Hero Tales and Legends of the Rhine

ragon

rk cavern known as the 'Dragon's Cave,' which was at one time, in that misty past to which all legends belong, the habitation of a hideous monster, half-beast and half-reptile. The peasants of the surrounding district held the creature in superstitious awe, worshipped him, and offered up sacrifices of human

for the fair spoil. But at this juncture their priests intervened. "It is not meet," said they, "that two noble princes should come to blows over a mere Christian maid. Tomorrow she shall be offered to the dragon, in thanksgiving for your victory." And they felt that they had done well, for had they not averted the impending quarrel, and at the same time gained a victim for their cruel rites? But the heart of Rinbod was heavy

ise in search of prey. The procession of priests, warriors, and peasants who had followed the victim to the place of sacrifice now climbed to the summit of the crag and watched eagerly for the coming of t

nd nearer came the dragon, and at length, with a horrible roar, it sprang at its prey. But even as it did so the maiden held out her crucifix before her, and the dragon was checked in its onrush. A moment later it turned aside and plunged into the Rhine. The people on the crag were filled with awe at the miraculous power of the strange symbol which had overcome

d; he married the beautiful captive and built a castle fo

han a romantic significance-being, in fact, derived from Trachyt-fels, meaning 'Trachyte-rock.' This view is supported by the fact that there is another Drachenfels near M

ls: A R

ronghold of Okkenfels. History tells us little or nothing concerning this ancient

bility of the surrounding district. Though they were none of them distinguished for their manners, by far the most rugged and uncouth was the Baron von Renneberg himself. Roug

was beautiful. Lovers she had in plenty, for the charms of Etelina and the wealth of her noble father, whose sole heiress she was, formed a combination quite irresistible

, while his castle and lands he left in charge of Sir Rudolph. As may be supposed, the knight and the maiden frequently met, and ere long it became evident that Rudolph's pa

om for Etelina. In despair the lovers sought the old chaplain and begged his advice. They knew only too well that the baron would not

d the grief-stricken maiden. And indeed it seemed that one

priest was planni

ly; "therefore it is not for man to separate you. I will marry you

marriage was at once solemnized. Taking a basket of bread, meat, and wine, a lamp, and some other necessaries, the old man conducted the newly married pa

e baron and his train, with the noble

ong the crowd of retainers who waited to wel

was ill abed, he replied. When the noble l

anation. The good old man, after a vain attempt to soothe his irate patron, revealed all-all, that is, save the place where the fugitives were concealed, and th

ron swung to the massive

accomplices, may I die suddenly where I n

the baron, whose increasing moroseness made him cordially hated

with them; they, and the little son who was born to them, were content with the sustenance the forest afforded. But in the winter all was changed. Starvation stared them

ve. The startled old man obeyed the summons, and arrived at length before a spacious cavern, which his guide motioned him to enter. Within, on a pile of damp leaves, lay Etelina and her child, both half-

to raise the heavy trap-door. While peering into the gloom, however, he stumbled and fell

d henceforth Etelina and her husband lived happily at Okkenfels. But both they and th

rw?

ood a famous nunnery. Included in the traditional lore of the neighbourhood is a tragic tale of the bea

a had other views, and had already bestowed her heart on a young squire in her father's train. It is true that Gerbert was a high-born youth, of stainless life, pleasing appearance, and gentle manners

ffection could not

ered oaths he resolved to exercise his paternal authority. "My daughter shall go to a nunnery," he said to himself. "And as f

hen his valour and prowess should have made their marriage possible. But his dreams would have been rudely disturbed had he seen what was passing at Coblentz. For his betrothed, in spite of her tears and pleadings, was being secretly conveyed to the nunnery of Oberw?rth, there to remain until she should have forg

ttled melancholy on his swarthy features. Gerbert approached him

ace that Gerbert dropped his eyes in confusion. A moment la

u be, youth?" h

von Isenb

thy m

," was the astonis

to be struggling

rport of this missiv

not," answered

rr has requested me to send thee to the wars in Palestine, and so to place thee that death will be a certainty. This he a

hastened to read aloud a passage describing von Metternich's discovery of his daughter's

looked at

von Isenburg shall not suffer at my hands. I sympathize with thy passion for the fair Ida. I myself loved thy mother." The impetuous Gerbert started to his

his love to her. With this intent he rode toward her home, only to learn from a passing page that Guba, his mistress, was to be married that very day to von Isenburg. He gave to the page a ring, bidding him carry it to his mistress with th

ize with the pathetic tale unfolded by the prior. Tears fell unchecked from the

said Gerbert. "May I not go to Palesti

ee to it that thou wert slain. Thou must go to Swabia, where a

to Swabia, where, for a time at le

nce of

grow weaker and more despondent. Forget Gerbert? That would she never while life remained to her. Wearily she tossed on her pallet, her only companion a sister of the

her attendant. "Nevermore shall I

yet be well." And to divert the dying maid's attention from her grief s

fused to b

I am betrothed, yet

s nun in alarm. "For then must

he interval she took the veil. Every night at twelve o'clock a band of such hapless maidens may be seen dancing in the moonlight, doomed to continue their nocturnal revels till they meet with a lover. And woe betide the knight who

he lips of the nun, who herself claimed t

ster, "do but join our conven

not the words of her companion.

Lake Constance, and returned to Oberw?rth with all speed. A week had elapsed e

hands he unmoored a vessel and sailed across to Oberw?rth. Having landed at that part of the island furthest from the convent, he was obliged to pass the haunted spot on his way thither.

im, were hers, and he rushed forward to clasp her to his heart. Adroitly she eluded his grasp and mingled with the throng. Gerbert followed with bursting heart, seized her in his arms, and found that the other phantoms had surrounded them. Something in the unearthly music fascinated him; he felt impelled to dance round and round, till his head reeled. And still he danced with his phantom bride, and still the

els: The

it eagerly in the vain desire for gold; the rich spent their weal

of being an alchemist. To indulge his passion for the bizarre science the latter had extracted many a golden piece from the coffers of his reverend master, always meaning, of course, to pay them back when the weary experiments should hav

e resident in the castle, but his Treasurer, hearing that the new-comer was learned in alchemical mysteries, bade him enter without delay. A room was made ready in one of the highest towers, and there the Treasurer and his p

de her solicitous inquiries, fled to the mysterious chamber. Elizabeth followed, convinced that something had occurred to upset her father seriously. She was too late-the door was locked ere she reached it; bu

is necessary to our schemes, as I have told thee many times. Ho

ken my gold, thou hast made me take the gold of my master als

without it our exp

sed in his anxious thoughts to perceive the shrinking form of Elizabeth. Sh

eady to give my life for my father's welfare. Tell me

dvanced and strove to take her han

t," she said

verspread the pilg

at sunrise thy father will b

swear it on

ng a little crucifix from his bo

mise." And with t

st pressed a spring in the cr

m the floor, and drew forth a leathern bag full of gold. This, then, was the crucible into which the Archbishop's pieces had gone. "I have found

of grief and determination, supervised the work of the serving-maids, while her fathe

When her father presented her he in turn introduced her to his guests, and many a glance of admiration was directed a

er her father bade her good-night.

"my troubles will be o

not unseen, however; the young knight had been watching her window, and he observed her pass through the courtyard with surprise. Fearing

ding over a crucible

l restore the gold to thy father-his own gold and his master's. If thou art willing to sacrifice t

y life for my father, but I will not suffer insult." With a

e said. "Prepare

ere she could carry out her purpose the knight burst open the door, rushed into the room, and seized the

me to herself it was to find the wretch gone and herself supported by a handsome young knight, who was pouring impassioned spe

o, was grateful to her deliverer, and yet more grateful when his

gold, which he had carried away in his belt, was handed o

g his forgiveness, gave a handsome present t

end of

ves on unfaithful lovers in medieval times, a

a knight named Sir Conrad Bayer, brave, generous, and a good

but Sir Conrad still remained at Boppard. He gave out that the reason for his remaining at home was to protect his stronghold aga

to make preparations to join the wars in Palestine, leaving the lady to lament his changed demeanour. In vain she pleaded, in vain she sent letters to him. At last he intimated plainly that he loved her no longer. He did not intend to marry, he said, adding cruelly that if he did she should not be the bride of his choice. The lady was completely crushed by the blow. Her affection for Sir Conrad

oest not hence till thou hast answered for

his attendants had surrounded the bold youth, and

self. Who art thou?" he added, addressing the

ve thy life!" was

thee, bold youth?"

ed," was the response. "I have come hither from P

for further proof of his identity. The young knight thereupon displayed, b

ey rushed toward each other, and such was the force of their impact that both were unhorsed. Drawing their swords-for neither was injured-the knights resumed the conflict on foot. Conrad felt disgraced at havin

hed foe. What was his surprise, his horror, when, on raising the head and unlaci

Conrad flung himself down by her side, convulsed with grief and remorse. From that hour a change came over him. Ere he set out to the Holy Land he caused the body of Maria to be interred on the summit of the Kreuzberg, and bestow

il Acre had been won, however, that death met him. An arrow dispatched by an unknown hand found its quarry as he was walki

in and St

ning these towers, which occupy two steep crags united by a small isthmus which has partially been cut through. Sterrenberg lies nearest the north, Liebenstein to the south. A wooden bridge leads from one to the other, but a high wall called the Schildmauer was in the old days reared between them, obviously with the intention of cuttin

Brot

ebenstein. The brothers were alike in all matters pertaining to arms and chivalry. But otherwise they differed, for Heinrich, the

s believed to be their sister. On reaching manhood, however, their father told them t

w castle, Sterrenberg, was raised for the young couple adjacent to Liebenstein. Heinrich found it hard to be a constant witness of his brother's happiness, so he set out for the Holy Land. Soon after his departure the old

the Holy Land, and the tidings inflamed Conrad's zeal. He, too, det

ravery-and he soon returned. He was again to prove himself more successful in love than in war, fo

nberg. Greatly astonished, she sent her waiting-maid to make inquiries, and learned to her sorrow that it was the returning C

dmitted. The stranger was Heinrich, who, hearing about his brother'

ing him to mortal combat. The challenge was accepted and the combatants met on the passage separating the two cast

ng days in a convent. The brothers submitted themselves to her persuasion and became reconciled. Some time afterward Conrad's wife proved her unworthiness by eloping with a young knight, thus killing her husband's love for her, and at the same time opening his

.

we are told, about the middle of the sixth century, and thenceforward devoted his life to the service of the rude people among whom his lot was cast. His first care was to instruct them in the Christian faith, but he was also mindful of their welfare in temporal matters, and gave his services freely to the sick and sorrowf

ure as he was, the worthy Goar was not destined to escape calumny. There were at the court of Sigebert other ecclesiastics of a less exalted type, and these were filled with envy and indignation when they beheld the favours bestowed upon the erstwhile recluse. Foremost among his persecutors was the Archbishop of Treves, and with him Sigebert dealt in summary fashion, depriving him of his archbishopric and offering the see to St. Goar. The latter, however, was sick of the perpetual intrigues and squabblings of the court, and longed to retu

d all were subsequently gathered together in a monastery. The grave of the solitary became a favourite shrine, to which pilgrims travelled from all quarters, and St. Goar became the patron s

who passed by his shrine without bringing an offering-stories which may be trac

at the Shrin

sed the shrine of St. Goar without so much as a single thought. Nor did those who accompanied him give the saint more attention. It was the height of summe

the distant sound of thunder was heard. A moment more and they were in the midst of a raging storm; water surged and boiled all aroun

to the seamen. All the exertions of the sailors would not suffice to move the vessels one foot nearer the shore. At lengt

useless. We have offe

ulous origin. "Let us go ashore," said Charlemagne in an awed voice. "In the name of God and St. Goar,

d to its former glassy smoothness, and the storm was over. The illustrious company land

ngs at the shrine, and the Emperor afterward endowed the monastery with lands of great ext

concil

wo, brave knights both, had had a serious quarrel over the sovereignty of their father's vast Empire. Graduall

had won for himself broad lands. In order to reach Thionville both were obliged to take the same path-that is, the Rhine, the broad waterway of their father's dominions. Pepin was the first to come, and as he sailed up the river with his train he caught sight of the shrine of S

was touched with a feeling of tenderness for his absent brother. Recollections of the time when Pepin and he had

brother and embraced him with tears, entreating his forgiveness for past harshnesses. When Pepin raised the prince's visor and beheld the beloved features of Karloman, his happiness was complete. Together the brothers made for their ships; not, however, till they had le

rloman and Pepin, however, had not long to live, for the

els, a

arked a feature of most Rhenish tales, is that which tradition assigns to the castle of Gutenfels

claimed as the most beautiful woman in Germany. She was reputed as proud as she was beautiful, and of the many suitors w

htly chivalry and maidenly beauty were gathered in a brilliant assembly. Many an ardent glance was directed t

. But for none of the high-born ladies had he eyes, save for Guta, to whom his glance was ever and anon directed, as though he looked to her to bring him victory. The blushing looks of Guta showed that she was not indifferent to the gallantry of the noble stranger, and, truly, in her heart she wished him well. With clasped hands she watched the combatants couch their lances and charge. Ah! victory had fallen

other maiden. Young Falkenstein, pleased with the homage paid to his sister by the distinguished stranger, invited him to

hree days, during which time his host and hostess did all in their power to make his stay a pleasant one. Ere he t

ee my name, but if thou wilt await my coming, in three month

ough a king should woo me, I will be true to thee." And wi

IV several claimants to the imperial throne of Germany made their appearance, of whom the principal were Adolph, Duke of Holland, Richard, Earl of Cornwall, brother to the English king Henry III, and Alfonso X, King of Castile. Of these three the most popular was Richard of Cornwall, who was

or Richard, Emperor of Germany. Philip himself, scarcely concealing his joy and pride at the honour done him by his sovereign, ran out to greet him

er to beg the hand of thy fair sister; why is she

ride. She has refused many nobles of high estate, and I doubt whether ev

as I thought, sire," he said. "She will not be moved. Methinks some heedless knigh

raised h

me, sir knig

of the tourney," cr

ey of Cologne. State affairs of the gravest import have kept me from her side, where I would fain have been these six months past. Tak

maiden looked pale and agitated, but when she beheld

fondly. "And wouldst thou re

dred emperors. I feared thou hadst fors

rd la

an I did not keep my troth

ou?" cried Guta

d her brother reverently. And once more

and Guta accompanied her husband

denhood Richard gave the name of Gutenfels-'Rock

ry of S

one of these, however, felt inclined toward marriage just yet, each vowing its yoke too galling; and so the gallants came in vain to the castle, their respective addresses being invariably dallied with and then dismissed. Suitor after suitor retired in despair, pondering on the strange ways of womankind; but one evening a large party of noblemen chanced to be assembled at the schloss, and putting their heads together, they decided to press matters to a conclusion. They agreed that all of them, in gorgeous raiment, should gather in the

before a mirror, happened to go to look out of the window toward the Rhine. Suddenly he uttered a loud imprecation, and his companions, thronging to the window, were all fiercely incensed at the sight which greeted their eyes. For the famous seven sisters were perpetrating something of a practical joke; they were leaving the castle in a boat, and on perceiving the men's faces at the windows they gave vent to a loud laugh of disdain. Hardly had the angry suitors realized that they

till lately it was a popular superstition that these rocks were placed there by Providence, anxious to impart a moral to young women addicted to coquetry and practical jests. To this day many boatmen on the Rhine

gend o

believe that every one of them culminates in tragedy. But there are a few exceptions to this rule, and among them is a tale asso

er were generally lenient, while his countess soon formed a deep friendship for the Princess. Thus it seemed to Guba that her captivity was not destined to be so terrible as she had anticipated, but she was soon disillusioned, as will appear presently. It should be explained that as yet the Princess had borne no children to her husband, whose heir-apparent was consequently his brother Ludwig; and this person naturally tried to prevent a reconciliatio

final separation between the Princess and Hermann. For it transpired one evening that Guba was not within the castle. A hue and cry was instantly raised, and the island was searched by Ludwig and von Roth. "I wager," s

r alone; but while they argued the pair espied Guba, a

ught by his pursuers, and recognized for a certain young gallant of the district. He was dragged to the castle, where after a brief trial he was condemned to be hanged. He blanched on hearing the

doubtful as to the parentage of the child, remembering the recent circumstances which had seemed to cast some shadow upon the Princess herself; yet they held their peace, awaiting until in due course the Princess was delivered of a boy. But, alack! the child bore no resemblance to Hermann; and so von Roth and his wife, meaning to be kind, enjoined silence and sent the child away-all of which was the more easily accomplished as the spiteful Ludwig chanced to be far distant at the time. At first the mother was bro

un ere it was noised abroad that he was a usurper, for a young man appeared who claimed to be the son of Hermann, and therefore the rightful heir. Now, most of the p

on as Queen-Dowager. Guba was amazed on hearing this news, for she had long since ceased to hope that her present mode of life would be altered, and asking to be presented to the chief messenger that she might question him, she suddenly experienced a yet greater surprise.... Yes! her son had come in person to liberate her; and von Roth and his wife, as they witnessed the glad union, were convinced at last of Guba's innocence, for the young man who clasped her to his bosom had changed wondrously since

ream, often gazing toward the castle where her son had been nurtured, and meditating on the ti

d of Fü

cient pile, linking it with stirring medieval times. Perhaps the most popular of these traditi

nd serious manhood. His friends, surprised at the change which had taken place in him, and anxious that this new mode of life should be maintained, urged him t

med quite happy. Moreover, in time a son was born to them, of whom his father s

ry acts had at last forced him to flee for his life, and no one knew whither he had gone. His household was broken up, and Amina, finding herself without a home, had now repai

d extended to help her; in a word, she set herself to win the unlawful affections of the Lord of Fürstenberg. He, weak creature as he was, allowed the latent baseness of his nature to be stirred by her youth and beauty

against her life. At length their cruel scheming succeeded, and one morning Kunigunda was found dead in her bed. Franz made it known that she had been stif

w mistress of the Schloss Fürstenberg hated the child as she had hated his mother, and Hugo was given into the

ure! Again the sound was heard, unmistakably the creaking of the cradle. Drawing aside her bed-curtains, the crone beheld a strange sight. Over the cradle a woman was bending, clad in long, white garments, and singing a low l

or herself whether there was any truth in the fantastic story, and would sleep that night in the nurse's bed. She did not mention her suspicions, nor the fact that she carried a sharp dagger. She was roused in the night, as the old woman had been, by the sound of a cradle being rocked. Stealthily drawing the curtains, she saw the white-robed form of the dead, the black mould c

lling of her ghastly experience, intimating her intention of retiring to a nunn

hermitage where he might end his days in peace, and having found such a cell, he confided his little son t

lind

ted between the owners of neighbouring fortresses, there dwelt in Fürstenberg a good old knight, Sir Oswald by name, well versed in the arts of

et the knight into his power. At length his cunning schemes met with success; an ambush was laid for the unsuspecting Oswald as he rode pas

any days had elapsed Oswald was informed that his eyes were to b

hich he bore toward the knight of Fürstenberg and of his cunning and malice. He therefore cast about for a means of verifying his suspicions, and eventually disguised himself as a wandering minstrel, took his harp-for he had great skill as a musician-and set off in the direction of Sooneck. There he seated himself under a tree and played and sang sweet

an interest in yon

heless veiling his concern as much as possible by a

augh. "'Tis the cage where my lord of Sooneck

d incarceration in the tower of a knight and his servant on the very day when Sir Oswald and his groom had disappeared. Nothing more

y, on the day fixed for the feast he again donned his minstrel's garb, and repaired to the Schloss Sooneck. Here, as he had anticipated, all was excitement and gaiety. Wine flowed freely, tongues were loosened, and the minstrel was we

ght, "that you have captured

addressed, smiled knowingly

d his companion, "that you

outright, as at

ve heard tru

versation. "It is a pity," said he. "There are

a mark if it be set up," s

the wager had been fixed the Baron directed

en he saw his father, pitifully quiet and dignified, led into the banquet-hall to provide sport for a com

k," he cried, "wh

e upon the table

ot the cup which was hit, but the Lord of Sooneck, who fell

ction could be taken the minstrel had sprung in

ather. Whoso thinks he has acted wrongly in forfeiting the life of his tor

but admire the courage of the lad who thus boldly championed his father, and wi

castle of Fürstenberg, compensated in part for the

n and Rei

tein loved the fair Gerda of Rheinstein with a consuming passion, and, as is so common with lovers in all ages, doubted whether his love were returned. In his devotion for the maiden he shower

nd eye of fire, the noble steed aroused the liveliest interest in the breast of Gerda, and she was eloquent in her thanks to the giver until, observing

ng but my sword, my ruined tower yonder, and honour.

ruth and trust. "I will be yours," she mur

hom he could send as an emissary, and although the old man had an unsavoury reputation, he decided to confide the mission to him. Kurt undertook the task in no kindly spirit, for he disliked Kuno because of his virtuous life and the circumstance that he was his heir, whom he felt was waiting to step into his shoes. However, he waited next day upon Gerda's father, the Lord of Rheinstein, and was received with all the dignity suitable to his rank and

and. Gerda, insulted at the mere thought of becoming the bride of such a man, refused to listen to the proposal, even from the lips of her father, and she acquainted him with her love for Kuno, whom, she declared, she had fully resolved to marry. At this avowal her father worked himself into a furious passion, and

ed by her handmaiden, who, greatly concerned for her mistress, had spent the night in prayer. But Gerda's tears had fled with the morning, and she resolved, come what might, to refuse to the last to wed with the hateful Kurt. She learned tha

ere the unhappy Gerda was to be sacrificed to Kurt. First came a crowd of serfs, men, women, and children, all shouting in joyful anticipation of the wedding feast. Then followed the vassals and retainers of the Lord of Rheinstein, according to their several degrees, and, last, the principal actors in the shameful ceremony, Kurt, surrounded by his retainers, and the Lord of Rheinstein with the luckless Gerda. The m

y offered her his assistance in alighting. At this moment swarms of gadflies rested on the flanks of the Limousin steed, and the spirited beast, stung to m

bridegroom, for all his age, was first in the saddle. With the clattering of a hundred hoofs

on the already maddened Limousin, which thundered along the familiar road to Kuno's castle of Reichenstein. Th

houted. "Down with the drawb

h held her rein. Close he rode by her, but might never snatch her from the saddle. Like

ant his horse stumbled, fell, and threw the ancient gallant

tched Kurt lay dead, killed by the fall, and his vassals were now eager to acclaim Kuno as their lord, while the Lord of Rheinstein, shrewdly observing the direction of affairs, took advantage of the tumu