17th Dec 2024
Once upon a time, in a town near the sea, a merchant sighed, "Oh, how I wish my ships had not sunk!" He walked heavily to his small plot of land. His little son, Heinel, ran to him and hugged his legs. Yet, the merchant didn’t notice the small, rough-looking black dwarf standing nearby, who asked, "Why so sorrowful, friend?" The merchant sighed deeper, feeling lost after his great loss of wealth.
?alt=media&token=aee94877-6dfc-4198-b9fe-d63a48678095)
The black dwarf said, "I can help if you bring me whatever meets you at home in twelve years. Do we have a deal?" The merchant thought it silly and agreed, not thinking of Heinel, who was laughing in delight at his father's return. "It will only be a pet, I'm sure!" he reassured himself.
?alt=media&token=66c14363-e42f-4328-98f4-fc2e84446ad8)
Time flew by, and soon the day of reckoning approached. The merchant, now wealthy again, felt heavy in his heart. One evening, Heinel asked, "Father, why do you look so sad?" The merchant hesitated, then said, "I sold you to a dwarf for gold. I never meant to!" Heinel patted his father’s arm, saying, "Don't worry, I will handle it!"
?alt=media&token=a5d30b5c-5e89-4a56-a175-2614eab42fc9)
The day arrived, and the dwarf appeared. He walked around the circle drawn by Heinel. "What do you want?" Heinel asked boldly. The dwarf grinned, "I want what your father agreed to!" Heinel replied, "You have to come into our circle first!" The dwarf hesitated, afraid to enter.
?alt=media&token=b6565461-5d52-4d19-8da1-757d633abf2f)
The dwarf's heart raced as they talked, both sides reaching a lasting deal. They decided Heinel would go in a boat on the sea, to escape the dwarf. Heinel waved goodbye to his father, who pushed the boat away. Then the waves rocked the boat as Heinel sailed away, unsure of what lay ahead.
?alt=media&token=bddc9d3c-f2f9-4f9d-aa3a-d3eea80db0a8)
The ocean carried Heinel to a strange land with a grand castle. Inside, he found a white snake, who told him, "You must protect me from twelve men who will come for you. Endure their trials, and I will reward you with the Water of Life." Heinel nodded and prepared himself, ready for any challenge.
?alt=media&token=b1e4b0f8-af62-4e15-bbb1-6c24cb0cccbd)
As the days passed, the twelve men came, but Heinel stayed silent and strong, facing their torment with bravery until they left. On the final night, a princess appeared and whispered, "You did it! You are free now!" Their joy echoed in the castle as they celebrated and Heinel was crowned the King of the Golden Mountain!
?alt=media&token=8ec8450e-054d-4da0-b98d-4685c7966883)
Heinel soon married the princess and they had a son. After eight happy years, Heinel longed to see his father, but his wife warned, "Misfortune will follow!" She gave him a wishing ring, saying, "Only use this wisely!" Heinel promised and wished himself home.
?alt=media&token=f8d9ec7e-c007-4dd2-82ba-820164fb11c5)
Arriving before his father’s house, Heinel, clad in a shepherd's frock, was unrecognized. The merchant thought his only son was long lost. Heinel revealed the raspberry mark on his arm, and soon all was explained. But he wished for his wife and son to visit, forgetting his promise! They appeared at his side but anxiety filled the queen's heart.
?alt=media&token=6e1007d0-f026-4b8e-b1d5-5ae819a3c08d)
In anger, she slipped away with their son, and Heinel realized he'd broken his word. Alone, he embarked on a journey. He met three giants and demonstrated cleverness with magic items. Gaining powerful boots, a cloak, and a sword, he swiftly returned to the Golden Mountain to confront his untrustful queen.
?alt=media&token=be7d104a-57a1-4ec3-ba63-748cc7baad9f)
Back in the castle, Heinel hid and caused her to feel regret. When he revealed himself, the nobles mocked. But without hesitation, he declared to the traitors, "Heads Off!" At those words, the enemies fell, and Heinel reclaimed his throne, proving that love, bravery, and cleverness can always overcome the darkest sorrows.
