However, but few individual names stand out in the early German literature that can by any stretch of definition be called humorous.
As in all other countries, legends and folk lore tales were rife, and eventually produced popular heroes about whom stories were invented.
Brother Rush, who seems to be merely a demon of darkness, is first found in print in Germany in 1515.
He is a tricksy sprite and goes through various vicissitudes of rather dull interest.
He was followed by Tyll Eulenspiegel, a far more popular personage, and translated to England under the name of Owleglas or Howleglas.
Eulenspiegel was a shrewd and cunning proposition and had many startling adventures, two of which are here given.
EULENSPIEGEL’S PRANKS
The Golden Horseshoes
Eulenspiegel came to the court of the King of Denmark, who liked him well, and said that if he would make him some diversion, then might he have the best of shoes for his horse’s hoofs. Eulenspiegel asked the king if he was minded to keep his word well and truly, and the king did answer most solemnly, “Yes.”
Now did Eulenspiegel ride his horse to a goldsmith, by whom he suffered to be beaten upon the horse’s hoofs shoes of gold with silver nails. This done, Eulenspiegel went to the king, that the king might send his treasurer to pay for the shoeing. The treasurer believed he should pay a blacksmith, but Eulenspiegel conducted him to the goldsmith, who did require and demand one hundred Danish marks. This would the treasurer not pay, but went and told his master.
Therefore the king caused Eulenspiegel to be summoned into his presence, and spoke to him: