The Håle and the Wooden Child at Garde

Gotland · Sweden · Site of legend

A beggar saw a man carving a child of wood for a woman in labour – but a blessing at a sneeze turned the changeling to stone forever.

At Garde a beggar met in the forest a man carving a child from a block of wood, meant to be swapped for the child a woman would bear that very night. The beggar found lodging with the woman, and at midnight the Evil One came with his wooden child under his arm. When the real child sneezed the beggar said 'God help you', and the furious Evil One smashed his wooden child against the hearth, where it stayed turned to stone as he rushed out.

FAQ

Where is The Håle and the Wooden Child at Garde located?

The Håle and the Wooden Child at Garde is in Gotland, Sweden.

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• The Boy Who Laughed in Kräklingbo Church Gotland · Church
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• The Dog That Leapt into the Grave, Locknevi Småland · Cemetery
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Accounts are drawn from local folklore and visitor reports.