Synopsis

The queen sees Young Waters ride to court. A clever lord asks her who the comeliest man is, and she says Young Waters. The king is angry that she did not accept him. She tries to appease him, but the king throws Young Waters in prison and executes him.

Commentary

The ballad is often supposed to be based on a historical occurrence, but no such event has been located that matches it.

A very similar Scandinavian ballad names King Magnus I of Sweden

Magnus III of Sweden

Magnus III Ladulås of Sweden, Swedish: Magnus Birgersson or Magnus Ladulås was King of Sweden from 1275 until his death in 1290....

and his wife Helvig as the king and queen. Folke Lovmandson finds favor with many ladies of court, especially the queen; a page stirs the king's suspicion; the innocent knight is rolled down the hill in a barrel set with knives.

External links

• The history of Young Waters with questions of literary vs. oral transmission