into the Rhine. The
people on the crag were filled with awe at the miraculous power of the
strange symbol which had overcome their idol and, descending,
hastened to free the young girl from her bonds. When they learned the
significance of the cross they begged that she would send them teachers
that they might learn about the new religion. In vain their priests
endeavoured to dissuade them. They had seen the power of the crucifix,
and their renunciation of their pagan creed was complete.

Among the first to adopt the Christian religion was Rinbod; he married
the beautiful captive and built a castle for her on the Drachenfels,
whose ruins remain to this day.

It seems a pity that such a beautiful legend should have doubts cast
upon its authenticity, but it has been conjectured that the word
Drachenfels has a geological rather than a romantic significance--being,
in fact, derived from Trachyt-fels, meaning 'Trachyte-rock.' This view
is supported by the fact that there is another Drachenfels near Mannheim
of a similar geological construction, but without the legend. However,
it is unlikely that the people of antiquity would bestow a geological
name upon any locality.

Okkenfels: A Rash Oath

On a rugged crag overlooking the Rhine above the town of Linz stands
the ruined stronghold of Okkenfels. History tells us little or nothing
concerning this ancient fortress, but legend covers the deficiency with
the tale of the Baron's Rash Oath.

Rheinhard von Renneberg, according to the story, flourished about the
beginning of the eleventh century, when the Schloss Okkenfels was a
favourite rendezvous with the rude nobility of the surrounding district.
Though they were none of them distinguished for their manners, by far
the most rugged and uncouth was the Baron von Renneberg himself. Rough
in appearance, abrupt in conversation, and inclined to harshness in all
his dealings, he inspired in the breast of his only daughter a feeling
more akin to awe than affection.

The gentle Etelina grew up to be a maiden of singular beauty, of
delicate form and feature, and under the careful tutelage of the castle
chaplain she became as good as she was beautiful. Lovers she had in
plenty, for the charms of Etelina and the wealth of her noble father,
whose sole heiress she was, formed a combination quite irresistible in
the eyes of the young gallants who frequented the castle. But none loved
her more sincerely than one of the baron's retainers,