“Now it came to pass, that almost all the heroes in Norway paid their addresses to the beautiful Astrid, and among the rest was the mysterious knight with the golden vulture’s wings; but, as the damsel was exceedingly affrighted by this ornament, which he wore on his head, as well as by his character and demeanour, the brave Sir Hugur succeeded in winning her affections, and a day was fixed for their wedding. The stern Avenger, with his fearful head-piece, parted from her without anger; for, in truth, whatever might be believed to the contrary, he was good-tempered, and was determined in resenting the wrongs of others rather than his own. However, at the festival of their betrothment, his vulture’s wings were to their great surprise visible in the banquet-hall. He would perchance have gladly staid away; but could not resist that influence by which he was forced to appear, in order to warn them of approaching misfortune. He apologized accordingly, and the bride grew deadly pale, while Sir Hugur received him, according to his rank, with grave politeness. It came to pass, that in the middle of that night the castle was struck, and set on fire, by a thunderbolt; but, at the risk of his own life, the mysterious knight rescued the bride and bridegroom. Every one else in the castle had fallen asleep, and was rendered by the fire and thick smoke insensible, instead of being roused. Strange to tell, the stern Sir Hugur, though fully conscious of the danger which he had escaped, conceived a hatred against his deliverer, and requested that he would never more appear in his presence. ‘Rest assured,’ answered the knight of the vulture’s wings, ‘I shall never more come before you, unless by your own misfortunes I am brought to you for your protection.’ It happened, accordingly, that Hugur was exposed to many distresses, and whether his own life were threatened, or that of his beautiful wife, or of a son who was born to them in the first year after their marriage, or were it but a noble war-steed that was in danger, or the fruit of the harvest-field, the frightful knight never failed to make his appearance before-hand in the castle. So, notwithstanding the assistance which he afforded, both Astrid and Hugur believed that he had caused all these misfortunes, only that he might take merit to himself for striving against their consequences. At length matters came to such a pass, that Sir Hugur swore, in the presence of the knight with the golden helmet, that if he ever dared to come again under the roof of his castle, he would, unawares, fall upon him, and strike him dead with his battle-axe. The Avenger then shrugged his shoulders, and went away discontented and mournful.