Norwegische Volksmährchen vol. 2 gesammelt von P. Asbjörnsen und Jörgen Moe

A modest volume gathers a lively assortment of Norwegian folk tales, rendered into German with a gentle, scholarly touch. The stories range from whimsical animal adventures to daring exploits of clever youths, each echoing the rugged landscape and mysterious spirit of the North. With concise language and vivid imagery, the collection invites listeners to wander through enchanted forests, towering mountains, and hidden valleys, discovering the timeless morals and humor that have been passed down through generations.

The opening tale follows a poor young man who accepts a king’s challenge to guard seven flocks for a single day, hoping to win a princess and half a kingdom. As fatigue sets in, he encounters an enigmatic old woman in a mountain gorge who offers a surprising shortcut. By trusting her counsel, he returns with a simple proof of what the flocks have eaten and drunk, setting the stage for the king’s reaction and the boy’s fate. The story showcases the blend of wit and wonder that characterizes the whole anthology.