LE ROI DES AULNES

Page 12. The Erl-king is a mythical character in modem literature. He is represented as a man of gigantic form with long flovving beard, a golden crown and trailing robes. He is supposed to carry children away to an undiscovered country where he himself abides. The name first appeared in Herder's translation of the Danish song of the Elf-king's daughter. The Danish word which signifies "elf" also signifies "aider tree," which is Erîe in German. To this fact probably was due the mistake which has since been perpetuated by both English and French writers who speak of " a king of the Alders," "un roi des aunes," or "aulnes." They seek to find an explanation of the myth in the tree-worship of early times, or in the vapory émanations that hang like weird phantoms round the aider tree at night. This ballad by Goethe is considered one of the finest he has written. It has been rendered familiar to English readers by translations made by Sir Walter Scott and Lewis. It has also been treated as a musical thème by Reichardt and Schubert.