Illustration til "Nisse-Frieri", digt af Christian Richardt 1870 - 1874

This illustration for Christian Richardt's poem, "Nisse-Frieri", meaning "The Goblin's Courtship," shows a potential suitor kneeling before a young woman while her father looks on. Created anonymously, perhaps in the 19th century when there was a growing interest in folklore, this etching provides a window into the cultural values of its time. These mythological figures, Nisser, were believed to live on farms and in the countryside, symbolizing a connection to the land and the old ways of life. The image subtly reflects societal norms around marriage and courtship. The young suitor's posture suggests submission and respect, while the father figure embodies authority and protection. The woman's reserved stance could represent the expected modesty and passivity of women in the marriage market. But folklore is also about the emotional landscape of a culture and, perhaps, we might consider the image in terms of its emotional resonance—the hopes, fears, and dreams associated with love, family, and tradition.