Over the gate of the Castle of Stolzenfels is the figure of a Raven¹. It has been there for several hundred years. It was placed there in gratitude² for the help a pet raven had rendered the Princess at a time when she was in great danger.

Othmar and Williswind were brother and sister. Since the death of their parents they had lived together in the beautiful castle, and had grown to love each other dearly. They were always together.

The time came when war broke out, and Othmar was called away. His going grieved Williswind sorely. Now she would have no one but the servants with her in the great Castle.

“My dear brother,” she exclaimed, “what shall I do without you?”

[94]“Sister mine,” replied Othmar, “I grieve to leave you thus alone, but you know it is impossible for me to do otherwise.”

Othmar took with him all the able bodied men. Only the old men, women and children were left at home to protect his sister.

In those days many lawless robber knights³ roamed through the forests, doing whatever pleased them. Afraid of these, Williswind ordered that the Castle gates should be kept closed all the time.

One evening as she sat in the great hall of the Castle with her servants about her, a trumpet⁵ sounded at the gate. The women stopped their spinning, and the men ceased their polishing of arms and armor. The Warder entered announcing that there was a pilgrim at the gate begging for shelter.

“Admit him at once,” said Williswind.

In a few moments the Warder returned, accompanied by the pilgrim.

[95]“Be welcome to our cheer, stranger. Such as we have we give freely,” said Williswind.

“Thanks, fair lady, for your kindness,” replied the stranger, glancing about the room.

The pilgrim was clad in worn garments, yet did not seem like a beggar. At times cruelty and cunning appeared in his face. Secretly he looked about as if to examine every part of the castle. His strange manner caused Williswind great uneasiness. The thought came to her that he might possibly be a robber knight⁴ in disguise.

In the morning, however, the pilgrim departed peaceably, and the young princess felt calm once more. The days passed quietly by and Williswind began to look forward to her brother’s return. One morning the pilgrim suddenly returned, but not this time in pilgrims garments. He was clad in full armor, and came with a large number of

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