Legend of Sagenfeld, in Germany
In a peaceful, idyllic kingdom in Germany, a young king named Hubert ascends the throne after the death of his father. The kingdom is characterized by tranquility and a lack of ambition or strife. A prophecy foretells that in Hubert's fourteenth year, an animal whose song pleases him will save his life, and the kingdom will prosper as long as this animal is honored. The king must choose wisely, as an incorrect choice could lead to dire consequences. As the king approaches his thirteenth year, the court debates the prophecy's meaning, ultimately deciding that Hubert should select the animal in advance. An edict is issued, summoning all singing creatures to the palace for a selection ceremony. During the event, the king struggles to choose among the many beautiful singers, growing increasingly anxious about the potential repercussions of his decision. Amidst the chaos, a peasant girl enters with her donkey, claiming its braying is the sweetest music. The court dismisses her, and she is sent away in disgrace. After much deliberation, the king finally chooses the nightingale, believing it to be the best option. The kingdom rejoices, and the nightingale is declared sacred, with laws established to protect it. However, the king's fondness for hunting leads him into a forest where he becomes lost and suffers a broken leg after a fall. Alone and in pain, he hears the nightingale's song but finds no rescue. As despair sets in, he begins to doubt his choice. In his weakened state, he hears the thrush and then the linnet, but neither brings help. Ultimately, he resigns himself to death. On the third day, he hears the familiar braying of the donkey, which he now believes to be the true savior as foretold by the prophecy. The donkey arrives, and the king manages to mount it, leading him back to the peasant girl who cares for him. Upon recovery, the king declares the donkey sacred, replaces the nightingale's statues with those of the donkey, and promises to make the peasant girl his queen when she comes of age. This legend explains the enduring presence of donkey imagery in the kingdom and the tradition of beginning important proclamations with the donkey's braying. The story serves as a satirical commentary on the nature of wisdom and leadership, illustrating how true value can be found in unexpected places.
By Mark Twain · First published 1880 · Genre: Fantasy, Satire, Fable · 2,646 words
First lines
[Left out of "A Tramp Abroad" because its authenticity seemed doubtful, and could not at that time be proved. -- M. T.]
More than a thousand years ago this small district was a kingdom -- a little bit of a kingdom, a sort of dainty little toy kingdom, as one might say. It was far removed from the jealousies, strifes, and turmoils of that old warlike day, and so its life was a simple life, its people a gentle and guileless race; it lay always in a deep dream of peace, a soft Sabbath tranquillity; there was no malice, there was no envy, there was no ambition, consequently there were no heart-burnings, there was no unhappiness in the land.
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Legend of Sagenfeld, in Germany is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mark Twain, dated 1880 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Mark Twain
- Date: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Satire, Fable, Adventure, Children's Literature
- Length: 2,646 words
- Structure: 1 section, 37 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Fantasy — The story features a mythical kingdom, prophecies, and talking animals, characteristic of the fantasy genre.
- Satire — The narrative critiques societal norms and governance through humor and absurdity, typical of Twain's satirical style.
- Fable — The moral lessons conveyed through animal characters and their interactions align with the fable genre.
- Adventure — The king's journey and trials in the forest provide elements of adventure.
Tags
Fantasy · Adventure · Historical Fiction · German Culture · Medieval Setting · Chivalry · Knights · Magic · Mythology · Folklore · Coming of Age · Self Discovery