Peder Dass and the Souls in Church, Hemsedal

Buskerud · Norway · Church

As payment for the ride to Copenhagen, Peder Dass promised the devil all who fell asleep in church — but preached so that no one nodded off.

From Hemsedal it is told of Peder Dass, a mighty priest with a book of black arts, who received word to preach in Copenhagen on Christmas Day but got the letter only on Christmas Eve. He loosed the devil and promised him, as payment, the souls of those who fell asleep in church during the sermon. They flew off with a rushing sound, and over the sea the devil tried to trick Dass into calling on the Saviour so he could throw him off — but Dass only cried, "Higher up and faster ahead, you devil!" He preached in the church on Christmas Day, but no one slept, so the devil got nothing for the ride.

FAQ

Where is Peder Dass and the Souls in Church, Hemsedal located?

Peder Dass and the Souls in Church, Hemsedal is in Buskerud, Norway.

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Accounts are drawn from local folklore and visitor reports.