Beschrijving
St. Christopher and the Christ Child. The giant Reprobus (Christopher) wants to serve only the mightiest master. First he serves the king, but leaves because the king fears the devil. The giant serves the devil, but he leaves him when he refuses to pass a crossroads.
A hermit (ferryman) tells the giant to carry a child across the river. The child becomes heavier with each step and finally explains the reason: that he is Christ who carries the sins of the world. The giant is doubtful, but then his staff changes into a blossoming plum (fig) tree. Thus he is convinced and from then on he bears the name Christophorus – the man who carried Christ [Q25].
A hermit (ferryman) tells the giant to carry a child across the river. The child becomes heavier with each step and finally explains the reason: that he is Christ who carries the sins of the world. The giant is doubtful, but then his staff changes into a blossoming plum (fig) tree. Thus he is convinced and from then on he bears the name Christophorus – the man who carried Christ [Q25].
Motief
Q25
Commentaar
Early version documented in the Middle Ages, e.g. Legenda aurea (Christophorus). The beginning of the legend is found only in early variants, and most variants start with Christophorus carrying the child across the river.
Oorspronkelijk Verhaaltype
768
Subgenre
sprookje