Lady Barbro of Brokind.[1](#xd32e2174)
by Herman Hofberg · from Swedish fairy tales
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Adapted Version
Long ago, there was a lady. Her name was Lady Barbro. She was not a kind lady. She lived in a big house. Many people worked for her. For doing wrong, she put them in a room. She locked the door. Then she put food on a table. She put water there too. They could not eat. They could not drink. The food was right there. But they could not reach it.
The people were very hungry. They were very thirsty. "Please help us!" they said. "We are so hungry!" Someone told Lady Barbro. "The people need help," they said. "They cannot eat." Lady Barbro did not listen. She did not care. "They have food," she said. "They have water. It is their fault." She walked away. She did not look back.
Then one day, Lady Barbro died. She was very old. They put her in a big church. They put her coffin in the ground. "Now she will rest," they said. People were glad. They hoped for peace.
But strange things happened. At night, people heard sounds. They heard bumps. They heard whispers. The big church was not quiet. People were scared. "Lady Barbro is not peaceful," they said. "We must move her coffin." They took it out. They moved it to another churchyard. They put it in the ground again.
But Lady Barbro was still not peaceful. Strange things happened again. People heard sounds at night. They saw strange lights. "What can we do?" they asked. "She is still not quiet." They were worried. Nobody knew what to do.
Then a Wise Man came. He was very old. He thought for a long time. "I have an idea," he said. "We must move her coffin again. We must take it far away. "Put it in a quiet place." People listened. They trusted the Wise Man. "Yes," they said. "We will try."
So they moved her coffin again. Two strong oxen pulled it. The oxen were big. They walked slowly. They pulled the coffin to a swamp. The swamp was dark. The swamp was quiet. They put her coffin deep down. "Now she will find peace," they said. The Wise Man nodded. "This is a good place," he said.
After that, people heard sounds. But the sounds were soft. The sounds were quiet. They came from the swamp. Lady Barbro was quiet for a while. The people were happy. "The Wise Man was right," they said. "She is peaceful now." Days went by. Nights were quiet. People felt safe again.
But after a long time, something happened. People saw a light. The light was in a big, empty house. It was Lady Barbro's old house. The light came at night. It went away in the morning. "Lady Barbro is back," they whispered. Her spirit was seen again. A soft light was in the empty house.
This story tells us: it is good to be kind. If you are not kind, you might not find peace, even later.
So, the light is still there. It reminds us to always be kind to everyone.
Original Story
Lady Barbro of Brokind.1
On the estate of Brokind, in the parish of Vardsnäs, dwelt, in days gone by, a rich and distinguished lady named Barbro, who was so hard-hearted and severe with her dependents that for the least transgression they were bound, their hands behind their backs, and cast into prison, where, to add to their misery, she caused a table, upon which a bountiful supply of food and drink was placed, to be spread before them, which, of course, bound as they were, they could not reach. Upon complaint being made to her that the prisoners were perishing from hunger and thirst, she would reply, laughingly: “They have both food and drink; if they will not partake of it the fault is theirs, not mine.”
Thus the prison at Brokind was known far and wide, and the spot where it stood is to this day called Kisthagen, in memory of it.
When Lady Barbro finally died she was buried in the grave with her forefathers, in the cathedral of Linköping, but this was followed by such ghostly disturbances that it became necessary to take her body up, when it was interred in the churchyard of Vardsnäs.
Neither was she at rest here, whereupon, at the suggestion of one of the wiser men of the community, her body was again taken up, and, drawn by a yoke of twin oxen, was conveyed to a swamp, where it was deposited and a pole thrust through both coffin and corpse. Ever after, at nightfall, an unearthly noise was heard in the swamp, and the cry of “Barbro, pole! Barbro, pole!”
The spirit was, for the time being, quieted, but, as with ghosts in all old places, it returned after a time, and often a light is seen in the large, uninhabited building at Brokind.
1 This story was found, after his death, among the papers of the lecturer, J. Vallman. The estate of Brokind, before it came into the possession of the family of Count Falkenberg, was owned, for about two centuries, by the family of Night and Day. It is probable that the Lady Barbro wrought into this legend is Lady Barbro, Erik’s daughter, wife of Senator Mons, Johnson Night and Day, though how she was made to play a part in the narrative is not known, as her body was not impaled in a swamp, but rests peacefully in an elegant grave in the cathedral of Linköping. ↑
Story DNA
Moral
Cruelty and injustice in life will lead to eternal unrest and suffering after death.
Plot Summary
Lady Barbro of Brokind was a notoriously cruel lady who tormented her prisoners by placing food just out of their reach. Upon her death, her spirit could not rest, causing ghostly disturbances after her burial in the cathedral and then in the churchyard. Finally, her body was exhumed, drawn by oxen to a swamp, and impaled with a pole to quiet her spirit. Though temporarily successful, her ghost eventually returned to haunt the Brokind estate, with a mysterious light often seen in the uninhabited building.
Themes
Emotional Arc
tyranny to supernatural consequence
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story is presented as a local legend tied to a specific estate (Brokind) and family (Night and Day), with a historical note suggesting a real Lady Barbro, though her actual fate differed from the legend.
Plot Beats (10)
- Lady Barbro, a rich and severe lady of Brokind, cruelly punishes her dependents by imprisoning them and placing food and drink before them that they cannot reach.
- She laughs off complaints about the prisoners starving, stating they have food and drink and their inability to partake is their own fault.
- The prison at Brokind becomes infamous, and the spot where it stood is named Kisthagen.
- Lady Barbro eventually dies and is buried in the cathedral of Linköping with her ancestors.
- Her burial is followed by such severe ghostly disturbances that her body must be exhumed.
- Her body is reinterred in the churchyard of Vardsnäs, but she still cannot rest.
- A wise man suggests a final solution, and her body is exhumed again.
- Her coffin and corpse are drawn by twin oxen to a swamp and impaled with a pole.
- After this, an unearthly noise and the cry of "Barbro, pole! Barbro, pole!" are heard nightly in the swamp, and her spirit is temporarily quieted.
- After some time, her ghost returns, and a light is often seen in the large, uninhabited building at Brokind.
Characters
Lady Barbro of Brokind ⚔ antagonist
A woman of imposing stature, likely tall and slender, with a severe countenance. Her build would suggest a life of privilege, not manual labor, possibly with a rigid posture that conveys her unyielding nature. Her skin, though not explicitly described, would likely be fair, consistent with a noblewoman of the era, perhaps with a stern set to her jaw.
Attire: Rich, dark-colored gowns made of heavy fabrics like velvet or brocade, possibly in deep greens, blues, or maroons, reflecting her wealth and stern disposition. Her dresses would feature a high neckline, long sleeves, and a fitted bodice, perhaps with a stiff ruff or a lace collar, consistent with Swedish noble fashion of the period. She would likely wear minimal, but expensive, jewelry, such as a single large pendant or a signet ring, emphasizing her status rather than adornment.
Wants: To maintain absolute control and authority over her dependents, and to assert her power through cruel and unusual punishments. She seems driven by a deep-seated malice.
Flaw: Her extreme cruelty and lack of compassion, which ultimately leads to her restless spirit and inability to find peace even in death.
She does not change in life, remaining cruel until her death. Her arc is one of posthumous consequence, as her spirit cannot find rest due to her past actions, leading to her body being exhumed multiple times and ultimately impaled.
Hard-hearted, severe, cruel, mocking, unyielding. She derives pleasure from the suffering of others and lacks empathy.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult noblewoman standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a sharp, angular face with thin, downturned lips and piercing grey eyes. Her dark brown hair is pulled back tightly into a severe bun. She wears a rich, dark green velvet gown with a high neckline, long sleeves, and a fitted bodice, adorned with a simple white lace collar. Her posture is rigid and imperious, with a stern, unyielding expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Prisoners ○ minor
Gaunt and weakened individuals, showing signs of starvation and despair. Their bodies would be thin and frail from lack of sustenance, and their faces etched with suffering. They would likely be of various builds, reflecting the common populace of a Swedish estate.
Attire: Simple, worn peasant clothing made of coarse linen or wool, likely dirty and tattered from their imprisonment. Colors would be muted, such as browns, greys, or undyed fabrics, typical of Swedish commoners of the period.
Wants: To survive, to eat and drink, to be freed from their torment.
Flaw: Physical incapacitation due to being bound, leading to starvation and inability to help themselves.
They suffer and perish due to Lady Barbro's cruelty.
Suffering, desperate, helpless.
Image Prompt & Upload
A gaunt adult peasant man, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has hollowed cheeks, sunken dark eyes, and unkempt brown hair. His hands are bound tightly behind his back. He wears a tattered, dirty grey linen tunic and worn brown trousers. His posture is hunched and weak, with an expression of profound despair and hunger. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Wiser Man of the Community ◆ supporting
An elderly man, likely of average height, with a lean build that suggests a life of thought rather than strenuous labor. His features would be softened by age, perhaps with a kindly but serious demeanor. His skin would be weathered, consistent with an older man living in a rural Swedish community.
Attire: Practical, respectable clothing suitable for an elder in a Swedish community of the period. This might include a dark wool tunic or coat over a linen shirt, sturdy trousers, and simple leather shoes. His attire would be clean and well-maintained, reflecting his respected status.
Wants: To bring peace to the community and to the restless spirit of Lady Barbro.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated, but perhaps a reliance on traditional, almost superstitious, methods to solve supernatural problems.
He provides the solution that temporarily quiets Lady Barbro's spirit, demonstrating his importance to the community.
Wise, practical, observant, problem-solver.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind, wrinkled face with wise, observant blue eyes. His hair is thin and white, and he has a short, neatly trimmed white beard. He wears a dark grey wool tunic over a simple white linen shirt, with sturdy brown trousers and practical leather shoes. His posture is calm and steady, with a thoughtful, serious expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Twin Oxen ○ minor
Large, powerful draft animals, identical in appearance. They would have strong, muscular bodies, broad shoulders, and sturdy legs, typical of oxen used for heavy labor. Their coats would be a uniform color, perhaps a deep brown or reddish-brown, with thick hides.
Attire: A heavy wooden yoke connecting them, possibly with leather straps, used for pulling. No other clothing.
Wants: To follow the commands of their handlers and pull the coffin.
Flaw: None explicitly stated; they are simply instruments.
They serve their purpose in transporting the coffin.
Strong, docile, obedient (to their task).
Image Prompt & Upload
Two identical, powerful adult oxen, standing side-by-side, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. They have muscular, reddish-brown coats, large placid faces with dark eyes, and strong, curved horns. A heavy wooden yoke connects their shoulders. Their posture is sturdy and strong, ready to pull. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Brokind Estate Prison (Kisthagen)
A dark, oppressive prison within the Brokind estate, known for its cruel conditions. A table laden with food and drink is placed just out of reach of the bound prisoners.
Mood: Cruel, despairing, tormenting, cold.
Lady Barbro's prisoners are tormented by unreachable food and drink, leading to their demise.
Image Prompt & Upload
A medieval Swedish prison cell, constructed from large, roughly cut grey stone blocks, with a heavy, bolted wooden door slightly ajar. In the center, a sturdy wooden table is laden with a feast of roasted meats, dark bread, and overflowing tankards, all just out of reach of a lone, emaciated prisoner slumped against the far wall, hands bound behind their back. A single, narrow slit window high on the wall casts a weak, cold light onto the damp, straw-covered stone floor. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Linköping Cathedral
A grand medieval cathedral, the initial burial place for Lady Barbro among her forefathers.
Mood: Solemn, sacred, but disturbed by ghostly presence.
Lady Barbro is first buried here, but her restless spirit causes disturbances, necessitating her re-interment.
Image Prompt & Upload
The interior of a grand medieval Swedish Gothic cathedral at night, with towering ribbed vaults and pointed arches soaring overhead. Moonlight streams faintly through high, narrow lancet windows, illuminating dust motes in the cool air. Ornate stone sarcophagi and memorial slabs line the flagstone floor, and the air feels heavy with ancient silence, disturbed only by an unseen, unsettling presence. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Vardsnäs Churchyard
A traditional Swedish churchyard surrounding a church, where Lady Barbro was re-interred after being removed from the cathedral.
Mood: Somber, exposed, still disturbed.
Lady Barbro's body is moved here, but her spirit remains restless, leading to a final, more drastic solution.
Image Prompt & Upload
A desolate Swedish churchyard at night, with weathered, moss-covered gravestones tilted at various angles amidst sparse, frost-kissed grass. Ancient, gnarled birch trees with stark white bark stand sentinel, their bare branches silhouetted against a cloudy, moonlit sky. A narrow, winding dirt path leads towards a dark, simple wooden church in the distance, its windows unlit. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Swamp (Kisthagen)
A desolate, murky swamp, the final resting place for Lady Barbro's impaled body. It is a place of unearthly noises.
Mood: Eerie, desolate, cursed, haunted.
Lady Barbro's body is impaled here, finally quieting her spirit, though her cries are still heard at nightfall.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, desolate Swedish swamp at deep night, shrouded in thick, swirling mist that clings to the surface of the dark, stagnant water. Gnarled, skeletal tree trunks, stripped bare of leaves, rise eerily from the murky depths, their reflections distorted. Clusters of tall, brown reeds and cattails line the edges of the water, and the air is heavy with cold dampness. In the foreground, a rough wooden pole is driven deep into the bog, piercing a barely visible, waterlogged coffin. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
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