Crispin Ridge (Translator)

Fairy Tales of Old Germany Volume 5 Crispin Ridge (Translator)

"Libussa" is astory which starts with a tree-elf who persuades a mortal to protect her oak tree from being cut down. They eventually marry and have three daughters, one of whom is the Libussa of the title. Although only half an elf, she stll has powerful magic, and the story tells how she uses it. "Ulrich with the Hump" involves a hen which lays golden eggs and an Italian enchantress, as well as a young man`s devotion to his lady-love. "Richilde" bears some resemblance to the tale of Snow-White, in that it involves a magic mirror. There are also dwarves, and some poisoned fruit, but the story is rather more complex.