Ljungby Horn and Pipe.[1](#xd32e1317)
by Herman Hofberg
](https://xmoj.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpustaka.org%2Flibrary-files%2Fenglish%2Fherman_hofberg%2Fswedish_fairy_tales%2Fljungby_horn_and_pipe_1_xd32e1317%2Fimages%2Fcover%2Fcover_001.png&w=800&h=1064&fit=cover&output=webp&q=80)
The Magic Horn and the Trolls
Lady Cissela lived in a big house. She heard sounds from a big stone. She heard singing and laughter. Lady Cissela was curious. She asked a young man to go. He must see the Troll party. She promised him a fast horse.
The Young Man was brave. He went to the big stone. The stone moved up a little. He saw many small Trolls. They had a party. They danced and sang. A Troll Woman came to him. She held a special horn. She held a little pipe. She gave them to him.
The Troll Woman told him to drink. The Young Man was smart. He threw the drink away. He took the horn and pipe. He ran very fast. The Trolls saw him. They chased him. They shouted loudly. But he was too quick. He got away.
The Young Man came home. He gave the horn to Lady Cissela. He gave her the pipe. Then he felt very sick. His horse also felt sick. They could not stay there. They went away. No one saw them again. The Trolls were sad. This made bad things happen.
Old Lady Anna lived in the big house. She was in her bed. One night, she woke up. Five small Trolls stood there. They looked very sad. They cried, "Give us our horn and pipe!" Old Lady Anna heard their sad words.
A few nights passed. The big Troll King came. Many Troll friends were with him. He had a new, shiny horn. He stood near Old Lady Anna. He said, "Give us our old horn. Take this new one." He wanted his horn.
Old Lady Anna was brave. She said, "No, I won't give them." She told the Trolls to go away. The Troll King looked very sad. All the Trolls looked sad. They walked away slowly. They were very quiet. They left the house.
The horn and pipe stayed at the house. No one took them far away again. People knew they were very special. They knew to leave them alone. This was a story everyone remembered. It is not good to take things. Things that do not belong to you. Sometimes, bad things can happen. Respect what is not yours.
Original Story
Ljungby Horn and Pipe.[1](#xd32e1317)
On the estates of Ljungby there lies a large stone called Maglestone, under which the Trolls, in olden times, were wont to assemble and, with dancing and games, celebrate their Christmas.
One Christmas night Lady Cissela Ulfstand, sitting in her mansion, listening to the merry-making of the Trolls under the stone, and curious to have a better knowledge of these mysterious mountain people, assembled her menservants and promised the best horse in her stables to him who would ride to Maglestone, at Vesper hour, and bring her a full account of the doings there.
One of her swains, a daring young fellow, accepted the offer, and a little later set out on his way. Arriving at the stone, he discovered it lifted from the ground, supported on pillars of gold, and under it the Trolls in the midst of their revelry.
Upon discovering the horseman a young Troll woman, leaving the others, approached him bearing a drinking horn and pipe. These, upon reaching his side, she placed in the young man’s hand, with directions to first drink from the horn to the health of the Mountain King, then blow three times on the pipe, at the same time whispering some words of caution in his ears, whereupon he threw the contents of the horn over his shoulder and set off at the utmost speed, over fields and meadows, toward home. The Trolls followed him closely with great clamor, but he flew before them across the drawbridge, which was at once pulled up, and proceeded to place the horn and pipe in the hands of his mistress.
Outside, across the moat, the Trolls now stood, promising Lady Cissela great happiness and riches if she would return to them their horn and pipe, and declaring that, otherwise, great misfortune and destruction would overtake her and her family, and that it should go especially hard with the young man who had dared to deprive them of the precious articles. True to the predictions, the young man died on the third day thereafter and the horse which he rode fell dead a day later.
During the war of 1645 Field Marshal Gustaf Horn, whose headquarters were at Fjelkinge, having heard this story, and wishing to see the horn and pipe, requested that they be brought to him. The possessor, Axel Gyllerstierna, who then owned Ljungby, forwarded them, accompanied with earnest prayers that they be returned to him as soon as possible. Horn’s curiosity was soon satisfied, and he felt no desire to retain them longer in his possession, for while he did he was disturbed every night by unseemly noises about his quarters, which ceased, when, under the escort of a company of cavalry, he sent them back to Ljungby.
Ten years later there took place a still more wonderful circumstance. Henrik Nilsson, the priest at Ljungby, borrowed the strange articles for the purpose of showing them to his brothers-in-law who were then visiting him. During the night the priest’s mother-in-law, Lady Anna Conradi, who was one of the family, was awakened by the light of a candle in her room. The bed curtains were drawn back and upon her bed a basket was dropped wherein sat five small children, who in chorus set up a cry:
“O you, who are noted for your kindness, please return to us our horn!”
To her question why they desired it and what value it had to them, they answered:
“For our people’s sake.”
When she would no longer listen to their pleading they departed, saying they would come again three nights later.
On Thursday night, and the third following their first visit, there was again a light in her room. When Lady Anna drew back the bed curtain she discovered her chamber occupied by a great number of little men, and among them the Troll King himself, approaching her under a canopy of silver cloth upheld on silver poles borne by four servants. His skin was a dark brown and his hair, of which only a tuft was left on his forehead and one by each ear, black and woolly. Softly he neared the bed, holding forth a horn richly adorned with gold chains and massive gold buttons, which he proffered the lady in exchange for the genuine horn. But she was not to be persuaded, and consigned them to God, if they belonged to him, and to the devil, if they were his offspring, whereupon the Trolls quietly and sorrowfully departed.
Soon thereafter it was reported that a peasant’s child had been carried off by the Trolls. By means of ringing the church bells it was, however, returned to its mother. The boy related that the Trolls were not pretty, but had large noses and mouths; that the man under Maglestone was called Klausa and his wife Otta. That they sucked the moisture from the food of mankind and so sustained themselves; that they obeyed one king; that they were often at variance with each other, also, that they spoke the language of the country. Lord Chancellor Coyet, who published, “A Narrative of Ljungby Horn and Pipe,” dated February 11, 1692, says that he knew this boy, who was then twenty-seven years old, also his mother, but admits that both were disposed to superstition and that their understandings were as feeble as their bodies.
---
[1](#xd32e1317src) Both of these Troll treasures are now preserved at Ljungby and are willingly shown to curious travelers. The horn is in the form of a half circle and adorned with silver mountings. The pipe is of ivory, made so that it may be blown from either end, and the sound from it is a single piercing note.
When Lady Oellegard Gyllerstierna, who inherited Ljungby, married Cay Lycke, she took the horn and pipe with her to Denmark. The evil that soon befell Lycke was regarded by many as the consequence of Troll curses, which followed him who took the articles from Ljungby. From Lycke the horn came into the possession of Lord Axel Juul, whose widow presented it to the Chancellor, Ove Juul. His son sent it to the Danish minister, Luxdorf. Since 1691 the horn and pipe have remained continuously at Ljungby.
In all quarters of the country similar legends are current, more or less founded upon the Ljungby legend.
As late as the present year (1888) the translator met a gentleman, recently from Sweden, and from the province in which Ljungby is located, who states that the horn is still in the possession of the owners of the Ljungby estate, and that this story concerning it is still current and quite generally believed. [↑](#xd32e1317src "Return to note 1 in text.")
Moral of the Story
Interfering with the supernatural can bring misfortune and is best avoided.
Characters
Lady Cissela Ulfstand ◆ supporting
A woman of noble bearing, likely of average height and a slender build, consistent with a lady of a Swedish estate in olden times. Her features would be refined, reflecting her aristocratic status.
Attire: A formal, dark-colored gown made of heavy fabric like wool or velvet, possibly in deep blue or green, with a high collar and long sleeves, indicative of Swedish noble fashion of the 17th century. She might wear a simple, elegant necklace or brooch.
Wants: To understand the mysterious mountain people (Trolls) and to possess their magical artifacts.
Flaw: Her curiosity and desire for possession lead to misfortune for others.
She instigates the central conflict by sending a servant to the Trolls, leading to a series of misfortunes and the permanent possession of the horn and pipe, but she herself does not undergo significant personal change.
Curious, daring (in her requests), authoritative, resolute (in not returning the items).
The Daring Young Swain ★ protagonist
A robust and agile young man, likely of average height and a strong, lean build, accustomed to physical labor on an estate. His features would be rugged and youthful.
Attire: Practical, sturdy clothing suitable for a servant in 17th-century Sweden: a coarse linen shirt, a wool vest, breeches, and simple leather boots. Colors would be muted, like browns, grays, and undyed linen.
Wants: To win the best horse in the stables and to fulfill his mistress's request.
Flaw: His bravery leads him to defy the Trolls, resulting in his death.
He embarks on a dangerous mission, successfully retrieves the items, but dies as a consequence of defying the Trolls.
Daring, brave, quick-thinking, obedient (to his mistress).
The Young Troll Woman ◆ supporting
Likely smaller than a human, with features that are distinctively non-human but not necessarily grotesque in this initial encounter. Perhaps a more earthy or ancient appearance, reflecting her connection to the stone.
Attire: Simple, earthy garments, perhaps woven from natural fibers or moss, in muted greens, browns, or grays, reflecting her connection to the earth and the stone. No elaborate adornments.
Wants: To trick the human into a magical oath or to curse him for his intrusion.
Flaw: Her magical instructions are easily subverted by the quick-witted swain.
She initiates the magical interaction with the human, setting in motion the events that lead to the Trolls' curse.
Deceptive, alluring, cunning, observant.
The Troll King ⚔ antagonist
A powerful and ancient Troll, larger and more imposing than the other Trolls. His skin is described as 'dark brown', suggesting an earthy, rugged texture. His build would be stocky and strong.
Attire: Regal attire, but still reflecting his earthy nature. Perhaps a tunic of dark, rich fabric, possibly adorned with natural elements or rough-hewn gold. He is under a 'canopy of silver cloth upheld on silver poles', indicating his status.
Wants: To reclaim the genuine horn and pipe, which are vital for his people.
Flaw: Cannot force humans to return the items, relies on persuasion and threats.
He attempts to reclaim the items through negotiation, but fails, solidifying the Trolls' curse on the human family.
Regal, persistent, sorrowful (when refused), powerful, cunning.
Lady Anna Conradi ◆ supporting
An elderly woman, likely with a frail but determined presence, consistent with a mother-in-law in a Swedish priest's household.
Attire: A modest but well-maintained nightgown of white or cream linen, possibly with a simple cap, as she is awakened in her bed. Her everyday attire would be a dark, practical dress of wool or linen.
Wants: To protect her family and resist the Trolls' demands, relying on her faith.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, her faith seems to be her strength.
She is tested by the Trolls' pleas and threats but remains steadfast, preventing the return of the items and demonstrating human resilience against magical influence.
Kind (as noted by the Trolls), resolute, pious, brave, inquisitive.
Henrik Nilsson ○ minor
A man of clerical profession, likely of average build and height, with a serious demeanor.
Attire: A dark, simple cassock or clerical robe, indicative of a 17th-century Swedish priest. Practical and unadorned.
Wants: To show the strange articles to his brothers-in-law, driven by curiosity.
Flaw: His curiosity leads to the Trolls' visit to his household.
His actions indirectly lead to the Trolls' second attempt to reclaim their items, but he does not undergo personal change.
Curious, perhaps a bit reckless (in borrowing the items), trusting (of his family).
Klausa ○ minor
A Troll, described as not pretty, with a large nose and mouth. Likely stocky and earthy in appearance, consistent with the description of Trolls in general.
Attire: Simple, rough garments made of natural materials, reflecting his underground dwelling.
Wants: To sustain himself by sucking moisture from human food.
Flaw: Vulnerable to church bells.
No personal arc, serves to provide information about Troll nature.
Implied to be part of the general Troll community, with their characteristic mischievousness and occasional variance.
Otta ○ minor
A Troll, described as not pretty, with a large nose and mouth. Likely stocky and earthy in appearance, consistent with the description of Trolls in general.
Attire: Simple, rough garments made of natural materials, reflecting her underground dwelling.
Wants: To sustain herself by sucking moisture from human food.
Flaw: Vulnerable to church bells.
No personal arc, serves to provide information about Troll nature.
Implied to be part of the general Troll community, with their characteristic mischievousness and occasional variance.
Locations
Maglestone (Troll Assembly Site)
A large, ancient stone, temporarily lifted from the ground and supported by pillars of gold, revealing a subterranean space where Trolls hold their revelry. The ground beneath is likely earthy or rocky, illuminated by an unseen light source that highlights the dancing Trolls.
Mood: Mysterious, festive, eerie, magical
The young swain observes the Trolls' Christmas revelry and receives the horn and pipe from a Troll woman.
Lady Cissela Ulfstand's Mansion (Ljungby Estate)
A grand Swedish manor house, likely a stone or timber-framed building with multiple stories, featuring a drawbridge and a surrounding moat. Inside, it would have large rooms, possibly with fireplaces and heavy furnishings, reflecting the wealth of a noble family in the 17th century. The interior is warm and well-lit by candles or hearth fire.
Mood: Secure, grand, tense, later sorrowful
Lady Cissela sends her swain to Maglestone; the swain returns with the horn and pipe, barely escaping the Trolls. Later, the Trolls stand outside, demanding their items back.
Priest Henrik Nilsson's Home (Ljungby)
A modest but comfortable home, likely a traditional Swedish timber house, with a bedroom containing a bed with curtains. The room is initially dark, then illuminated by a mysterious candle-like light. It's a private, intimate space where supernatural events unfold.
Mood: Eerie, mysterious, intimate, unsettling
Lady Anna Conradi is visited by small Troll children and later by the Troll King himself, who attempts to exchange a fake horn for the genuine one.
Story DNA
Moral
Interfering with the supernatural can bring misfortune and is best avoided.
Plot Summary
Lady Cissela Ulfstand's curiosity about local Trolls leads a servant to steal their magical horn and pipe, resulting in his death and a curse on the family. The artifacts continue to bring misfortune to anyone who possesses or removes them from Ljungby, as demonstrated by Field Marshal Gustaf Horn's experience and the Trolls' direct pleas to Lady Anna Conradi for their return. Despite the Trolls' attempts, including an offer from their King, the items remain with the Ljungby estate, perpetuating the legend and the Trolls' sorrow.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to fear to resignation
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story incorporates specific historical figures and dates (Lady Cissela Ulfstand, Field Marshal Gustaf Horn in 1645, Axel Gyllerstierna, Henrik Nilsson, Lord Chancellor Coyet in 1692), blurring the line between legend and historical account to lend credibility.
Plot Beats (11)
- Lady Cissela Ulfstand, hearing Trolls under Maglestone, offers a reward for a servant to observe their Christmas revelry.
- A young swain accepts the challenge, finds the Trolls under the lifted stone, and is approached by a Troll woman offering a horn and pipe.
- The swain, warned by the Troll woman, throws the horn's contents over his shoulder and flees with the items, pursued by the Trolls.
- He delivers the horn and pipe to Lady Cissela, but dies three days later, and his horse dies a day after, fulfilling the Trolls' curse.
- Years later, Field Marshal Gustaf Horn borrows the items, experiences nightly disturbances, and quickly returns them to Ljungby.
- Ten years after that, Priest Henrik Nilsson borrows the items to show his brothers-in-law.
- His mother-in-law, Lady Anna Conradi, is awakened by five small Troll children pleading for the return of their horn.
- Three nights later, the Troll King, accompanied by many Trolls, appears to Lady Anna, offering a substitute horn for the genuine one.
- Lady Anna refuses the exchange, consigning the Trolls to God or the devil, and they depart sorrowfully.
- A peasant child is later abducted by Trolls but returned after church bells are rung; the child describes the Trolls and their customs.
- The story concludes with notes on the horn and pipe's continued presence at Ljungby, their journey to Denmark causing misfortune, and the enduring belief in the legend.
