Der Schimmelreiter
1888
Published in 1888, 'Der Schimmelreiter' (The Rider on the White Horse) is a novella by Theodor Storm set in the North Frisian marshlands of Germany. The story follows Hauke Haien, a young man dedicated to improving dike construction to protect his community from the North Sea's flooding. As he faces societal skepticism and the relentless forces of nature, Hauke becomes entwined in local myths, particularly that of the ghostly 'Schimmelreiter.' This work is notable for its exploration of ambition, isolation, and the conflict between human progress and nature's indifference, and is considered a masterpiece of German literature, translated by James Wright.
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“Dem Sokrates gaben sie ein Gift zu trinken, und unseren Herrn Christus schlugen sie an das Kreuz! Das geht in den letzten Zeiten nicht mehr so leicht; aber - einen Gewaltsmenschen oder einen bösen stiernackigen Pfaffen zum Heiligen oder einen tüchtigen Kerl, nur weil er uns um Kopfeslänge überwachsen war, zum Spuk und Nachtgespenst zu machen - das geht noch alle Tage.””
— Theodor Storm
“I heard nothing, but ever more clearly as the light of the half-moon grew sharper, I thought I could make out a dark shape, and soon, as it came nearer, I saw it. It sat on a horse, a high-boned, haggard white horse. A dark mantle fluttered across the figure's shoulders, and as he flew past, two burning eyes stared at me out of a pale face.””
— Theodor Storm
“Euere Schuld, Deichgraf!" schrie eine Stimme aus dem Haufen.””
— Theodor Storm
“Ja, man wird grimmig in sich, wenn man's nicht an einem ordentlichen Stück Arbeit auslassen kann.””
— Theodor Storm
