Kaiser Karl, better known as Charlemagne, lived earlier in Zurich. He had a pillar with a bell put up outside his house, so that anyone seeking justice might call him at any time. One night the bell rang, till the Kaiser himself went to the door. He found a large snake wrapped around the pillar, ringing the bell! Being a just King, the Kaiser followed it when it signalled for help, summoning his attendants. The snake took him to its nest where its eggs were in danger because of an enormous toad. The Kaiser ordered the toad be killed, and his attendants killed it, restoring the snake’s eggs and nest. The grateful snake returned later and dropped a fabulous diamond near him before sliding away. On having it examined, he learnt that it was a very valuable gem. He had it set into a golden ring and gifted it to his favourite wife, the beautiful Fastrada.
The Magical Gem
Unknown to Charlemagne or his wife, this diamond had a strange quality of attraction. The person who received it became deeply attached to the one who gave it! Some days later, Charlemagne and Fastrada moved to the Ingelheim Palace in Germany. Unfortunately, Fastrada fell ill and died. No one could console Charlemagne, who sat grieving constantly beside her. The courtiers finally went to the Archbishop of Rheims for help. When he heard all that had happened earlier, he went to the chamber where Fastrada lay. By some means, the Archbishop came to know the whereabouts of the ring. He opened Fastrada’s mouth and found it below her tongue! He took it away till the Kaiser was restored to health again. Fastrada was suitably buried. Even today the ruins of the tomb of Fastrada may be seen in the cathedral at Mainz. The Archbishop returned the ring to Charlemagne who remained attached to it always.
