Music: Sunken Bell

In the beginning Rautendelein was just a pale, elfin creature who lived in a German wood at the bottom of a well. She was really no being at all, just a light, pagan spirit who kissed men's eyes and made them well. And as such she came to Gerhart Hauptmann who put out his fingers swiftly and caught her for a play about a village bellcaster.

Hauptmann's play begins in the forest with Rautendelein and three of her faery ilk; Nickelmann, the old man of the well, all moss and weeds and dripping; a witch...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!