Aslauga's Knight

Aslauga’s Knight is by Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué. Many years ago a noble knight called Froda, the friend of the Skalds, lived in the island of Fuhnen, and was so named because he not only offered free hospitality in his fair castle to every renowned and noble bard, but likewise strove with all his might to discover those ancient songs, and tales, and legends. A poor peasant woman wrapped in a grey mantle says she is the descendant of the mighty Rolf, to whom the fairest castles and forests and fields of this island once belonged, and that Froda’s castle and domains, amongst others, were his.

A gust of wind shakes the green wreaths and garlands so that they fall untwined and rustling, and the people, displeased with the pride of Hildegardis, think they behold an omen of punishment. Froda offers his hand for the torch-dance to a noble lady who stood the nearest to him, without farther observing her. Adorned with a radiant bridal crown of emeralds, Aslauga moves in solemn loveliness.