Long ago, in a kingdom that lay between the misty hills and the dark forest, there lived a king and queen with three sons and one daughter. The daughter was named Burd Ellen, and she was as fair as the morning. One day, while playing near the church, she ran around it three times, and on the third turn, she vanished without a trace. The king and queen were heartbroken, and their eldest son, Childe Rowland, vowed to find her. He went to the wise Merlin, who told him that Burd Ellen had been taken by the King of Elfland, a powerful and dangerous fairy ruler. Merlin warned that only the bravest and most patient could enter Elfland and return.
Childe Rowland's two older brothers each set out to rescue Burd Ellen, but neither returned. Finally, Childe Rowland himself prepared to go. Merlin gave him three gifts: a sword that could cut through any enchantment, a flask of water that would never empty, and a piece of bread that would never spoil. He also gave strict instructions: once in Elfland, Childe Rowland must not eat or drink anything offered by the fairy folk, no matter how hungry or thirsty he became. If he did, he would be trapped forever. Childe Rowland thanked Merlin and set off, riding his horse toward the dark hills where the entrance to Elfland was hidden.
After many days, Childe Rowland reached a great mound covered in green grass. He circled it three times widdershins—that is, against the sun—and a door opened in the hillside. He stepped into a dim, glowing tunnel that led to the fairy realm. The land of Elfland was beautiful but strange: the sky was a soft twilight, the trees bore silver leaves, and the air hummed with quiet music. In the distance, he saw a golden castle. As he walked toward it, a small fairy appeared and offered him a drink from a crystal cup. Childe Rowland remembered Merlin's warning and refused, saying he was not thirsty.
He also gave strict instructions: once in Elfland, Childe Rowland must not eat or drink anything offered by the fairy folk, no matter how hungry or thirsty he became.
At the castle gate, the King of Elfland himself came out, tall and pale, with eyes like dark pools. He smiled and invited Childe Rowland to a feast. Inside, the table was piled with roasted meats, sweet fruits, and golden goblets of wine. The king urged him to eat, but Childe Rowland again refused. Angered, the king drew his sword, and a fierce battle began. Childe Rowland's enchanted blade flashed through the air, and he fought with all his strength. The clash of swords echoed through the hall, and the fairy court watched in silence. At last, Childe Rowland struck the king's sword from his hand and forced him to release Burd Ellen and his brothers.
The king, defeated, waved his hand, and the spell was broken. Burd Ellen and the two brothers stepped forward, alive and well. Childe Rowland led them out of Elfland, back through the tunnel, and into the sunlight of their own kingdom. The king and queen wept with joy, and a great celebration was held. From that day, the story of Childe Rowland was told to remind everyone that courage, patience, and obedience to wise advice can overcome even the strongest enchantment. The tale also shows how the fairy realm, with its strange rules and temptations, serves as a setting where heroes must prove their worth.