The Accursed Maiden of Lichtenstein.
Not far from Lichtenstein is a spring, where once a shepherd rested always at noonday and watered his flocks.
One day, when he sat there as usual, a serpent came from under a stone and looked kindly at him.
At first he was seized with terror, but at last felt quite at home with her.
The second day she came again, from her head half in human form addressed the shepherd, and told him he must take courage the next day and kiss the serpent, when he would thereby become always fortunate and happy.
She came the third day from under the stone, crept up to him, and raised her head to kiss him.
At first he was filled with disgust, but taking courage he shut his eyes and kissed her.
And there stood before him no longer a serpent, but a beautiful girl, and more—a princess.
Then the shepherd forsook his sheep, went with the maiden to the king, who gave him the Princess to wife.