Northern mythology

SWEDISH TRADITIONS. 69
in full plumage, the people say they have often seen them
coming through the air, and descending into some water
to bathe ; but as soon as they enter the water, they assume
the fairest human forms.
A young hunter once saw three such swans descend on
the sea-shore. With astonishment he observed that they
laid their plumages aside, which bore a resemblance to
linen, and that, instead of swans, three damsels of dazzling
whiteness were swimming in the water. He soon
saw them leave the water, draw on their linen coverings,
which then became changed to
swans' plumage, and fly
away. One of them, the youngest and fairest, had so
captivated the heart of the young man, that he could rest
neither by night nor day, for thinking of her lovely form.
His foster-mother soon perceived that neither the chase
nor the other pastimes, in
which he formerly found delight,
afforded him any more pleasure, and therefore resolved
to discover the cause of his sorrow. From himself
she soon learned the wondrous sight he had witnessed,
and that he must either win the fair maiden or never again
enjoy happiness. His foster-mother assured him :
^^ I can
advise a remedy for thy affliction. Go next Thursday at
sunset to the spot where thou last sawest her. The three
swans will not fail to come. Observe where thy chosen
damsel lays her linen ; take it, and hasten with it from the
shore. Soon thou wilt hear two of the swans fly away
with a great noise, but the third, in search of her plumage,
will in her distress come to thee ; but although she beseech
thee on her knees, do not give back the linen, if
thou wilt have the maiden in thy power.'' The young
man was not backward in following this counsel. Longseemed
the days till the coming of Thursday, but longer
still seemed to him the hours of that day. At length the
sun sank, and ere long a rustling was heard in the air,
and the three swans descended on the shore. They were