The Golden Pot
The Golden Pot: A Modern Fairy Tale ("Der goldne Topf. Ein Märchen aus der neuen Zeit") is a novella by E. T. A. Hoffmann, first published in 1814 and revised by the author in 1819. Hoffmann regarded it as his best story, and there is wide agreement among literary scholars that it is a masterpiece of romantic literature. Plot summary The novella, which comprises twelve "vigils" (chapters, literally "night watches"), begins with the clumsy student Anselmus running through the Black Gate in Dresden, where he knocks over the basket of wares of an old applemonger, scattering them in all directions. To mitigate the old woman's rage, he gives her all the money in his purse and runs away. She reviles him prophetically with the words "Yes, run! Run, you child of Satan! Run into the crystal which will soon be your downfall." He flees and stops under an elderberry bush near Lincke’sches Bad. From his refuge in the bush, he hears melodious voices like the sounds of crystal bells. He looks up and finds himself looking into the blue eyes of a snake, which he falls in love with instantly. When the snake disappears soon after, he is beside himself