Page:Danish fairy and folk tales.djvu/13

 certain essential features of popular belief and aspiration. They are never better understood than when told by an old farmer in his frieze coat, "tasselled cap of red," and wooden shoes with straw in the bottom. In fact, there is no better means of communication from man to man than the living word.

May this train of Danish kings and queens, wise men and fools, princes and beggars, peasants and burghers, soldiers, fairies, and trolls—may they all be kindly welcomed by our American boys and girls!

The sources from which most of these stories were gathered are principally the works of the late Professor Svend Grundtvig, one of the most conscientious Danish folk-lore students. In addition thereto, the collections of E. Tang-Kristensen, Ingvor Bondesen, and Molbech have been consulted. The writings of Budde, Jens Kamp, and a few others have supplied a few tales, and in a few cases personal memories were called to assistance.

Mrs. Dora Bay, my wife, and Miss Mary Whitcomb, of the Iowa State Historical Department, have given me much good advice, for which I am truly grateful.

J. C. B.