was wont to find, with their rich yield of

marbel and maim [8], all ready prepared by St. Martin's care [9] for

the delight of his cows and sheep, all was stony and desolate! Three

days they spent wandering about in search of a few blades to browse,

but even this was denied them--nor ever again did the Nörgelspitz

bring forth any thing but ice and snow!

Of the sleek droves which had started, the envy of all beholders, few

beasts lived to return; the prosperity of the once flourishing Hof

had fled, and before many years were out its proprietor was obliged

to leave it, a ruined man. Theresa had in the meantime married a

thrifty peasant, whose industry enabled him to be the purchaser of

the abandoned Hof, which he soon stocked to the full extent of former

days. Ofttimes a curious grey-bearded little stranger would drop in

at night to share their comfortable meal, and before he went away he

would always sing his couplet--

"Morgen oder Heut

Kommt die Zahlzeit."

Such occasional apparitions of the strange visitants excited the

curiosity of the inhabitants of the earth to the utmost, and many a

weird story was told of frightful injury happening to those who had

striven to penetrate their retreat, and for a long period none had

any success in the enterprise.

3. Fritzl and the Tarnkappe

It happened one day, however, that a daring hunter who had been led

far from his usual track, and far from the country with which he was

familiar, by the pursuit of a gemsbock, found himself at the entrance

of a low-arched cavern. As night was about to fall and the sky wore

a threatening aspect, he was glad to creep within this shelter till

the light of morning should enable him to find his way home once more.

He had not proceeded far within the dim corridor, when he perceived

that in proportion as he got farther from the light of day the cave

became brighter instead of darker! Eagerly seeking the cause of this

phenomenon, he perceived that the walls were all encrusted with gold

and precious stones, which emitted constant sparkles of light. He

thereby recognized at once that he had reached an approach to one of

the resorts of the Mountain-folk, as the Norgs were also called from

having their habitation in the hearts of the mountains.

To avoid the fate of those who had ventured within the mysterious

precincts, he was about to make good his escape, when he felt something

soft under his feet. It proved to be a red hood or cap, dropped there

by one of the Mountain-folk, a veritable Tarnkappe which had the

property of making the wearer invisible to men, and also enabled him

to command admission to any part of the subterranean settlement. He

had scarcely placed it on his head when one of the little men of the

mountain came running up to look for his lost cap. Fritzl the hunter

was much too cunning to give up the advantage of its possession, but

with great good humour he told the dwarf he reckoned it too great an

advantage to have the opportunity of visiting his beautiful territory

to give it up for nothing; but he assured him he should have no reason

to regret having given him admission. The dwarf could not choose but

obey, and the Jäger enjoyed the singular privilege of surveying all

the hidden treasures of the underground world.

Beautiful are the glories of the mountain world as seen by mortal

eyes--gorgeous its colours when illumined by the southern sun,

but all this is as barren darkness compared with the glories hidden

within its stony recesses. Here, the sky overhead was all of diamonds

and sapphires and carbuncles, and their light sparkled with tenfold

glory and beauty to the light of the sun and moon and stars; the

trees were of living gold and silver, and the flowers and fruit of

precious stones; the grass all of crystal and emerald; there was

no cold or heat, no perplexing change of season, but one perpetual

spring spread its balmy air around; lakes there were all of opal and

mother-o'-pearl, and gorgeously plumed swans perpetually crossing

them served the inhabitants in lieu of boats.

The Jäger's delight and admiration at all these sights won the sympathy

and regard of his guide, and by degrees he grew more communicative,

and explained to him the whole economy of their mode of life. He showed

him how they were divided into three distinct classes: those wearing

red caps, who were gay and good-natured, and filled with goodwill

towards mankind also, notwithstanding many wild pranks; those with

brown caps, whose mischief was mingled with malice rather than fun,

but who yet would suffer themselves to be propitiated; and those

with black caps, always gloomy and morose, who boded evil wherever

they went. His guide advised him to have nothing to say to these,

but with some of the red and brown he was admitted to converse: he

found them pleasant and sociable, and ready enough to communicate

their ideas. Some asked him questions, too, about various matters

which seemed to have puzzled them in their peregrinations on earth,

while others, who had never been outside their own habitations,

had other inquiries to make--but some there were also who had no

curiosity on the subject, but rather contempt; and one thing that

amused the Jäger in them was their incapacity to conceive many of

the things he had to tell them, and particularly to understand what

he could mean when he talked about death.

Chiefly to keep the spiteful freaks of the black-caps in check

there was a guard of warrior dwarfs, whose array was shown to our

Jäger. Formidable they must have been, for the armour of each was made

out of one diamond, and they wore helmets and greaves and shields all

of diamonds, and while they were thus impervious to every attack, their

swords were of diamond too, and resistless therefore in their thrusts.

The Jäger could not restrain his raptures at their gorgeous show, as

the colours of the gems around were reflected in this shining armour.

The dwarf had nothing left to show after this, but then stood and

sighed over the glories of the past. "And what were the glories of the

past?" inquired the Jäger, with intense interest. The dwarf watched his

interlocutor closely, and satisfied himself that his interest was not

feigned. Then he paused long, as hesitating whether to unburden himself

to a stranger of the sad thoughts which crowded into and oppressed

his mind. A few words of sympathy, however, decided him at last

"Yes, we still have some power and some riches left, and some of

our ancient strength, but we have lost our kings, the kernel of

our strength. It is true, we are able to surprise you with isolated

exhibitions of riches and power, but, on the whole, your people has got

the better of ours; and since your heroes of old destroyed the last of

our royal race, we have been a doomed, disorganized, dwindling race,

fast disappearing from our ancient fastnesses."

"And how happened it that our people got the better of yours? How

did our heroes destroy your royal race? I pray you tell me."

The dwarf led the Jäger into a delicious alcove of the opal rock, whose

pure, pale lustre seemed more in accordance with his melancholy mood

than the garish brilliancies that had hitherto surrounded them. They

laid them down on the bank, and the dwarf thus recounted the story.

4. The Rose-Garden of Lareyn, The Last norg-king

The lineage of our kings had endured for countless generations,

he said, and had always enjoyed the undeviating homage of our people.

In our kings were bound up our life and our strength; they were the

fountain of our light and the guardians of our power. The royal race

was a race apart which had never mingled with the race of the governed,

yet which had never failed or been found wanting. But Adelgar cast his

eyes on Hörele, one of the Norginnen of the common herd, and raised

her to share his throne. The union not only was unblessed--what was

worse, all the rest of the royal stock died out, and all the noble

princes of his first marriage died away one after the other [10];

and when Hörele at last came to die herself, there was only one left.

This was Lareyn, the last of his race. Adelgar looked around him

with tears, for there was none left to whom he could marry his son,

and he had experienced in himself the ill effects of departing from

the ancient tradition which forbade him from mingling his race with

the race of the governed, and he bewailed his folly.

But Lareyn bethought him of a remedy; he determined to go out into

the outer world, and choose him a wife among the daughters of its

inhabitants, and bring her to reign over the mountain people and

continue the royal stock. In a supreme council of the elders of the

kingdom it was decided to approve what he proposed. But Adelgar only

consented with much reluctance, and accompanied his permission with

many conditions and counsels, the chief of which were that Lareyn and

his suite should every one go forth clothed in a Tarnhaut [11], and

that he should exercise his choice in a far distant country where the

ways of the dwarfs were not known, and where, whatever might befall,

no friend of the bride could think of coming to his palace to seek

her, for the old king rightly judged that the Christian folk would

not willingly give a daughter of theirs to the Norgs.

Lareyn promised his father to attend to his injunctions, and

gave orders to prepare a thousand suits of diamond armour for his

body-guard, and five hundred suits of silk attire for his pages, who

were to bear the gifts with which he meant to captivate the maiden

of his choice, and Tarnhauts to cover them all--and, above all,

the presents themselves of jewels and priceless goldsmith's works,

at which the Norgen were very expert.

While all these things were being got ready Adelgar died, and Lareyn

succeeded to the crown. However much he desired to adhere to his

father's injunctions, he was forced to decide that under the altered

circumstances it could not be well for him to journey to a distance

from his kingdom, and to leave it long without a head. He determined,

therefore, to search the neighbourhood for a maiden that should please

him. In the meantime he made use of his newly acquired power to prepare

a dwelling to receive her which should correspond with the magnificence

of his presents, and by its dazzling lustre should make her forget all

that she might be inclined to regret in her earlier home. The highest

title of honour was now promised to whoso of his subjects could point

out to him an unexplored mine of beauty and riches. This was found in

a vault all of crystal, which no foot of dwarf had ever trod. Lareyn

was beside himself with gladness when he saw this; he ordered a

hundred thousand dwarfs immediately to set to work and form of it

a residence for his bride; to divide it into chambers for her use,

with walls and columns encrusted with gold; to engrave the crystal

with pleasing devices; and to furnish it with all that was meet for

her service. Thus arose the great Krystallburg [12] ever famous in the

lays of the Norgs, and which the cleverest and richest of the children

of men might have envied. That so glorious a palace might be provided

with a garden worthy of it, hundreds of thousands of other dwarfs were

employed to lay out the choicest beds and bowers that ever were seen,

all planted with roses of surpassing beauty, whose scent filled the air

for miles round, so that, wherever you might be, you should know by

the fragrant exhalation where to find the Rosengarten of King Lareyn

[13]. Engrossed with these congenial preparations, Lareyn forgot all

his prudence and moderation: that they might be completed with all

possible expedition the whole working community of the dwarfs was

drawn off from their ordinary occupations; the cultivation of the

land was neglected, and a famine threatened. Lareyn then would go

out and make a raid on the crops of the children of earth, and take

possession of whatever was required for the needs of his own people,

without regard for the outcry raised against him, knowing that,

strong in his supernatural strength, he had no retaliation to fear.

While thus he pursued his ravages every where with indiscriminating

fury, he one day came upon the arativo [14] of a poor widow whose

only son was her one support. The golden grain had been gathered into

her modest barn just as Lareyn and his marauders came by; swift,

like a flock of locusts, they had seized the treasure. The widow

sobbed, and her stalwart son fought against them in vain; Lareyn was

inexorable. At another time the good-nature of his Norg blood would

have prompted him at least to repay what he had appropriated in the

gold and precious stones of which he had such abundant store, but now

he thought of nothing but the prompt fulfilment of his darling design;

and he passed on his way unheeding the widow's curse.

At last the Krystallburg was complete, and the Rosengarten budding

ready to burst into a bloom of beauty. To so fair a garden he would

have no other fence but a girdle of silk, only he gave it for further

defence a law whereby any who should violate that bound should forfeit

his left foot and his right hand.

Lareyn looked round, and his heart was content. He felt satisfied now

that he had wherewithal to make any daughter of earth forget her own

home and her father's people, how delightful soever might have been

the place of her previous sojourn.

Donning his Tarnhaut, he went forth with his followers marshalled

behind him, all equally hidden from human sight.

He wandered from castle to castle, from Edelsitz [20] to Edelsitz,

from palace to palace, but nowhere found he the bride of his heart,

till he came to the residence of the Duke of Styria. Here, in a

garden almost as lovely as his own Rose-garden, he found a number of

noble knights assembled, and their ladies, all of surpassing beauty,

taking their pleasure on the greensward amid the flowers.

Lareyn had never seen so much beauty and gallantry, and he lingered

long with his attendant wights running from one to another, and

scanning the attractions of each, as a bee hovers from flower to

flower, gathering the honey from their lips. Each maiden was so

perfect, that he would have been content with any one of them, but

each was so guarded by her cavalier that he saw no way of approaching

her; at last, driven to despair, he wandered away under the shade of

a lonesome grove.

Here, under a leafy lime [21], his eye met a form of loveliness which

surpassed the loveliness of all the dames he had heretofore seen

put together, and he felt thankful now that he had not been able to

possess himself of any of them, for then he had never seen her who

now lay before him in all the bloom of her virgin perfection. Lareyn,

accustomed to associate his conceptions of beauty with a dazzling

blaze of gold and jewels, found an entirely new source of admiration

in the simple attire of the Styrian princess, for it was Simild,

daughter of Biterolf, Duke of Styria, who lay before him, seeking

rest amid the midday heat, draped only in virgin white, with wreathed

lilies for her single ornament.

Lareyn stood absorbed for some time in contemplation of her perfect

image. Then, hearing the voices of her companions drawing near, quickly

he flung a Tarnhaut over her, so that they trooped by, searching

for her, and passed on--seeing her not--to seek her farther. Then

he beckoned to the bearers of a litter he had prepared in readiness

to approach, into which her sylph-like form was soon laid; and over

hill and dale he carried her towards the Rosengarten.

They had got some way before Simild woke. Lareyn rode by her side,

watching for her eyes to open, and the moment she gave signs

of consciousness he made a sign for the cortége to halt. Quick as

thought a refection was laid out on the greensward, while a band of

Norg musicians performed the most delicious melody.

Simild, enraptured with the new sights and sounds, gazed around,

wondering where she was and what all the little creatures could be who

hopped around ministering to her with so much thoughtfulness. Lareyn

hastened to soothe her, but fancying that some of the Norgs were

wanting in some of their due services to her, he rated them in such

a positive tone of command that Simild began to perceive that he was

the master of this regiment of ministrants, and hence she inferred

that by some mysterious means she had fallen into his power; but what

those means could be she was at a loss to conceive.

Lareyn now displayed his presents, and in presenting them poured

forth the most enthusiastic praise of her beauty. Simild's vanity

and curiosity were both won; yet the strangeness of the situation,

the sudden separation from her friends, her ignorance of what might

be going to befall her, roused all her fears, and she continued to

repeat in answer to all his protestations of admiration that she

could listen to nothing from him till he had restored her to her home.

"This is the one thing, sweet princess, that I cannot do at your

bidding," he replied. "Whatever else you desire me to do shall be

instantly executed. And it is hardly possible for you to exhaust my

capacity of serving you."

Then he went on to describe the magnificence and riches of his kingdom,

and all the glories over which, as his bride, she would be called to

reign, till her curiosity was so deeply excited, and her opposition

to his carrying her farther grew so faint, that he lost no time in

taking advantage of her mood to pursue the journey.

In the meantime the greatest consternation had fallen on all the

friends of Simild. The maidens whose duty it was to wait on her sought

her every where, and not finding her they were afraid to appear before

her father. The knights and nobles who had been in her company were

distracted, feeling the duty upon them to restore her, and not knowing

which way to begin. The old Duke Biterolf shut himself up within the

palace and wept, objecting to see any one, for his heart was oppressed

with sorrow; and he refused to be comforted till his child should be

restored to him.

But Dietlieb, Simild's brother, a stout young sword [22], when he

had exhausted every counsel that occurred to him for discovering his

sister's retreat, determined to ride to Gardenna on the Garda-See,

the castle where resided Hildebrand [23] the Sage, renowned for wisdom,

and prudence, and useful counsel.

When Hildebrand the Sage saw him come riding yet a long way off, he

said to those who stood beside him on the battlements, "See Dietlieb

the Styrian, how he rides! His heart is full of indignation. Up,

my men, there is work for us; some one has done him a great wrong,

and us it behoves to stand by him, and see him righted."

Ute, Hildebrand's wife, and her daughters prepared a warm welcome for

the prince, as was due; and the heroes gathered round Hildebrand held

out their hands to him as to one whose integrity and valour claimed

their respect. Hildebrand himself led him to his chamber, and left

to no maiden the task of helping him off with his armour [24], but

with his own hand lifted off his helmet and laid by his good shield.

Then they placed refreshing wine from the cool cellar in the rock

before him, and a banquet of many dishes, as became so worthy a

guest. When the tables had been removed [25], Hildebrand invited his

young guest to detail the cause which had brought him. Dietlieb, who

was burning to tell the story of his mishap, poured out the details

of his sister's misadventure, without omitting the smallest incident

which could serve Hildebrand to form an opinion as to the remedy to

be adopted.

The event was so strange that Hildebrand himself could not venture

all at once to divine the nature of the injury. But he forbore also

to express his perplexity, lest the bold young Styrian should be

discouraged. Without therefore expounding exactly what his views

were, but determining to ponder the matter more deeply by the way,

the advice he propounded in the first instance was, that they should

all repair forthwith to seek the aid of Berndietrich [26].

The counsel was received with joyful acclamation; and loud was the

clanging as every one ran to don his chain-armour, for all were glad

to be called to deeds of high emprise, and such they deemed were in

store for them if Dietrich von Bern was to be their leader.

Ute and her daughters, to whom their courage and mettle was well known,

greeted them as they went forth with no sinking hearts, but gave them

augury of good success.

As they journeyed along, they came to a broad heath, which they were

about to pass over with their train, when up sprang a man of forlorn

aspect, who cried after Hildebrand, and asked his aid.

Hildebrand, seeing him in such sorry plight, turned aside out of

compassion, to ask what had befallen him. It was no other than the

peasant--the widow's son--whom Lareyn had so deeply wronged, and,

seeing the heroes go forth in such brave array, he besought their aid

against the oppressor of his mother. Some of them laughed at his wild

mien and uncouth gestures, but Hildebrand the Sage took him apart,

and lost not a word of his story of how the Norg-king lived in the

heart of the mountains, of how he came out with his mighty little men,

and ravaged all the face of the country, contrary to all the habits of

his former life, and of how it was all because his own labourers were

engaged in preparing the most magnificent palace for the reception

of a daughter of earth, whom he meant to make his bride.

Hildebrand now felt he knew all, and with the help of the poor

countryman, the widow's son, would be able to conduct the heroes

into his retreat, inflict condign punishment, and release the captive

princess.

How, with purely natural means, to overcome the resistless strength

of the Norgs did not indeed make itself apparent; this was matter

for further consideration, and sufficed to engross his thoughts for

the rest of the journey. Of one thing he was satisfied--that he was

right in claiming the intervention of Berndietrich, whose traffic

with the supernatural powers [27] made him, of all the wigands [28],

alone capable of conducting such an expedition.

Hildebrand and his companions were received by Theodoric with hearty

welcome and hospitable care and cheer. As they sat at table, all

the heroes together vied with each other in lauding the prowess of

Theodoric, till they had pronounced him the bravest sword of which

the whole world could boast.

This was the time for Hildebrand. "No!" he cried, as he upsprang,

and by his determined manner arrested the attention of all the

wigands. "No, I say! there is one mightier than he; there is one with

whom he has never yet ventured to measure his strength----"

"Who? Name him!" shouted Theodoric, rising to his feet, and glaring

round him with defiant fury, only kept in check by his regard for

Hildebrand.

"I speak of Lareyn, the Dwarf-king, the dweller in the depths of the

mountains of Tirol," replied Hildebrand, in a voice of firm assurance.

"The Dwarf-king!" exclaimed Theodoric, with incredulity and contempt;

and he sat down again.

"As long as the Dwarf-king is suffered to live in his mountain

stronghold, and to ravage the lands of the peaceful peasants, I call

no man who knows of him a hero. But him who overcomes this little

one--him I will call a hero indeed, above all others!"

"If your Dwarf-king were so formidable, Meister Hildebrand," replied

Theodoric, "you would have told me of him before now, I ween. How

has he raised your wonderment just at this time?"

"Because just at this time his insolence has increased. He has built

a palace surpassing all palaces in magnificence, which he calls his

Krystallburg, and has surrounded it with a garden of beauty, which

he calls his Rosengarten, fenced round only with a silken girdle,

but of whomsoever crosses that boundary he forfeits the left foot

and the right hand."

The report of this boast was enough to decide Theodoric, the impetuous

sword. "If it is thus he vaunts him," he cried, "he shall know that

there is one will dare brave his decree, and destroy the garden his

ferocity guards after the manner you describe."

With that up he rose, and called for his Velsungen [29], for his

armour he never put off, and he called for his helmet and his horse;

and before another had time to frame his purpose, he had started,

without parley and without guide.

Only Wittich the Wigand, his boon companion, who loved to share his

rash ventures, and was familiar with his moods, could bestir himself

to follow before he was too far gone to be overtaken.

To Tirol they rode by day and by night, without slacking rein, for

their anger brooked no reprieve. They slacked not their speed for

dell or mountain, and they rode forty miles through the dense forest;

but every where as they went along they tested the air, as it was

wafted past them, to see if they could discern the perfumes of the

Rosengarten. At last, as they toiled up the mountain side, a majestic

sight was suddenly opened to their view. The white shining rock of the

living mountain was cut and fashioned into every pleasing device of

turret and tower, diamonds and rubies were the windows, and the dome

was of pure gold set with precious stones. "We have far to ride yet,"

said Wittich the Wigand, as he scanned the lordly place. "And yet the

perfume of the Rose-garden reaches even hither," said the Bernäre

[25]. "Then we know we are on the right track," answered Wittich;

so they put spurs to their horses, and rode forward with good heart.

They had pushed on thus many a mile when the blooming Rosengarten

itself came in sight, entrancing their senses with its beauty and

its odours.

"What was that?" asked Theodoric, who always rode ahead, as some

light obstruction made his mount swerve for a moment.

"Why, you have burst the silken girdle of King Lareyn's

Rosengarten!" said Wittich the Wigand; "so now we have incurred the

vengeance of the little man."

"Ah!" said Theodoric, as he gazed around, "let us not harm this

pleasant place; sweetly are the flowers disposed, and in the fragrant

hours of evening and of morning it must be well to be here: let us

destroy naught!"

"Nay!" said honest Wittich, "came we not forth to destroy this

devil's-work, and to reduce the pride of the boasting Norg-king who

spares none? Shall we return, and leave our work undone? I have no

such mind; nothing will I leave of what we see before us now."

He dismounted to carry his threat into effect; and Theodoric, not

to be behindhand, or to incur suspicion of fearing the Norg-king,

dismounted too. Then with one consent they hewed down and rooted up

the fair plants, till the whole garden was a wilderness, and they

lay them down upon the grass to rest.

As they lay, there appeared before them, coming at full speed,

as on swift wings, a knightly form clad in shining armour, so that

Wittich cried, "See, Lord Dietrich, who comes to visit us--surely it

is St. Michael, leader of the heavenly hosts!"

"I see no St. Michael," answered Theodoric, sullenly. "It is one of

no heavenly build, albeit he bears him so bravely. We may rue that

we have loosed our helmets and shields, for methinks he regards us

with no loving eye."

While they spoke the rider had advanced over a good space of the

way, and they could discern the manner of his bearing. His horse

was lithe as a roe-buck upon the wild mountain heights, and its

housings of cloth-of-gold gave back the rays of the golden sun; the

bridle was studded with precious stones, and embroidered with cunning

workmanship of gold, moreover it was held in a commanding hand. The

saddle was dazzling with rubies, and so were the stirrups no less;

but the armour was most dazzling of all, and all hardened in dragon's

blood [26]. His sword of adamant could cut through steel and gold;

the handle was one carbuncle, which darted rays of light. Over his

breast-armour he wore a tight tunic of cloth-of-gold, with his arms

embroidered in glowing colours. His helmet was of burnished gold and

topazes mingling their yellow light, and between them many a carbuncle

which by night gave the light of day, and from within it there sang

pleasant voices of birds--nightingales, bulfinches, and larks, with

softened voices, as if they lived, and breathed their song upon the

branches of their native trees.

His shield was likewise of gold, and recorded many a deed of prowess

of him who bore it; on it was painted a leopard, too, with head erect,

as though preparing to spring upon his prey. In his right hand was a

spear, and from its point floated a small red banner [27], on which

appeared two swift greyhounds intent on following the wild game. But

more imposing than all this display of gold and art was the rider's

majestic mien, which was as of one used to know no law but his own

will, and to be obeyed by all who approached him; and yet, with all

this, he was only a span high! For it was King Lareyn, and he wore

tightly buckled his girdle of twelve-men's-strength.

Theodoric would gladly have laughed his little figure to scorn, but

when he caught the fire of his eye he was fain to acknowledge he was

no puny antagonist in fierce intention, whatever was his height.

Nor did Lareyn spare angry words when he had come up with the knights,

and saw what they had done; there was no epithet of scorn in his

vocabulary that he did not pour out upon them. He told them their

lives were forfeit for the mischief they had wreaked upon his roses,

and they could only redeem them by the surrender of their left foot

and right hand.

Theodoric was not slow to pay back his vituperation in corresponding

measure. He bid him remember what a little, wee mannikin he was; that

his was not the right tone in which he ought to talk to princes. Had

he ventured to ask a money-compensation, it would have been impertinent

enough, but what he had asked was a ludicrous pretention.

"Money!" shouted the Norg, in no way disconcerted; "I have more gold at

command than any three of you together. You call yourselves princes,

do you? You have done no princely deed to-day; you have incurred

the common penalty which I have decreed for all alike who trespass

on my Rose-garden--so no more words: hand over your horses, armour,

and clothing [28], together with the left foot and right hand of each."

"Herr Dietrich!" interposed Wittich, "is it possible you have patience

to listen to the insolent railing which this little mite pours out

in his folly? Say but the word, and I will punish him once and for

all. It needs but to take him and his mount by the leg, with one

grasp of my strong hand, and knock their heads against the stone wall,

that they may lie as dead as the roses we have already strewn around!"

"God is exhaustless in His wonders!" replied the Bernäre; "for aught

we know, He has laid up within this mite's body all the strength of

which he is so forward to boast: or by some magic craft he may have

possessed himself of might commensurate with the riches which we can

see plainly enough he has at command. If it comes to fighting, we

will bear ourselves like men; but take my advice, and be not rash,

for very much I doubt if we shall leave these mountains of Tirol

alive this day."

"Now, prince of lineage high! if I knew not your prowess before this

day," cried Wittich, beside himself with indignation, "I had said you

were afraid of his sword, which a mouse might wield! Shall a Christian

knight shrink before any pagan hound? But a thousand such wights as

this could be overmatched by you; and without arms you could smite

them down, and hang them all on the trees!"

"Your ideas of your powers are not weak," interposed King Lareyn; "you

talk of one of you being a match for a thousand such as I: come on,

and let us see how you will bear you against one 'tiny antagonist'!"

Wittich's impatience knew no bounds at the challenge; without

exchanging another word with Theodoric he sprang into the saddle, and

Lareyn, who had chafed at being spoken of as an unworthy adversary,

now drew himself up, proud to find Wittich did not scorn to meet

him mounted.

They rode out opposite each other on the greensward with their lances

poised, and then dashed the one at the other like two falcons on

the wing. Wittich, not at all wanting in the science of handling his

lance, made sure to have hit Lareyn, but the spell that surrounded

him protected him against the thrust, while his lance struck Wittich's

throat where the helm was braced, and sent him backwards off the saddle

on to the ground with great force. As he fell among the clover he vowed

that no other lance had ever so offended him, for never before had

victory appeared so easy. Hastily he sprang to his feet, to wipe away

the shame by seeming indifference; but Lareyn stood before him in the

long grass with his sword ready to take the forfeit he demanded, the

left foot and the right hand,--and would have taken it, but Theodoric

deemed it time to interfere; he said he should have reckoned it a

shame on him could it have been said of him that he had stood by while

a companion was made to pay so hard a penalty for so small a harm.

"What is a shame to you is no affair of mine," cried Lareyn in return;

"but instead of defending your companion, it behoves you to defend

yourself, for, as you had your part in the destruction of the garden,

I demand my forfeit equally of you, and your left foot and right hand

I must have. Stand on guard then! for I am a match for twelve such

as you."

The words stung Theodoric to the quick. But with what celerity soever

he vaulted into the saddle, the moment had sufficed for Lareyn to

bind fast Wittich to a tree, and gain his stirrups in time to confront

his foe.

"I perceive you are the Bernäre," he said, "by your shield and helm;

and never have I poised lance so gladly against any foe, and never

have had such satisfaction in triumph as I shall when I have you bound

by the side of your companion, and when the great Dietrich von Bern

shall lie in the bonds of the little Norg!"

"Dwarf! waste not words," cried Theodoric, in a terrible voice, his

eyes flashing fire; his spear trembling in his hand with the fury that

burnt within him. Before the foes could meet, however, and not a whit

too soon, Hildebrand appeared upon the scene, having found his way,

with the bold Wolfhart who never shrank from any fight, and Dietlieb

the Steieräre [29], by the guidance of the injured widow's son.

Hastily Hildebrand reached Theodoric's ear: "Fight him not in that

way," he said; "he has ever the advantage with the lance, and if he

hurled you from the saddle, where would be your princely honour? Never

could you again reign in your Hall of Verona. Dismount, and meet him

on foot upon the grass, and watch for what further may be suggested

to us."

Theodoric gladly accepted the counsel of the sage, and, standing

once more on the ground, called to the Norg to meet him there. Lareyn

refused not, but met him with many a valiant thrust, which the wigand

parried, and returned too, as best he might, with Hildebrand's counsel,

till the little man complained of the interference, without which,

he swore, Dietrich had been bound even as Wittich. But Theodoric bid

him not talk, but fight, and with that planted him a blow between

the eyes which shut out the light of the sun. Hildebrand, meantime,

released Wittich, as it behoved while one fought in his defence. But

Lareyn, finding he could gain no signal advantage against the hero,

drew his Tarnhaut from his pocket, and, slipping it over his head,

became invisible to his antagonist. Now it was a weird running

hither and thither, as the deft Norg paid out his cunning blows,

and the bold wigand in vain sought him, that he might return them;

now his blow fell on the stone wall, and now on a tree, while the

Norg's mocking laughter echoed at each mistake.

"One counsel only I see," cried good Hildebrand, distressed to see

his prince so hard thrust; "call to him to drop his sword, and wrestle

with you; so shall you reach him, and at least know where he stands."

The hero followed the counsel of his master, nor did the Norg

refuse. True, Theodoric now could at least feel his unseen foe, but

he felt him to his cost, for it was impossible to stand against his

strength, nor was it long before the dwarf forced the hero down upon

his knees on the grass. Great was the wigand's distress, for never

had antagonist so dealt with him before.

"Dietrich! beloved lord," cried Hildebrand, "list to my word. One

way of safety there is: wrench from him his girdle--his girdle which

gives him twelve men's strength!"

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."

"No!" replied Theodoric; "your haughtiness and pretensions have been

too gross. I pardon not such as you so easily; we must have another

trial, in which you must yield up your worthless life."

"I have no power in fighting against such as he now, without my

girdle," mused the Norg; "my only chance of safety lies in getting

one of the heroes who is equal to him to fight for my cause in my

place. So he made up to Dietlieb the Steieräre, and conjured him,

as he was his brother-in-law, to help him in his need--even as he

loved his sister's honour."

"True!" replied Dietlieb; "since you confess honestly that you have my

sister, it is meet that I should be your champion; and I will deliver

you or die." With that he went to Theodoric, and prayed him earnestly

four times, by his regard for knightly honour, for woman's worth, for

friendship, and for virtue--four things which, at receiving his sword,

every knight bound himself to honour, that he would spare Lareyn. But

Theodoric was not to be moved, and each time only swore the harder

that he would fight it out to the last; that Lareyn had offended him

too deeply, and that he could not be suffered to live. When Dietlieb

found the ambassage he had undertaken unsuccessful, and that he would

have to own his failure, he grew impatient and wroth, and riding his

horse up to Theodoric, he proclaimed in a loud voice,--

"Be it known, Prince Dietrich, highly praised, that I declare King

Lareyn, great in power and riches, shall not be bound your prisoner,

nor his life taken; that I appear here to answer for him with brotherly

service, and that either he shall be let go scot free, or in my person

only shall the death-blow be dealt out for him."

Theodoric, unwilling to enter a feud of life and death with one of

his own allies, and yet too proud to refuse the challenge, answered

him nothing. But Dietlieb took the Norg and hid him away in safety

in the long grass out of Theodoric's sight, and then returned ready

to confront him. Theodoric, finding he was determined in his attack,

called for his horse, and bound on his helmet, his shield he took in

his hand, and hung his sword to his girdle.

"Think not I spare you more than another, Lord Theodoric, when I have

found the cause I ought to defend," cried Dietlieb, and his flashing

eye told that he would fight his fight to the end.

Theodoric still said no word, but his anger was the more desperate.

Thus minded, they rode at each other, and the lance of each hurled the

other from his horse upon the grass. Up each sprang again, and drew

his trenchant sword; the one struck, and the other pierced, till the

grass all around, as high as their spurs, was dyed as red as the roses

they had destroyed anon. Then Theodoric dealt such a mighty stroke

on Dietlieb's helmet that the fire flashed again, and he thought,

"Now have I conquered him and Lareyn at one blow." But Dietlieb,

recovering from the momentary shock, struck Theodoric's shield with

such force that he dashed it from his grasp; you might have heard

the clash a mile off!

When the bold Theodoric found he had his shield no longer, he took his

sword in both his hands, and gave the wigand such a mighty Schirmschlag

[30] that he felled him to the ground.

"Now then, foolish man!" he cried, in scorn, "do you still hold out

for Lareyn?"

Dietlieb sprang to his feet once more with a start which made his

armour ring again, and, for an answer, ran at Theodoric, and tried to

repeat his stroke; but Theodoric was more difficult to bring down,

and answered his attack by striking him on the rim of his shield so

forcibly that he loosed the band by which he held it.

Meantime, Hildebrand had been occupied stirring up the other wigands

to part the combatants, and at this moment Wittich and Wolfhart came

up to Dietlieb and seized him, and with main force dragged him off

the field; while Hildebrand reasoned with Theodoric about the merit

and friendship of Dietlieb, and the advantage of compromise now that

he had done enough to prove his superiority in the fight. Theodoric,

who ever gave weight to Hildebrand's reasoning, agreed to be friends

again with Dietlieb, and to leave Lareyn his life and liberty, only

exacting homage and tribute of him. To these terms Dietlieb also

agreed, and all entered the bonds of good friendship.

Lareyn, who had watched the combat and listened to the treaty of

peace from his hiding-place in the long grass, gave in his adhesion,

promising to pay tribute of all his wealth.

"And now, good brother-in-law," he said, addressing Dietlieb, "or

brother-in-law that-is-to-be,--for Simild has not yet given her consent

to be my wife--let us talk a little about your lovely sister. You

are doubtless burning to know how I became possessed of her, and I

no less to tell." Then he told him how he had found her under the

linden-tree, and had enveloped her in the Tarnhaut and carried her

away unseen by mortal eye; and of how all Norgdom was subject to her,

of how he had laid an empire of boundless wealth at her feet, and how,

if she preferred reigning on earth, he was able to buy a vast kingdom

to endow her with. Then he noticed that the day was declining, and they

far from shelter, and bade them all welcome to his underground home,

promising them good cheer and merry pastime. Dietlieb, anxious to

see his dear sister again, accepted the offer, and the other wigands

agreed to follow him. Stern Hildebrand the Sage would have preferred

camping in the open air, but Theodoric told him it would be a shame on

his name before all heroes if, having been so near the Norg kingdom,

of which all had heard, he should have feared to make acquaintance

with its economy and government. All the others were of his mind, but

Hildebrand reminded Theodoric, that as he whom all were ready to obey

had counselled incurring the danger, he made himself responsible for

all their lives. "He who gave us prudence will guard our lives and

honour," said the prince; and without further parley they rode on,

after Lareyn's guidance.

On they rode, through thick forest and narrow mountain-path, till,

as it grew dark, they came to a golden door in the rock. It opened at

Lareyn's approach, and the moment they had passed within they found

themselves surrounded by a light above the light of day from the

shining stones that glittered around. Trumpets sounded to herald their

entrance. As they advanced through the sparkling trees friendly birds

warbled a sweet welcome; and as they neared the hall soft melodies

of lutes and harps enchanted their ear. All around them the Norgs

disported themselves, ready to render any service the wayfarers might

require. Refreshment was all ready, as if they had been expected;

and when the wigands had done justice to the spread, they were led

each to his apartment to take their rest, which they well needed.

In the morning Lareyn prayed them to stay and enjoy the wonders

of his kingdom and taste his hospitality, whereupon new debate

arose. Theodoric was disposed to trust him; and Dietlieb desirous

to keep friends with him for the sake of his sister; while Wolfhart

was ready for any sort of adventure; but Wittich, who had tasted the

effects of Lareyn's guile and strength, used all his persuasion to

induce the others to return, and prudent Hildebrand deemed it the

wiser part. At last, however, Wolfhart said, scornfully to Wittich,

that if he was afraid to stay he could go back; he had no need to

spoil their pleasure. After that Wittich said no more, but by his

sullen looks he showed he disapproved the venture.

Lareyn, seeing them doubtful, came up, and with much concern bid them

have no hesitation or fear, for all they saw was at their service--they

had but to command. To which Theodoric made answer that such words

were princely indeed, and if his deeds accorded therewith he never

would have reason to rue the league he had made with them.

Then with delight Lareyn led them through the riches of his

possessions. So much heaped-up gold, so many precious stones, such

elaborate handiwork none of Theodoric's band had ever seen before;

and the place rang with their exclamations of wonder.

But all this was nothing to the cunning feats of the Norgs, who,

at a sign from Lareyn, displayed their various talents before the

astonished eyes of the heroes. Some there were who lifted great stones

bigger than themselves, and threw them as far as the eye could reach,

then by swiftness attained the goal before the stone they threw! Others

rooted up great pine-trees, and broke them across as sticks. Others

did feats of tilting and horsemanship, and others danced and leapt

till the knights were lost in wonder at their agility and strength.

Lareyn now called his guests in to dine; and all manner of costly

dishes were set before them, arranged with greater care and taste

than Theodoric was used to in his own palace, while sweet-voiced

minstrels sang, and nimble Norgs danced. In the midst of the repast,

Simild, summoned by Lareyn, entered the hall, attended by a train of

five hundred choicely-robed Norginnen; her own attire a very wonder

of art. It was all of silk and down, and set off with ornaments of

jewellery beyond compare with any on earth; stones there were of value

enough to ransom three kingdoms; and in her coronet one which lighted

up the hall with its radiance--meet crown of her own loveliness! At

Lareyn's courteously worded request she gave all the guests a joyful

welcome, with a word of praise from her rosy lips for each, for their

fame of knightly deeds. But when she saw Dietlieb her joy knew no

bounds; they embraced each other with the heartfelt joy of those who

have been long and cruelly separated.

"Tell me, sister mine," said Dietlieb, anxiously turning to account

the brief opportunity her embrace gave him of whispering into her ear,

"is it of your own will that you are here, in this strange mountain

dwelling? is this Lareyn dear to you? and do you desire to dwell with

him? Or has his artifice been hateful to you? Say, shall I rid you

of his presence?"

"Brother, it is your help I need to decide this thing," replied the

maid. "Against Lareyn's mildness I have no word to say: gift upon gift

has been heaped upon me; with honour after honour have I been endowed;

and every wish of mine is fulfilled ere it is born. But when I think

of Him of whom all our pleasures are the bounty, I feel no pleasure in

pleasures so bestowed. This pagan folk holds Christ, our dear Lord, in

hate--and when I think of Him, I long to be again in Christendom [31]."

"Yes, Simild, sister dear, in Christendom is your place, not here; and

since such is your mind, cost what it will, I will set you free from

the Norg-king's power," was Dietlieb's answer; and there was no time

for more, for Lareyn called them back to the fresh-dressed banquet.

"Come, new allies but trusted friends!" cried the dwarf, "come, and

let us be merry, and pledge our troth in the ruby bowl! Lay aside

your heavy arms and armour, your sword and shield. Let us be light

and free as brothers together."

As he spoke a whole host of waiting-men appeared, who helped the

knights off with their armour, and brought them robes of rich stuffs

and costly work. The guests suffered them to do their will, for

they were lost in admiration at the choice banquet; at the table,

all of ivory inlaid with devices of birds and game so lifelike they

seemed to skim across the board; at the vessels of silver and gold

and crystal of untiring variety of design; and, above all, at the

order and harmony with which all was directed.

Cool wine from cellars under earth was now served round [32]; then

various dishes in constant succession, each rarer than the last;

and then again sounded soft, clear voices to the accompaniment of the

harmonious strings. And again and again the tankards were filled up

with Lautertrank, Moras [33], and wine.

At last the tables were drawn away, and at the same time Simild and

her maids withdrew; but many an hour more the guests sat while the

music and the singing continued to charm them. But lest even this

should weary, King Lareyn, as if determined there should be no end

to the change of pastimes with which he had undertaken to amuse his

guests, sent to fetch a certain conjuror who dwelt in the heart of a

high mountain, and whose arts surpassed any thing that had been done

before. The magician came at his bidding, and exhibited surprising

evidences of his craft, till at last the king said,--

"You are a cunning man, no doubt, but there is one exhibition of

your power you have never been able to give me, and I shall think

nothing of your art till you can satisfy me. In this country within

the mountains, these jewels fixed in vault, wall, and sky, weary one

with their perpetual glare. Make them to move as the luminaries of

earth, so that we may have calm, peaceful night for repose."

"True, O king! I have never before been able to accomplish this

desire," replied the magician; "but now I have acquired this art

also, and waited for a fitting occasion to make the first display of

the same."

"No occasion can be more fitting than the present," answered Lareyn,

"when by its inauguration you shall celebrate the visit of my honoured

guests, and also by its achievement afford them that rest from the

glare of day to which they are accustomed in their own nights."

"I desire but to obey," replied the magician; and forthwith he threw on

to the fire that burnt on a black stone before him, a powder which no

sooner touched the flame than a pale blue smoke arose with pleasing

scent, and, curling through the hall, presently extinguished the

brilliant shining of every countless jewel with which the walls and

roof were set.

"Now, if you are master of your art," continued the king, "let us

have light once more."

The magician, wrapt in his incantation, spoke not, but dropped another

powder on the flame, which at once sent up a wreathing fume of rainbow

hues, carrying back to every precious stone its lustre.

"Wondrous!" "Brave artist!" "Wondrous show indeed!" were the

exclamations which broke spontaneously from every lip.

"Now let it be dark again," said the king; and the magician quenched

the sparkling light as before.

"Now light," he cried; and so alternated until the sight was no longer

new. Now, it was dark, and this time Lareyn called no more for light,

nor spoke, and the silence was long; till the heroes grew anxious, and

Wittich turned to where Wolfhart had sat, and said, "I like not this:

who knows but that while we can see naught the Norgs may fall upon us

and destroy us?" But Wolfhart answered not, for a stupor had fallen

upon him that the fumes had been gifted to convey; and Wittich, too,

felt their influence before he could utter another word; so it was

with Hildebrand the Sage no less. Theodoric only had time to answer,

"Such treachery were not princely; and if Lareyn means harm to us,

he may be sure he will rue this day," and then sleep fell upon him

as on the others.

Dietlieb had already left the hall, thinking under cover of the

darkness to find his sister, but being met by a page had been conducted

to his apartment, and knew nothing of what had befallen the others.

Lareyn, meanwhile, sought out Simild in anxious mood. "Ever lovely

virgin!" he exclaimed, "support me with your prudent counsel in this

strait. I have already told you how your people have avenged on me

that I have loved you; how they have laid low my silken fence and

golden gates, and wasted my choice garden of roses. Good reprisals

I had thought to have taken, and had I been left man to man against

them I had overcome them all; but Hildebrand the Sage interposed

his advice: it was thus the Bernäre had the advantage over me, and

had it not been for your brother Dietlieb's stout defence, he had

even taken my life. But in all the other four beside him there is no

good, and in one way or another I had found means to rid me of them,

but for Dietlieb's sake, who would be as ready to oppose me in their

defence as he opposed Dietrich in mine. So, fair lady mine, say how

shall I end this affair?"

"If you would follow my advice," replied Simild, "be not rash;

and, above all, use no treachery; keep to the pact of peace that

you have sworn; and be sure the Christian knights will not go back

from their plighted word. But in place of the little girdle of

twelve-men's-strength that they took from you, here is a ring of

equal power which your seven magicians welded for me: with that you

will feel all your old consciousness of strength and dignity. But,

by all you hold dear, let the wigands go forth with honour!"

Lareyn was not slow to own that the counsel was good, and spoke as

if he would have followed it. But when he put on the ring, and found

himself endowed once more with twelve men's strength, he could not

forbear taking his sweet revenge for his yesterday's defeat and danger.

First, he had sevenfold bolts put on Dietlieb's door, that he might

not be able to come forth and aid his brethren; and then he sent

and called for one of the giants, who were always true allies to the

dwarfs, and entreated him to carry the heroes to a deep dungeon below

the roots of the mountains, where they should be bound, and shut out

from the light of day, and never again be able to do him harm.

The feat pleased the giant well; and, having bound a cord round the

waist of each of the sleeping heroes, slung the four over his shoulder

as if they had been no heavier than sparrows, and carried them to the

dungeon below the roots of the mountains, whither Lareyn led the way,

now skipping, now dancing, now singing, now laughing in high glee,

to think how well he had succeeded in ridding him of his foes--but

forgetting all about Simild's advice, and his promise to her.

It was not till next morning that the heroes woke; and then all was

cold and dark around them, and they knew they were no longer in the

hall of the banquet, for the iron chains and stanchions, the chill,

and must, and damp, and slime, told them they were in a dungeon

under earth.

Loudly they all exclaimed against the deceit with which they had

been caught, and loudly they all swore to find means to punish the

treacherous captor. But Theodoric's anger was greater than the anger

of them all; and the fiery breath [34] glowed so hot within him that

it scorched away the bonds with which he was bound!

Once more, then, his hands at least were free, and his companions

gave him joy; but his feet were still held to the rock by chains

of hard steel, the links as thick as a man's arm. Nevertheless, his

indignation was so great that when he beat them with his fists they

were obliged to yield, as they had been made of egg-shell; and when he

had broken his own chains he set to work and released the others also.

Great was their joy and thankfulness; but heaviness came down on them

again when they saw themselves closed in by the cruel rock, and all

their armour and weapons of defence locked up far away from them in

the Norg's castle. Another day they lay there in despair, and another,

for wise Hildebrand saw no way of passing through the rock [35].

Meantime Simild had grown uneasy at the silence that reigned in

the palace; there was no more sound of revel and festivity, and of

entertaining guests. She was no more sent for to entertain them, and

Lareyn hid himself from her, and avoided her. In dire fear she hunted

out the right key of her brother's apartment, and having covered

the glowing carbuncle in her coronet, which lighted up every place,

crept along silently till she had reached him.

"Sister mine!" exclaimed Dietlieb, "what does this mean? why am I

held fast by seven locks? and why do no tidings of my companions

reach me? Oh! had I but my sword and shield, I would release them

from the hands of Lareyn, and of how many Norgs soever he may have

at his command! or at least I would not survive to bear the shame of

living while they are in I know not what plight."

"Dietlieb, be guided by me," replied the maiden: "we must deliver them

out of the dire dungeon in which Lareyn has treacherously confined

them, but also we must have your life and honour safe. Take this ring

upon your hand, for against him who wears it none can prevail; and

then go and deliver your companions." With that she took him along

to where his armour lay concealed; and having girt him with it, she

said many a fervent blessing [36] over him, to preserve him from harm.

Endowed with the strength the ring gave him, Dietlieb was able to

load himself with the arms and armour of all the four heroes; and at

its command a way was made in the rock, through which he passed it in

to them. As each piece fell upon the hard floor, the clang re-echoed

through the far-off mountains.

Lareyn heard the noise, and knew what had befallen, so he sounded on

his horn the note that was known far and wide through all the lands

of the Norgs; and at the call three hundred thousand dwarfs appeared

swarming over the whole face of the country.

"To me, my men! to me!" cried Lareyn, as they drew near. "Before you

stands he who has essayed to release our enemies whom I and the giant

had bound under the roots of the mountains. He has given them back

their strong armour and their weapons of war, and if they get loose

and come among us, great havoc will they make of us, therefore smite

him down and destroy him!"

The dwarfs rushed on Dietlieb at the bidding of the king; but

Lareyn would not engage him himself, because he had fought for his

release. Dietlieb, young and strong, stood planted against a vault

of the rock, and as the mannikins approached him, he showered his

blows upon them, and sent them sprawling, till the dead and mangled

were piled up knee-deep around him.

The heroes heard the sound of the battle in their prison, and they

longed to take their part in the fray; but they saw no means of

breaking through the rock to reach him, till Hildebrand bethought him

that he had yet with him the girdle he had picked up when Theodoric

tore it from the Norg-king's body. This he now handed to the hero.

Theodoric took it, and spoke not for joy, but with its strength tore

down the living rock round the opening Dietlieb's ring had made,

and burst his way to stand beside the brave young Steieräre. This

done, scorning the girdle's strength, he cast it back to Hildebrand,

trusting in his good sword alone.

"Now, treacherous dwarf, come on!" he cried. "No knightly troth has

bound you, but against us, your guests and allies, you have acted

as one who has no right to live! Come here, and let me give you the

guerdon you have earned!"

Lareyn refused not; and the two fought with fury terrible to

behold. And yet Theodoric prevailed not. Then Hildebrand discerned

the ring of twelve-men's-strength on Lareyn's hand, where it was

not before, and knew it was a talisman, so he called to Theodoric,

and said,--

"Dietrich, my prince, seize yonder ring upon the Norg-king's hand! so

shall his strength be no more increased by the powers of his magic."

Theodoric, ever prone to be guided by the advice of the Sage, directed

a mighty blow upon the ring, so that the hoop must fain give way;

and the dwarf's power went from him.

"Now all your hosts, and all your arts, and all your gold shall profit

you nothing more!" So cried the Bernäre; "but condign penalties you

must suffer for your crime. My prisoner you are, nor is there any

can deliver you more."

The Norgs, grieving for their king's loss, trooped round Theodoric

and attacked him on every side; but he swang his good sword Velsungen

around, and at every sweep a hundred Norg's heads fell pattering at

his feet. Suddenly a little dwarf came running out from the mountain

rock, and seizing Lareyn's horn, blew on it notes which wandered wild

through all the forest-trees.

Five giants lived in the forest, and when they heard those notes they

knew the Norgs were in dire distress. With swift strides they came;

their helmets flashed like lightning over the tops of the pines;

and each brought his sword and pike of trenchant steel. The little

dwarf saw his brethren mown down like grass before the scythe,

and again sent forth his far-sounding notes of distress. The giants

heard it, and marched over hill and dale, till they came before the

mountain-side. Again the little dwarf sent out his appeal, and the

giants burst their way through the mountain; but albeit they came

with such speed, twelve thousand Norgs were meantime lost to King

Lareyn by Velsungen's strokes.

Dietlieb and Hildebrand, Wittich and Wolfhart mowed down their

harvest too.

Now they had to prepare for another kind of attack, for in fearful

array the five giants came down upon them, brandishing their clubs of

steel. But neither could these stand before the swords of the heroes,

and each several one laid low his adversary.

When the Norgs saw that their king was bound, and their best

fighting-men destroyed, and the giants themselves without breath,

they knew they could stand no longer before the wigands, but each

turned him and fled for refuge to the mountains.

The heroes then, seeing no more left to slay, went into the

banquet-hall, where only Simild stood, for all the Norgs had hidden

themselves in fear.

"Welcome, noble brother! and welcome, bold swords all!" cried the maid;

"you have delivered us from this treacherous king. Now you will go

home to your own land with glory and honour, and take me with you."

The heroes returned her greeting, and rejoiced in her praise; then

they piled up the treasure on to waggons, all they could carry, and

in triumph they made their way to earth, and Lareyn with them, bound.

First they directed their steps to Styria, till they came to the

spreading linden-tree whence Simild had first been taken; for there

sat Duke Biterolf, her father, bewailing his bereavement, and around

him trooped her maidens lamenting their companion.

All was restored to joy and gladness now that Simild was at home

again. They passed seven days in high festival, the heroes all

together; and many a time they had to tell the tale of their bold

deeds, and the wonders of the mountain-world. And the minstrels sang

to the merits of the conquerors, while the merry bowl passed round

and round.

At last Theodoric rose and thanked Biterolf for his hospitality,

who thanked him in return right heartily for the help he had lent

his son. With that Theodoric took his leave, and along with him went

Hildebrand the Sage, and Wittich the Wigand, and the strong Wolfhart,

and King Lareyn too, of whom Theodoric made his court-fool in his

palace at Verona.

[1] "Schliess die Kammer fein,

Sonst kommt der Norg herein."

[2] The Meierhof was the homestead of a small proprietor standing

midway between the peasant and the noble.

[3] Mistress of the Meierhof.

[4] Literally, "high lakes;" i. e. lakes on a high mountain

level. There are three such in the valley of Matsch, the inundations

of which often work sad havoc.

[5] "Morgen oder Heut

Kommt die Zahlzeit."

[6] The "home of the wolves;" a nickname given to Matsch, because

still infested by wolves.

[7] On Midsummer-day.

[8] The local names of two favourite kinds of grass.

[9] St. Martin is considered the patron of mountain pastures in Tirol.

[10] That the Norgs should be at one time represented as incapable of

comprehending what death was, and that at another their race should

be spoken of as dying out, is but one of those inconsistencies which

must constantly occur when it is attempted to describe a supernatural

order of things by an imagery taken from the natural order.

[11] From tarnen, to conceal, and Haut, skin; a tight-fitting

garment which was supposed to have the property of rendering the

wearer invisible. It was likewise sometimes supposed to convey great

strength also.

[12] Literally, "crystal palace." Burg means a palace no less than

a citadel or fortress; the imperial palace in Vienna has no other name.

[13] Ignaz von Zingerle, in discussing the sites which various local

traditions claim for the Rosengarten of King Lareyn, or Laurin, says,

"Whoever has once enjoyed the sight of the Dolomite peaks of the

Schlern bathed in the rosy light of the evening glow cannot help

fancying himself at once transported into the world of myths, and

will be irresistibly inclined to place the fragrant Rose-garden on

its strangely jagged heights, studded by nature with violet amethysts,

and even now carpeted with the most exquisite mountain-flora of Tirol."

[14] Cornfield.

[15] Nobleman's residence.

[16] In the mediæval poems the shade of the Lindenbaum is the favourite

scene of gallant adventures.

[17] The heroes of the old German poetry are frequently called by the

epithet "sword"--ein Degen stark; ein Degen hehr; Wittich der Degen,

&c., &c.

[18] Hildebrand, son of Duke Herbrand and brother of the Monk Ilsau,

one of the persons of the romance of "Kriemhild's Rose-garden," is the

Nestor of German myths. He was the instructor of Dietrich von Bern

(Theodoric of Verona). We find him sought as the wise counsellor in

various undertakings celebrated in the mediæval epics; he is reputed

to have lived to the age of 200 years.

[19] This was commonly the office of the daughter of the house.

[20] This would appear to have been the usual custom in the middle

ages after a meal.

[21] See note, p. 35.

[22] The German legends are inclined to extol the heroism of Dietrich

von Bern, better known to us as Theodoric, King of the Visigoths, who,

after his conquests in Italy, built a palace at Verona, and made it

his seat of government; but the traditions of Verona ascribe his great

strength and success, both as a hunter and warrior, to a compact with

the Evil One. His connexion with the Arians, his opposition towards

the Popes, and his violent destruction of the churches of Verona,

were sufficient to convince the popular mind at his date that his

strength was not from above. Procopius relates that his remorse for

the death of Symmachus haunted him so, that one day when the head of a

great fish was served at table, it appeared to him as the head of his

murdered relative, and he became so horrified that he was never able to

eat any thing afterwards. The Veronese tradition is, that by his pact

with the devil, evil spirits served him in the form of dogs, horses,

and huntsmen, until the time came that they drove him forth into

their own abode (Mattei Verona Illustrata). In the church of St. Zeno

at Verona this legend may be seen sculptured in bas-relief over the

door. In the mythology of some parts of Germany he is identified,

or confounded, with the Wild Huntsman (Börner, Sagen aus dem Orlagau,

pp. 213, 216, 236). In the Heldenbuch he is called the son of an evil

spirit. He is there distinguished by a fiery breath, with which he

overcomes dwarfs and giants; but he is said to be ultimately carried

off into the wilds by a demon-horse, upon which he has every day to

fight with two terrible dragons until the Judgment Day. Nork cites

a passage from Luther's works, in which he speaks of him (cursorily)

as the incarnation of evil, showing how he was regarded in Germany at

his day ("It is as if I should undertake to make Christ out of Dietrich

von Bern"--Als wenn ich aus Dietrich von Bern Christum machen wollte).

[23] Wigand, man of valour.

[24] We often find the heroes' trusty swords called by a particular

name: thus Orlando's was called Durindarda, it is so inscribed in

his statue in the porch of the Duomo at Verona; and the name of King

Arthur's will occur to every one's memory.

[25] Him of Verona.

[26] This hardening power of dragons' blood was one of the mediæval

fables.

[27] Bearing a red banner thus was equivalent to a declaration of

hostile intent.

[28] These it was knightly custom for the vanquished to surrender to

him who had overcome him.

[29] The Styrian.

[30] A Schirmschlag was a scientifically-manoeuvred stroke, by which

he who dealt it concealed himself behind his shield while he aimed

at any part of his adversary's body which presented an undefended

mark. But Theodoric drew the stroke without even having a shield for

his own defence.

[31] The Norgs are not always spoken of as pagans; many stories of

them seem to consider them as amenable to Christian precepts. The

ancient church of the village of St. Peter, near the Castle of Tirol,

is said by popular tradition to have been built by them, and under

peculiar difficulties; for while they were at work, a giant who lived

in Schloss Tirol used to come every night and destroy what they had

done in the day, till at last they agreed to assemble in great force,

and complete the whole church in one day, which they did; and then,

being a complete work offered to the service of God, the giant had

no more power over it.

[32] It was an old German custom that no flagons or vessels of the

drinks should be put on the table; but as soon as a glass was emptied

it was refilled by watchful attendants.

[33] Lautertrank, by the description of its composition, seems to

have been nearly identical with our claret-cup. Moras was composed

of the juice of mulberries mixed with good old wine.

[34] Concerning Theodoric's fiery breath, see note, p. 39. All the

myths about him mention it. The following description of it occurs

in the legends of "Criemhild's Rosengarten:"--

"Wie ein Haus das dampfet, wenn man es zündet an,

So musste Dietrich rauchen, der zornige Mann.

Man sah eine rothe Flamme geh'n aus seinem Mund."

["As a house smokes when it is set on fire, so was the breath of

Theodoric, the man of great anger; a red flame might be seen darting

from his mouth."]

[35] The power of the Norgs to pass in and out through the rock is one

of the characteristics most prominently fabled of them. Sometimes we

hear of doors which opened spontaneously at their approach, but more

often the marvel of their passing in and out without any apparent

opening is descanted on.

[36] The value and efficacy ascribed in the old myths to a virgin's

blessing is one form in which the regard for maiden honour was

expressed.