The Nordlands Dragon

According to old people's stories, there used to be a gruesome one Unthier, which had come from Nordland, already covered large areas of land had exposed men and animals, and gradually, when no one The solution would have been to wipe out everything living from the face of the earth would.

It had a body like an ox and legs like a frog, namely two short ones in front and two long ones behind, as well as a snake-like ten fathom long tail; it moved like a frog, but kept up every jump back half a mile. Luckily it stayed in that place, where it had once settled, for several years, and did not move rather further than until the entire surrounding area was bare. The body was covered all over with scales, which were stronger than stone and ore so that nothing could damage it. The two big eyes sparkled by night and by day like the brightest candles, and who once had the misfortune to look into her splendor, which was like enchanted, and had to run straight into the monster's mouth. So it came to pass that animals and people fed themselves to him, without having to move from the spot. The kings of the Surrounding areas had promised extremely rich rewards to those who got through Magic or other force could destroy the monster, and Many had already tried their salvation, but their undertakings were all failed. There was once a large forest in which... Monster lived, set on fire; the forest burned down, but dem The fire could not have the slightest effect on harmful animals. However, traditions that were in the mouths of old people said that Nobody can master the monster in any other way than through it King Solomon's signet ring; a cipher was buried on it, from which one learns how the monster can be killed. Alone Nobody knows how to tell where the ring is now hidden, and so on There is hardly a magician to be found who can interpret the writing.

Finally a young man made up his mind, his heart and head on had the right spot, with luck the traces of the ring to investigate. He headed towards the morning, where primarily the Wisdom of ancient times can be found. It was only after a few years that he met met a famous magician from the East and asked him for advice. The The magician replied: "What little wisdom people have can help you here nothing will help you, but God's birds under the sky will be the best for you Be a guide if you want to learn their language. I can help you with that If you want to stay with me for a few days." The young man accepted the friendly offer with thanks and said: “For now I am Of course I am not in a position to reward you for your kindness, but if my undertaking turns out to be successful, I will give you your trouble repay richly." Now the magician cooked with nine kinds of herbs, which he had secretly collected by moonlight, a strong drink and gave the young man nine spoonfuls a day for three days in a row to drink, which meant that he could understand bird language became. As he parted, the magician said: "If you are lucky enough, To discover Solomon's ring and get hold of it, come on back to me so that I can interpret the writing on the ring to you, for it is alive Now there is no one but me who could do that.”

The very next day the young man found the world transformed No longer went anywhere alone, but had company everywhere because he understood the language of birds, through which many things became clear to him human insight could not have taught him. But for quite some time passed away without him having heard anything about the ring. Then it happened One evening, when he was tired from walking and the heat, he went to bed early Walde had sat down under a tree to have his evening meal eat two brightly feathered strange birds on a high treetop had conversations with each other that concerned him. The first bird said: “I know that windy wanderer under that tree has been wandering for so long without finding the trail. He is looking for the lost one Ring of King Solomon." The other bird replied, "I think he is would have to seek help from the maiden of hell, she would certainly be able to help him to help on the trail. Even if she doesn't have the ring herself, she knows “You know exactly who owns the gem now.” The first bird replied: "That would be all right, but where should he find the maiden of hell?" find that has no permanent place anywhere, but here today and lives there tomorrow: he could just as easily hold the air!” The Another bird replied: “I know your current whereabouts not to state, but today within three days it comes to the source, you Washing her face like she does every month on the night of the full moon so that the beauty of youth never disappears from her cheeks and the wrinkles of the "Don't shrink your face in old age." The first bird said, "Well, the source is not far from here; we want her for fun's sake See what's going on?" "All right, if you want," said the other Bird in response. -- The youth was equally determined to follow the birds to follow and find the source, but two things worried him, firstly, that he could sleep through the time when the birds set off, and secondly, that he had no wings to keep close behind them. He was too tired to stay awake all night, eyes closed fell to him. But the worry didn't let him sleep peacefully, he woke up often so as not to miss the departure of the birds. Therefore he was very happy when he looked up at the treetop at sunrise and saw the colorfully feathered fellows sitting motionless, with their beaks under their feathers. He ate his breakfast and then waited for the birds to leave. But they seemed Not wanting to go anywhere this morning, they fluttered as if for entertainment or to look for food, from one treetop to the other and do that so on until evening, when they went to rest in their old place. The same thing happened the following day. Not until mid-morning on the third One bird said to another every day. »Today we have to go to the source to see the maiden of hell washing her face." Until noon If they stayed, then they flew away and headed straight towards South. The young man's heart was pounding with fear, his guides out of the losing face. But the birds had flown no further than His field of vision was enough and then they were on a treetop settled down. The youth ran after them, his skin steaming and his breath threatened to catch in his throat. After three rests they came Birds in a small area, on the edge of which they perch on a high treetops settled down. When the youth arrived there after them, he noticed a spring in the middle of the area; he now sat down the same tree on whose top the birds stayed. Then He strained his ears to hear what the feathered creatures were doing talked to each other.

"The sun hasn't set yet," said one bird, "we have to Wait a while until the moon rises and the Virgin comes Source comes. Let's see if they can find the young man under the tree noticed?" The other bird replied: "Nothing escapes your eye, what smells of a young man, Should the youth be deceived be enough not to get caught in their yarn?" Whereupon the first bird said: "We'll see how they cope with each other."

The evening had already advanced and the full moon was already high above Walde, then the young man heard a quiet noise: after a few A moment later a maiden emerged from the forest and walked hastily feet so that their soles did not seem to touch the ground Lawn to the source. The young man had to admit to himself that he was in his I have never seen a more beautiful woman in my life and I don't like any more eyes of the Virgin use.

Without paying any attention to him, she went to the source and raised her eyes to the moon up, fell on her knees, plunged her face into the spring nine times, each time he looked at the moon and exclaimed: “Full-cheeked and bright, how You are now, may my beauty also bloom everlastingly!” Then She walked around the spring nine times and sang after each walk:

"Let not the virgin's face wither,
Never let your cheeks turn pale,
Whether the moon disappears again,
May I always grow,
Happiness will always blossom again for me!”

Then she dried her face with her long hair and was about to leave when her eyes suddenly fell on the spot, where the youth sat under the tree. She immediately turned her steps there. The young man rose and stood waiting. The The beautiful maiden came closer and said: “Actually, you should have a serious one You will be punished for doing secret acts to the maiden in the moonlight overheard; but since you are a stranger and came here by chance, I will forgive you. But you must tell me truthfully where you come from and how you came here, where no mortal has ever set foot set?" The youth answered with much grace: "Forgive me, dear virgin, if I had wronged you without knowledge or will have. Since I came here after a long hike, I found the beautiful one Place under the tree and wanted to camp there for the night. Your Arrival made me hesitate, so I sat there, believing that “Silent looking cannot be detrimental to you.” The Virgin replied sweetly: “Come to us at night! It rests on cushions Better than here on cool moss." The youth stood for a while doubtful, and didn't know what to do, whether it was friendly Accept or reject an offer. Then someone spoke on the treetop bird to another. »He would be a fool if he didn't offer it "The virgin, who probably doesn't know bird language was, said with a friendly admonition: "Fear nothing, my friend! I do not invite you with bad intentions, I wish you with all my heart Good things." The birds then said: "Go where they call you, but Be careful not to give blood, lest you sell your soul.”

Now the youth went with her. They came in not far from the source a beautiful garden in which there was a magnificent house, which... Moonlight shimmered as if the roof and walls were made of gold and silver poured. When the youth entered, he found many magnificent ones Chambers, each more beautiful than the next; many hundreds of candles burned on golden candlesticks and spread brightness everywhere like those of the day. They then came to a room where one of them... there was a table full of delicious dishes; There were two at the table Chairs, one of silver, the other of gold; the virgin let herself sat down on the golden chair and asked the young man to sit on it to put silver. Girls dressed in white served the food and They cleared away again, but not a word was said the girls stepped as quietly as if they were walking on cat's paws. After table, when the youth was left alone with the royal maiden a pleasant conversation was held, until finally a woman appeared in red clothing to remind them that it was time to go to sleep.

Then the maiden led the youth into another chamber, where there was a silk bed with down pillows; she showed him and removed it itself. The young man thought he was alive in heaven Such a life cannot be found on earth. He only knew about that later to give no account of whether dreams deceived him or whether he had actually heard voices at his bedside, saying a word to him cried out that frightened his heart: "Give no blood!"

The next morning the maiden asked him whether he would like to come here stay where the whole week consists of nothing but holidays. And as that When the young man didn't immediately answer the question, she added: "I I am, as you yourself see, young and blooming, and I am under Under no one's control, but can do as I please. So far is It never occurred to me to get married, but from that The moment I saw you, other things suddenly occurred to me thoughts, because I like you. Our thoughts should now agree, we could become a couple. I have everything I have and what I have I love how you convince yourself at every turn and so I can live royally day after day. What your heart only If you want it, I can grant it to you.” The flattery was certainly threatening to confuse the young man's beautiful maiden mind, but to his good fortune fell him that the birds called her the maiden of hell and warned him had that he would give her blood, and that he also in the night, be it dreaming or waking, heard the same warning. Therefore replied he: “Dear virgin, don’t be angry with me if I tell you all I honestly admit that one cannot do away with the outdoors like oneself Rosskauf, but that it requires longer consideration. Grant me That's why we'll have a few days to think about it, then we'll think about it "Why not," replied the beautiful maiden - for my sake You can think about it for a few weeks and consult with your heart go."

So that the time wouldn't be long for the young man, he led him the Virgin from one part of her magnificent house to the other, and showed him all the rich treasuries and chests that were in his heart should soften. But all these treasures were by magic arose because the Virgin was able to do so with the help of Solomon Signet ring such a dwelling every day and in every place along with everything Bring out accessories, but it didn't last, it was from blown here in the wind, and went into the wind again, without a trace to leave behind. But since the young man didn't know that, he stopped the illusion of reality. One day the virgin led him in a hidden chamber, where on a silver table a gold one little box stood. Pointing to the box, she said, “Here stands my dearest treasure, the like of which is unparalleled in the whole world can be found, it is a precious golden ring. If you free me If you were to, I would give you this ring as a treasure, and he would make you the happiest of all people. But with that comes the tape If our love lasts forever, you must give me three for the ring "Give a drop of blood from the little finger of your left hand."

When the youth heard this speech, he felt a chill; that you Blood reminded him that he was risking his soul set. But he was smart enough not to let anyone notice anything, and also not to object, rather he asked, as if casually, what it was for something to do with the ring. The maiden replied: “None Up to now the power of this ring has been able to be more alive to fathom it because no one fully understands the secret signs of it knew how to interpret. But even with half an understanding I can do miracles perform what no other being can imitate me. I'm stuck the ring on the little finger of my left hand, so I can like a bird can swing into the air and fly wherever I want. Stuck I put the ring on the ring finger of my left hand, so I am immediately invisible to everyone, I see myself and everything that surrounds me, but the others don't see me. I put the ring on it Middle finger of my left hand, then no sharp tool can help me water and fire still have some effect. I put the ring on it Index finger of my left hand, then with his help I can do everything create things I desire; I can build houses in a moment build and produce other objects. So long finally the Ring sits on the thumb of the left hand, the hand is so strong that it can break rocks and walls. The ring also has other names on it secret signs which, as I said, no one has yet been able to interpret knew; but one can think that they still have many important secrets contain. The ring was anciently the property of King Solomon wisest of kings, under whose reign the wisest men lived. However, to this day it has not been known whether Ring was created by divine power or by human hands; it It is said that an angel gave the ring to the wise king "When the young man heard the beautiful woman speak like that, his first thought was Thought of taking possession of the ring through trickery, he did so as whether he could not believe what he had heard to be true. That's what he hoped To get the virgin to take the ring out of the box and show him - whereby he might then find the opportunity to see it to take possession of the miracle ring. But he didn't dare, the virgin to ask her to show him the ring. He flattered her and He behaved tenderly, but his heart only wanted to take possession of the ring. The virgin already took the key Box from the breast to unlock it, but she put it came back to himself and said: "We'll still have enough time for that in the future." A A few days later the talk came back to the miracle ring, and that Young man said: “In my opinion, such things as you have are “Telling me about the power of your ring is simply not possible.” Then the maiden opened the box and took out the ring between her fingers flashed like the brightest ray of sunshine. Then She put it on the middle finger of her left hand for fun and told the youth to take a knife and point it at her go wherever he wants, because it can't hurt her. The The young man resisted this questionable beginning, but then the If the virgin didn't let go, he had to submit. Although he now, initially more playing, but then seriously, in every way the virgin with the knife tried to hit, it was as if there was an invisible wall of iron would stand between the two; the cutting edge couldn't penetrate, and the maiden stood before him, laughing and unmoved. She was stuck on it the ring on her ring finger, and in an instant she was under the young man's gaze disappeared, so that he couldn't understand where she was going came. Soon she was standing in front of him again, laughing on the old one Stand, holding the ring between your fingers. "Let's see," asked the young man - "whether it is possible for me to do such strange things with him "To make rings?" The virgin, who suspected no fraud, gave him the miracle ring.

The young man acted as if he didn't really know yet and asked: »Which finger should I put the ring on so that I get a sharp one? tool can't do any harm?" -- whereupon the maiden laughed replied: "On the middle finger of the left hand!" She then took it herself the knife and tried to hit him with it, but he couldn't help the young man do harm. He then took the knife and tried to kill himself damage, but it was impossible for him too. Then he asked the virgin to show him how he could split stones and rocks with the ring. She led him into the yard, where there was a fathom-high pebble. »Now put that "Ring" - the Virgin instructed him - "on the thumb of your left hand hand, and then hit the stone with your fist, and you will see what power lies in your hand.” The youth did so and watched his astonishment, like the stone under the blow of his hand in a thousand Debris burst. Then the young man thought who was not lucky Who knows how to take the horns, he is a fool, because once he has escaped, he returns don't return it. While he was still about the shattering of the stone joked, he put the ring on his ring finger as if he were playing left hand. Then the virgin cried: “Now you are so long for me invisible until you take off the ring." But that was the youth's job to do He didn't mind, rather he quickly went a few steps further and got stuck then put the ring on the little finger of the left hand, and swung in the height like a bird. When the maiden saw him fly away, she stopped At first she thought this attempt was just a joke and called out: “Come on back, my friend! Now you have seen that I give you the truth I said!” But the one who didn’t come back was the young man; then she noticed Virgin the deception and broke out into bitter laments over her misfortune.

The youth did not stop his flight until after a few days had come back to the famous magician with whom he had had learned bird language. The magician was extremely happy that the man's hike had been so successful. He made himself He immediately set about interpreting the secret writing on the ring but seven weeks before he could do it. Then he gave it to him The young men were given the following information on how to destroy the Nordlands dragon: “You must have an iron horse cast under each foot has small wheels so you can push it forwards and backwards. Then you have to sit up and stretch yourself with an iron two fathoms Arm yourself with spears, which you can only wield if you have the magic ring on the thumb of your left hand. The spear must be in the middle Thickness of a moderate birch and its two ends must be equal be sharp. In the middle of the spear you must place two strong ten fathoms attach long chains strong enough to hold the kite. As soon as the dragon has bitten firmly into the spear so that it can If your jaw is pierced, you must come down like the wind from your iron horse jump to avoid falling into the monster's mouth, and you have to Drive the ends of the chains into the ground with iron stakes in such a way that that no force can pull them out. After three or four days the monster's strength is so exhausted that you can approach it, then put Solomon's power ring on the thumb of your left hand, and kill it completely. But until you get there, the ring has to be there on the ring finger of your left hand so that the monster doesn't hit you otherwise it would kill you with its long tail hit. When you have accomplished everything, make sure you have the ring you don't lose it, and that no one tricks you into stealing the treasure steal.”

Our friend thanked the magician for the instruction and promised him to be rewarded for his efforts later. But the magician replied: "I I learned so much from deciphering the ring's cipher Magical wisdom created that I don't need any other good." So they separated, and the youth hurried home, which was not for him became more difficult because he could fly like a bird wherever he wanted.

When he arrived home after a few weeks, he heard about them people that the gray Nordland dragon was already nearby, so that he could cross the border every day. The king left everywhere make it known that he will kill the one who will put an end to the monster would, not only give a part of his kingdom, but also wanted to give his daughter as a wife. After a few days ours occurred The young man went before the king and declared that he hoped to destroy the monster, if the king wanted to have everything made that was necessary for this. The king agreed to this with joy. Now all of them have been Skilled masters from the surrounding area were called together and they had to do that first Cast the iron horse, then forge the big spear, and finally the iron chains, the rings of which were two inches thick. But as everything When it was finished, it turned out that the iron horse was so heavy that a hundred men couldn't move it. That left that The young man had no choice but to control the horse alone with the help of his power ring to move away.

The dragon was less than a mile away, so he was with a couple jumps over the border. The young man now thought about how he should deal with the monster alone, since he was the heavy one Since he had to push the iron horse from behind, he couldn't move put it on as the magician ordered. Then taught him unexpectedly a raven's beak: "Sit on the iron horse, and press the spear against the ground as if you were trying to get a boat off the shore "The youth did so and found that in this way could move forward. The monster closed its mouth from afar to eat the expected prey. A few more fathoms, that would be it Man and iron horse were in the mouth of the monster. The youth trembled forward Horrified and his heart froze, he couldn't leave himself alone confuse, but struck with all his might, so that the iron spear, which he held upright in his hand, pierced the monster's jaws. Then he jumped from the iron horse and turned as quickly as lightning the monster's jaws dropped. A terrible roar, that rang out many miles away, giving evidence that the Northland Dragon had gotten stuck. When the youth turned around, he saw one Tip of the spear protruding from the upper jaw a foot long, and concluded that the other one was stuck in the ground. But the iron horse the dragon had crushed with his teeth. Now the youth hurried, to attach the chains to the ground using several strong iron stakes Fathoms' length were put on standby.

The monster's death throes lasted three days and three nights: if it When it reared up, it hit the ground with its tail so violently that the earth shook for ten miles. When it finally doesn't have the tail If he could move more, the young man lifted a stone with the help of the ring up, which twenty men could not have moved, and struck with it on the animal's head until there is no longer any sign of life gave himself.

There was boundless cheering everywhere when the news came that... terrible enemy met his end. --The winner was in the royal city received with great honors, as if he were the most powerful King. The old king didn't need his daughter to marry either force, but she herself demanded to join the strong man married, who alone had done what the others also did with one whole army couldn't. After a few days it became a magnificent one We celebrated a wedding that lasted four weeks and everyone attended Kings of neighboring countries had gathered to thank the man, who had freed the world from its worst enemy. Alone above that Wedding celebrations and general joy had been forgotten Monster's body had been left unburied, and since he was now in... When decomposition took place, it spread such a stench that no one could ventured close. Epidemics arose, affecting many people snatched up. Therefore the king's son-in-law decided to help him to look for magicians in the East, which was not difficult for him with his ring, because he could fly on bird wings.

But the saying goes, wrong does not prosper, and as won, so disintegrated. The king's son-in-law should also share this experience make the stolen ring. The maiden of hell didn't have any time left Rest at night to get back on the trail of her ring. As she with help had learned about magic arts that the king's son-in-law was in When she approached the magician in bird form, she turned into one Eagle, and circled in the air until the bird came to her she waited, came to see him - she recognized him immediately by the ring, which hung from a ribbon around his neck. Then the eagle shot at him bird down and the moment its claws grabbed it, He had also torn the ring from his neck with his beak before he could the man in bird form could do something about it. Now the eagle left fell to the ground with his prey, and both stood in theirs former human form next to each other. »Now you are in my hand, Wicked one!” cried the maiden of hell. -- »I took you as mine beloved, and you practiced fraud and theft: is this my reward? You You took my most precious treasure from me through trickery, and you hoped that King's son-in-law to lead a happy life, but now has the tide turned. You are in my power and you are mine for "Forgive, forgive," begged the king's son-in-law. I know well that I have committed a serious offense against you, and I repent My fault from all over the Lord." The virgin replied: "Your requests and your repentance comes too late, and nothing can help you anymore. I may not to spare you, that would bring me shame and make me a laughingstock people. You have sinned against me twice, first you have sinned against me You spurned love and then stole my ring, for that you must be punished suffer.” With these words she put the ring on her thumb left hand, took the man in his arms like a hedekunkel and went with him him from there. This time her path did not lead to that magnificent one Dwelling, but into a rock cave where chains come down from the wall hung. The maiden grabbed the ends of the chains and bound them with them the man's hands and feet, so that escape was impossible; then said she said with anger: “Here you shall remain a prisoner until the end of your life. I I will have enough food brought to you every day so that you don't go hungry You can die, but you can never hope for liberation." With that she left him.

The king and his daughter experienced a difficult time of sorrow when Week after week passed and the son-in-law never came back also gave news. The king's daughter often dreamed that her... Her husband had to suffer severe torment, so she asked her father to let her go Pages to have magicians summoned so that they might would provide information about where the disappeared person lived and how he got there be liberated. But all the magicians couldn't report anything further, that he was still alive and suffering severe torment, no one knew the location state where he is and also state how he can be found. At last a famous magician from Finland was brought before the king, who could give the further information that the king's son-in-law being held captive in the East, and not by people, but by a more powerful being. So the king sent his messengers in the direction mentioned, to the lost son-in-law to visit. Luckily they came to the old wizard who... Writing on Solomon's signet ring interpreted and from it a wisdom created something that remained hidden from everyone else. This wizard soon found out what he wanted to know and said: “The man is being held caught here and there by magical power, but you can without my help "Don't free him, I have to go with you myself."

So they set out and, led by birds, came to some of them Days in the rock cave, where the king's son-in-law is almost there had endured severe imprisonment for seven years. He recognized that Magician immediately, but he didn't recognize him because he was very was emaciated. The magician loosened the chains through his art and took took the freed man to himself, and nursed and healed him until he was strong again was enough to start the journey. He arrived on the same day the old king had died and was now made king. Now After long days of suffering came the days of joy that lasted until the end lasted; But he didn't get the miracle ring back - he also has it Afterwards no human eye was seen again.