The legend of the brave Dutch boy - by others thought to be named Hans Brinker - who supposedly put his finger in the dyke to prevent a flood, was actually a literary invention by the American writer Mary Elizabeth Mapes Dodge (1831-1905), who was born in New York.
Hans Brinker was made famous in the USA by her children’s novel Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates, dating from 1865. In the chapter called ‘Friends in Need’ there is this story read out in class called 'The Hero of Haarlem'. This is the story - quoted above - of the heroic boy who saves the land from drowning by putting his finger in the dyke all night long. The adventure is situated near Haarlem, not yet in Spaarndam (both in the province of North-Holland). Actually, the hero in the story remains anonymous, but still the adventure is mostly attributed to Hans Brinker, Hansie Brinkers or Peter of Haarlem.
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28 comments:
Your cartoons are very funny.
I always wondered: did the finger get pruny, the way your hands do when swimming for too long?
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
wow wow wow - your header shot is just fabulous!
Fascinating post as always, Wil, and another great look at your world -- and ours!! Love the cartoons! Hope your week is off to a good start! Take care!
Sylvia
Great post. I know this a story about one boy's heroism, but it has come to mean a futile attempt to delay the inevitable!
Very interesting article. Thanks for sharing. Hope you and your family have all been well.
It's a wonderful story either way, Wil, to let youngsters know they can help in big ways and small.
I hope you are well, and still riding your bicycle, my friend.
Luv, K
I wasn't aware of the American connection to the boy and the dike. Thanks for the education and for the great cartoons.
Well, I didn't know that! Thanks for the info and the funny little cartoons.
I loved that book -- especially the idea of being able to skate from town to town.
I loved this post as I've often wondered about this boy. You've solved it for me. I like the cartoons too!
We read that story when we were kids and I always loved it! Great choice for our B week - Brilliant!
Leslie
abcw team
Totally distracted by the GORGEOUS header!
Jane x
I like your entry gives me more information. ^_^
Blue
finger to prevent flood ;) Don;t you just love to live in the children's world? I feel i have read the story earlier but can't recollect the name.
Cute cartoons. I would be embarassed to say how old I was before I realized Hans wasn't an actual hero.
Love the cartoons. Beautiful header.
Well, I so glad you cleared that up~ Very interesting post.
Love your cartoon and I love the legend of Hans Brinker. Its a feel good story about heping your fellow man selflessly.
I remember chatting with you this story and all the Dutch people I have net. This story is taught to Children of Sarawak about this brave boy that we should learn, a boy who gave up his life to save his people.
How disappointed I was to find out there is no such boy.
Ah! You've recharged a memory from my elementary school days (or was it high school? I forget). Loved learning more about it. Thanks!
Well, even though the story may not be true (as I know you told me a few weeks ago, Reader) - nevertheless it was always one of my favourites when I was a child.
I remembered reading the story when I was a child...wondering why uses a finger? he couldn't find something else.,,
What an odd way to become a hero : ) It's my first time visiting your blog and I like what I have read so far. : )
jeng http://jengspeaks.blogspot.com/2011/07/is-for-amusing.html
Great many details related to the story. I had read it as a child. Nice sketches.
Love the cartoons, great post.
I remember this story as a child, but not all the history behind it. Thanks for sharing this. All of your header shots are fantastic!!!
Not true? Oh no, I'm disappointed! What great cartoons though.
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