Otto of the Silver Hand facts for kids
1967 Dover Edition Cover
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| Author | Howard Pyle |
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| Illustrator | Howard Pyle |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Charles Scribner's Sons |
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Publication date
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1888 |
| Media type | |
| ISBN | 0-486-21784-1 |
| OCLC | 970079 |
Otto of the Silver Hand is an exciting children's historical novel for young readers. It was written and illustrated by Howard Pyle and published in 1888. The story takes place in Germany during the 1200s, a time known as the Middle Ages. This period included the Great Interregnum, when there was no clear ruler, and later the reign of Rudolph of Habsburg. This book was one of the first historical novels for kids written by an American author. It became a very important book that influenced many other adventure stories for young people.
Contents
Otto's Journey: A Story of Change
This book tells the life story of a boy named Otto. He is the son of a powerful German warlord, Baron Conrad.
Early Life in the Monastery
Otto's mother, Baroness Matilda, sadly passed away soon after he was born. This happened because she saw her husband's battle wounds, which caused her to go into labor too early. Because of this, Baron Conrad decided to have his newborn son raised by kind monks at a nearby monastery.
Otto grew up in this peaceful place, learning from the gentle monks. He lived there until he was eleven years old.
Life at Castle Drachenhausen
When Otto turned eleven, his father, Baron Conrad, came to take him back. Otto left the monastery to live in Castle Drachenhausen. This castle, whose name means "Dragons' House," was a strong fortress on a mountaintop. From here, Baron Conrad would launch his attacks on the surrounding countryside.
At the castle, Otto learned about his father's life as a robber baron. A robber baron was a powerful lord who often robbed merchants and travelers for money. Otto was shocked and upset by his father's actions. He was especially horrified to learn how his father had killed an enemy, Baron Frederick, even when Frederick was trying to surrender. Baron Frederick had been protecting merchants who were paying him for safe passage.
Attack on the Castle and Otto's Capture
Soon after Otto arrived, Baron Conrad was called to the Emperor's court. He took most of his soldiers with him, leaving Castle Drachenhausen almost unprotected. Baron Henry, who was Baron Frederick's nephew, saw his chance. He attacked the castle, defeated the few guards, and burned the fortress to the ground.
Baron Henry captured Otto and took him to his own castle, Trutzdrachen, which means "Dragon-scorner." He locked Otto in the dungeon. Baron Henry told Otto that he had sworn an oath. He promised that no one from Baron Conrad's family would ever be able to strike a blow like the one that killed his uncle. Because Otto was so young, Baron Henry did not kill him. Instead, he had Otto's right hand cut off. After this, a healer was sent to care for Otto.
While Otto was recovering from his painful wound, Baron Henry's eight-year-old daughter, Pauline, visited him in his cell. She comforted him during his fever.
Escape and Sacrifice
Otto's father, Baron Conrad, soon returned and rescued Otto with the help of a few loyal followers. Baron Henry and his men chased them. Baron Conrad told his remaining tired men to take Otto to safety. He then waited alone on a narrow bridge over a deep, fast-flowing river.
Baron Conrad bravely blocked the road against Baron Henry and his soldiers. He fought many of them until he was badly wounded by Baron Henry's spear. With a final burst of strength, he grabbed Baron Henry, who was also wearing heavy armor. Baron Conrad then threw both himself and his enemy into the river to drown. This sacrifice allowed his son, Otto, to escape.
A New Beginning and a Peaceful Future
Otto was brought back to the monastery where he had grown up. The monks gave him a safe place to stay and helped him recover. After Otto regained his health, the Abbot of the monastery went with him to meet the Emperor. The Emperor promised to help Otto and took responsibility for his future.
Otto grew up to become a respected leader. He was known for his wise advice and peaceful nature. He eventually married Pauline, the daughter of Baron Henry, who had once been his captor. Otto's missing hand was replaced with an artificial, unmoving hand made of silver.
The Emperor had Castle Drachenhausen rebuilt for Otto and Pauline. Above the castle gate, a special motto was carved: "Manus Argentea Quam Manus Ferrea Melior Est." This Latin phrase means "A hand of silver is better than a hand of iron." It showed that Otto's peaceful wisdom was more powerful than violence.
Main Characters in the Story
Here are some of the important people you'll meet in Otto of the Silver Hand:
- Otto - The main character of the story. He is the son of a German warlord. His mother dies shortly after he is born, and he is raised in a monastery until he is eleven.
- Baron Conrad - Otto's father. He is a German warlord who often robs merchants. He lives in his family's castle, Drachenhausen.
- Baroness Matilda - Otto's mother. She is a kind woman who passes away after giving birth to Otto. Before she dies, she asks Baron Conrad to stop his violent ways.
- Abbot Otto - The leader of the monastery where Otto grows up. He is also Otto's mother's uncle, and Otto is named after him.
- Brother John - A monk at the monastery who becomes Otto's friend. He has had some visions because of a head injury he had as a child.
- The One-Eyed Hans - Baron Conrad's loyal helper. He helps Otto escape from Baron Henry's castle. People respect and fear him a little, but he is very devoted to Baron Conrad.
- Baron Frederick - A rival baron who lives near Baron Conrad's lands. He wounds Baron Conrad in battle, which indirectly leads to Baroness Matilda's death. Baron Frederick is later killed by Baron Conrad seeking revenge.
- Baron Henry - Baron Frederick's nephew. He captures Otto and causes him to lose his right hand as revenge for his uncle's death.
- Pauline - Baron Henry's eight-year-old daughter. She and Otto become friends and later fall in love and marry.
- Emperor Rudolph of Habsburg - The German emperor during this time. He gives Otto a safe place and helps him with his future. (He is based on the real historical figure, Rudolph I of Habsburg (1218-1291)).
