The Lady of Pintorp.[1](#xd32e2556)
by Herman Hofberg · from Swedish fairy tales
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Adapted Version
Once there was a lady. Her name was Lady Pintorp. She was not kind. She was very mean.
One day, a man was late. Lady Pintorp was very angry. "Cut the big tree!" she said. "Bring it here now! Or I take your home." The man was very sad. He did not know what to do.
The man went to the woods. He met a kind old man. "Do not be sad," said the old man. "Cut the tree. Then sit on it."
The man cut the big tree. He sat on it. The tree began to move! It moved very fast. Magic helped it go. It went to the castle.
Lady Pintorp saw the tree. But she was not happy. She was very angry. "You go to dark room!" she said.
Then the ground shook. A big shake! A black cart came. A man in black got out. He was very tall. "Come with me," he said.
Lady Pintorp was scared. "Give me more time!" she said. "No," said the man. He gave her a little time. "My helpers come too," she said. He said yes.
They all got in the cart. It went very, very fast. It was gone.
They came to a big castle. The man took her nice clothes. He gave her old, rough clothes. He combed her hair very rough.
Then he made her dance. She gave her gold ring to the maid. It felt very hot. She danced again. She gave her keys to the maid. They felt very hot too. She danced one more time.
Then a big hole opened. Lady Pintorp fell in. She was gone.
The man told helpers, "Go home now." But do not look back."
They got in the cart. It went fast. But the maid looked back! The cart was gone. The road was gone. They were in a dark forest. They walked for a very long time.
It is not good to be mean. Always be kind to others.
Original Story
The Lady of Pintorp.1
What is now the country seat of Eriksberg, with its castle-like buildings among parks and gardens, was once an estate called Pintorp, upon which tradition has fixed the melancholy story of “The Lady of Pintorp.”
At Pintorp, so goes the story, lived a nobleman who, at his death, yet a young man, left his goods and estates to his widow. Instead of proving a good mistress to her numerous dependents, she impoverished them in all possible ways and treated them with the greatest cruelty. Under the castle she had deep cells, the terrors of which, on the slightest provocation, many a poor innocent creature was made to experience. She would set vicious dogs on beggars and children, and he who was not at his work at a fixed hour could be certain that he would go home in the evening with his back well lashed.
Early one morning the Lady of Pintorp stood on the castle steps watching the people congregate for the day’s work. Noticing an unfortunate fellow a little behind time, she flew into a rage, pouring upon him a flood of abuse and curses, and in punishment commanded him to fell the largest oak to be found upon the estate, and to carry it, before evening, uncut, top foremost, to the garden. If he failed to execute the command fully and punctually he was to be mercilessly driven from the estate and all his possessions confiscated.
Pondering over his sentence the man went to the woods where he met an old man who inquired why he looked so sad.
“Because I am done for, if the Lord does not come to my aid,” sighed the unfortunate fellow, and informed the old man what a task his mistress had put upon him.
“Don’t be uneasy,” said the stranger, “but chop that oak, then set yourself upon the trunk, when Erik Gyllerstierna and Svante Baner will draw it to the castle.”
The peasant, as he was instructed, began to cut the tree, which fell with a great crash at the third blow of his ax. Taking his seat upon the trunk, the tree at once began to move as if drawn by horses. The speed was soon so great that opposing fences and gates were brushed aside like straws, and in a short time the oak had arrived at the designated spot in the castle yard. Just as the tree top struck the castle gate one of the invisible haulers stumbled, and a voice was heard to say, “What, you on your knees, Svante?”
The lady who was standing upon the steps at the time understood, without anything further, who had been the laborer’s helpers, but instead of repenting she began to swear, scold and in the end, to threaten the man with imprisonment. Hereupon there was an earthquake which shook the walls of the castle, and a black carriage drawn by two black horses stood in the castle yard. A handsome man dressed in black stepped from the carriage, bowed to the lady and bade her prepare to follow him. Tremblingly—for she knew well who the stranger was—she begged him to let her remain three years yet; to this the visitor would not consent. She begged for three months; this was also denied her, and at last she prayed for three days, then three hours, but was allowed only three minutes in which to dispose of her household affairs.
When she saw that prayers availed her nothing she asked him to, at least, allow her curate, chambermaid and house servants to go with her on the journey. This was granted, so they entered the carriage, which was instantly under way and went off at such a speed that the people who stood in the yard saw nothing but a black streak behind it.
When the lady and her followers had ridden some time they came to a lighted castle, up the steps of which the black gentleman conducted them. Arriving in the hall, he deprived the lady of her rich clothes and gave her instead a coarse gown and wooden shoes. Next he combed her hair three times with such a vengeance that the blood streamed from her head, and concluded by dancing with her three times until her shoes were filled with blood.
After the first dance she asked permission to give her gold ring to her chamberlain, whose fingers were burned by it as with fire. After the second dance she gave the chambermaid her key ring, which scorched her fingers as if glowing iron. At the termination of the third dance a trap in the floor opened and the woman vanished in a cloud of smoke and flames.
The priest who stood nearest peeped with curiosity into the opening where the woman had gone down, when a spark came up from below and hit him in the eye so that thereafter he had but one eye.
When all was over the gentleman in black gave the servants permission to return home, but with strong injunctions not to look back. Hurriedly they sprang into the carriage. The way was broad and straight, and the horses galloped with great speed, but the chambermaid could not control her curiosity, and looked back. Instantly the carriage, horses, even the road disappeared and the travelers found themselves in a wild forest, where they wandered three years before finding their way back to Pintorp.
1 The chief character in this narrative is the wife of President and Senator Erik Gyllerstierna, Beata Yxkull, to whom the name of Lady Pintorpa is given. As far as can be judged from the best accounts obtainable, Lady Beata was a woman of unusual understanding, decision and power. It is quite possible that in her exactions and treatment of her servants and dependents she may have sometimes been unreasonably severe, and that therefore she did not command their love. It is certain that the stories of her inhuman conduct and tragical end are of a later date than her generation, and that this is a localization of a similar German legend.
The opinion is ever hazarded that Beata Yxkull came to play a part in this gruesome myth, alone because of the name of the estate, Pintorp, which our uncritical story-tellers have credulously taken for granted, was derived from Pina—to tease—though good grounds exist for the belief that the estate took its name from the family of Pinaur, who, in former days, resided thereon. ↑
Story DNA
Moral
Cruelty and abuse of power will inevitably lead to a terrible and inescapable reckoning.
Plot Summary
The Lady of Pintorp, a cruel noblewoman, abuses her dependents. When she sets an impossible task for a peasant, he receives supernatural aid to complete it. Enraged, the Lady is confronted by a man in black (the Devil) who has come to claim her. After futile pleas, she is taken to a dark castle, stripped of her finery, tormented, and ultimately dragged into a fiery abyss. Her accompanying servants are allowed to return but are warned not to look back; one disobeys and they are lost in a forest for three years.
Themes
Emotional Arc
tyranny to terror to damnation
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story is noted to be a localization of a German legend, with the character of 'Lady Pintorpa' (Beata Yxkull) likely being associated due to the estate's name and possibly a reputation for severity, rather than actual inhuman conduct.
Plot Beats (14)
- The Lady of Pintorp, a cruel widow, inherits her husband's estate and abuses her servants and dependents.
- She punishes a tardy peasant by ordering him to fell the largest oak and carry it, uncut, to the garden by evening, threatening confiscation and banishment if he fails.
- The despairing peasant meets an old man who instructs him to cut the oak and sit on the trunk, promising help.
- The peasant follows instructions, and the oak is miraculously drawn to the castle by invisible forces, revealed to be Erik Gyllerstierna and Svante Baner.
- The Lady, instead of being impressed or repentant, becomes enraged and threatens the peasant with imprisonment.
- An earthquake shakes the castle, and a black carriage with a man in black (the Devil) arrives to take the Lady.
- The Lady desperately bargains for more time, but is only granted three minutes, and requests her curate, chambermaid, and house servants accompany her.
- They enter the carriage, which speeds away, appearing as a black streak to onlookers.
- They arrive at a lighted castle where the man in black strips the Lady of her clothes, gives her coarse attire, and brutally combs her hair until it bleeds.
- He forces her to dance three times; after each dance, she tries to give away her ring and keys, but they burn her servants' fingers.
- After the third dance, a trapdoor opens, and the Lady vanishes into smoke and flames.
- The curate, peeking into the opening, is struck by a spark and loses an eye.
- The remaining servants are allowed to return home but are strictly warned not to look back.
- The chambermaid disobeys, looking back, causing the carriage, horses, and road to disappear, leaving them lost in a wild forest for three years before they find their way back to Pintorp.
Characters
The Lady of Pintorp ⚔ antagonist
Tall and imposing, with a severe countenance. Her build is likely slender but rigid, reflecting her unyielding nature. Her skin is fair, typical of Swedish nobility.
Attire: Rich, dark velvet gown with a high collar and long sleeves, possibly in deep crimson or black, adorned with minimal, severe silver or gold embroidery. She wears a stiff, starched ruff around her neck. Her attire is indicative of a wealthy 17th-century Swedish noblewoman, emphasizing power and severity rather than delicate beauty.
Wants: To maintain absolute control over her estate and dependents, to punish any perceived transgression, and to assert her power.
Flaw: Her overwhelming pride and cruelty, which ultimately lead to her damnation.
She begins as a powerful, unrepentant tyrant and ends dragged to hell, stripped of her finery, and subjected to torment, showing no remorse even in her final moments.
Cruel, tyrannical, unforgiving, arrogant, unrepentant.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult woman of noble bearing, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a severe, angular face with dark, piercing eyes and fair skin. Her dark hair is elaborately styled and pinned up in a severe fashion. She wears a rich, dark crimson velvet gown with a high, stiff collar and long sleeves, adorned with subtle silver embroidery. A starched white ruff encircles her neck. Her posture is rigid and commanding, with a disdainful expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Unfortunate Peasant ★ protagonist
Of average height and sturdy build, weathered by manual labor. His hands are calloused, and his face shows signs of hardship and worry. His skin is tanned from working outdoors.
Attire: Simple, coarse linen tunic in a muted earth tone, possibly grey or undyed, with a leather belt. He wears sturdy wool breeches and practical leather boots, all showing signs of wear and tear, typical of a 17th-century Swedish peasant.
Wants: To survive and avoid the Lady of Pintorp's wrath, to protect his possessions and livelihood.
Flaw: His fear of authority and his initial despair.
He begins in despair, is given a miraculous solution, and ultimately escapes the Lady's tyranny, though his personal change is not deeply explored.
Humble, hardworking, fearful, desperate, obedient.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy adult man, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a weathered, tanned face with brown eyes and short, practical brown hair. He wears a coarse, undyed linen tunic, a simple leather belt, sturdy wool breeches, and worn leather boots. He holds a wood-cutting ax in his right hand. His expression is one of humble worry. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Old Man ◆ supporting
Frail but with a knowing gaze. His build is slight, and his movements are deliberate. His skin is wrinkled with age.
Attire: Simple, homespun wool cloak in a muted brown or grey, worn over a plain linen tunic. He might carry a gnarled wooden staff. His clothing is practical and humble, typical of a wise elder or hermit in a rural setting.
Wants: To offer aid to those in need, possibly acting as a divine or supernatural agent.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, as he appears to be a benevolent supernatural helper.
He appears, offers aid, and then vanishes, his role fulfilled.
Wise, benevolent, calm, mysterious, helpful.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly man, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind, deeply wrinkled face with bright, observant eyes and thin, white hair. He wears a simple, muted brown homespun wool cloak over a plain linen tunic. He leans gently on a gnarled wooden staff. His expression is serene and wise. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Gentleman in Black ⚔ antagonist
Handsome and impeccably dressed, with an aura of dark authority. His build is lean and elegant, suggesting power rather than brute force. His skin is fair, contrasting sharply with his dark attire.
Attire: Exquisitely tailored black velvet coat with silver buttons, a matching waistcoat, and black breeches. He wears a pristine white lace cravat and black leather boots. His attire is of the highest quality, reflecting his status as a powerful, infernal figure.
Wants: To claim the soul of the wicked Lady of Pintorp, fulfilling a divine or infernal judgment.
Flaw: None shown; he is an agent of ultimate power.
He appears, executes his judgment, and departs, his nature unchanged.
Calm, authoritative, relentless, cunning, formal, terrifying.
Image Prompt & Upload
A handsome, lean adult man, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has sharp, aristocratic features with dark, piercing eyes and neatly styled black hair. He wears an exquisitely tailored black velvet coat with silver buttons, a matching black waistcoat, black breeches, and black leather boots. A pristine white lace cravat is tied at his neck. His posture is elegant and confident, with a slight, knowing smirk. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Chambermaid ◆ supporting
Likely of average height and slender build, accustomed to household duties. Her skin is fair, but perhaps a bit pale from indoor work.
Attire: A practical, modest linen dress in a muted color like grey or pale blue, with a white apron and a white cap covering her hair. Her clothing is clean but simple, reflecting her servant status in 17th-century Sweden.
Wants: To survive, to follow her mistress (initially), to escape the infernal journey.
Flaw: Her overwhelming curiosity, which leads to her prolonged suffering.
She is forced into a terrifying journey, succumbs to curiosity, and suffers a prolonged punishment, wandering for three years.
Fearful, curious, obedient (initially), easily tempted.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult woman, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a simple, unassuming face with wide, light-colored eyes and light brown hair pulled back under a white cap. She wears a practical, modest pale blue linen dress with a white apron. Her expression is one of fear and apprehension. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Curate ◆ supporting
Of average build, perhaps a bit portly, reflecting a life of relative comfort compared to peasants. His skin is fair.
Attire: A dark, simple cassock or clerical robe made of wool or sturdy linen, with a white band at the neck. His attire is modest but respectable, befitting a 17th-century Swedish curate.
Wants: To serve his mistress (initially), to survive the infernal journey, to understand the supernatural events.
Flaw: His curiosity, which leads to his injury.
He is forced into a terrifying journey, succumbs to curiosity, and is permanently injured, losing an eye.
Fearful, curious, religious (implied by his role), easily startled.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man of average build, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a round, nervous face with brown eyes and short, slightly receding brown hair. He wears a dark, simple wool cassock with a white clerical band at the neck. His expression is one of fear and wide-eyed curiosity. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Pintorp Estate (Eriksberg)
A vast country estate, now known as Eriksberg, featuring castle-like buildings surrounded by extensive parks and gardens. The grounds include dense woods where large oak trees grow, and a castle yard with a gate.
Mood: Oppressive, fearful, under the cruel dominion of the Lady of Pintorp.
The Lady of Pintorp oversees her workers, issues a cruel command to a peasant, and later confronts the peasant after the oak is delivered, leading to her abduction.
Image Prompt & Upload
A grand 17th-century Swedish manor house, 'Pintorp', with a red-tiled roof and whitewashed walls, standing prominently amidst manicured gardens and rolling green lawns. A dense, dark forest of ancient oak and birch trees borders the estate in the distance, under a clear, bright morning sky. A wide, gravel castle yard is visible in the foreground, with a heavy wooden gate. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Castle Dungeons/Cells
Deep, terrifying cells located beneath the castle, used for imprisoning and torturing dependents.
Mood: Dreadful, claustrophobic, a place of torment.
Mentioned as a place of terror the Lady uses to punish her dependents, though no specific event occurs there in the main narrative.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dark, subterranean stone dungeon beneath a medieval Swedish castle. Rough-hewn granite blocks form the walls and low vaulted ceiling, with a single, narrow slit window high up, letting in a sliver of weak, cold light. The floor is damp earth, and heavy iron chains hang from the walls. The air is thick with a sense of ancient dread. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Other Castle (Hell)
A brightly lit castle, distinct from Pintorp, where the Lady is taken. It has steps leading up to a grand hall, and a trapdoor in the floor.
Mood: Eerie, infernal, a place of judgment and torment, despite being 'lighted'.
The Lady of Pintorp is brought here for her eternal punishment, stripped of her finery, tortured, and finally descends into flames.
Image Prompt & Upload
An opulent yet sinister castle hall, illuminated by an unnatural, flickering red-orange light emanating from an unseen source. The walls are adorned with dark, polished wood panels and heavy tapestries, and the floor is made of large, dark flagstones. In the center, a circular trapdoor is open, revealing a chasm of swirling smoke and intense, fiery glow from below. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
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