Understanding the Elfking's Tale

A father rides through the night with his son, who is frightened by visions of the Elfking. The Elfking tries to lure the child with promises of games and his daughters' company. Despite the father's reassurances that it's just mist and wind, the Elfking becomes threatening. The father races to safety, but tragically, the boy dies in his arms.

Who is riding through the windy night?

• A king and his servant

• A knight and his squire

• A mother and her daughter

• A father and his child

What does the child see that frightens him?

• A ghost

• A dragon

• The Elfking

• A wolf

How does the father explain the Elfking's appearance?

• As a reflection

• As the mist

• As a shadow

• As a dream

What does the Elfking promise the child?

• A magical sword

• A treasure chest

• Lovely games and golden clothes

• A pet dragon

What does the father say is causing the sounds the child hears?

• The rustling of grass

• Animals in the forest

• A distant storm

• The wind in the leaves

Who does the Elfking say will wait on the child?

• His sons

• His daughters

• His servants

• His knights

What does the father see instead of the Elfking's daughters?

• Shadows

• Old willows

• Rocks

• Clouds

What does the Elfking threaten to do if the child does not come willingly?

• Take him by force

• Cast a spell

• Leave him alone

• Send his daughters

What is the tragic outcome at the end of the story?

• The child dies

• The child is taken by the Elfking

• The Elfking disappears

• The father is injured