A Christmas Legend by Oliver Herford
The narrative unfolds in a mystical setting where a holy friar kneels beneath an ancient oak tree to pray. During his prayers, he hears a voice emanating from the tree, pleading for release. Initially wary, the friar is compelled by the voice's sorrowful tone and eventually discovers a beautiful maiden trapped within the tree, cursed for a century. The maiden reveals that she can only be freed by a kiss from a holy man. Despite his vows, the friar, moved by compassion, decides to kiss her, breaking his promise. Immediately after the kiss, the maiden vanishes, leaving the friar in turmoil over his perceived sin. He prays for a sign to determine his fate. In response, the oak tree miraculously blooms, producing pale green branches adorned with white berries, symbolizing forgiveness and the sanctity of love. The friar shares his story, leading to the tradition that any man may kiss a maiden beneath the mistletoe without fear of reproach, celebrating love and redemption.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1911 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Christmas · 462 words
First lines
Beneathe an ancient oake one daye A holye friar kneeled to praye; Scarce hadde he mumbled Aves three, When lo! a voice within the tree!
Straighte to the friar's hearte it wente, A voice as of some spirit pente Within the hollow of the tree, That cried, "Good father, sette me free!"
What this Textopian page supports
A Christmas Legend is listed on Textopian as a short story by Oliver Herford, dated 1911 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Poetry, Christmas, Legend, Romance
- Length: 462 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Christmas Legend by Oliver Herford
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Christmas Legend?
- How does this short story by Oliver Herford fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The story involves magical elements, such as a ghostly maiden and an enchanted oak, which are central to the plot.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing a lyrical style that is characteristic of poetry.
- Christmas — The title and themes revolve around Christmas traditions, particularly the mistletoe and its associated customs.
- Legend — The narrative has the qualities of a legend, conveying moral lessons and cultural beliefs.
Tags
Fiction · Short Story · Christmas · Legend · Fantasy · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Poetic Prose · Symbolism · Allegory · Mythology