OTTO OF THE SILVER HAND IBD

Sinopsis

Otto of the Silver Hand is a childrenâÇÖs historical novel set in the Middle Ages written by Howard Pyle. It was published in 1888 by Charles ScribnerâÇÖs Sons. The novel is set in 13th-century Germany, partly during the Great Interregnum and partly during the reign of Rudolph of Habsburg. It was one of the first historical novels written for children by an American, making it a 'milestone' that influenced later historical novels for children.áThe book chronicles the life of Otto, the son of German warlord Baron Conrad. OttoâÇÖs mother, Baroness Matilda, has died in premature labour, brought on by the sight of the BaronâÇÖs battle wounds, prompting Conrad to take his newborn son to be raised in a nearby monastery. When Otto reaches the age of eleven his father reclaims him from the gentle monks, taking him back to live in Castle Drachenhausen, ('DragonsâÇÖ House', in German) the ancestral mountaintop fortress from which this Baron launches his predatory attacks on the countryside. Here Otto learns of and is horrified by his fatherâÇÖs life as a robber baron. Otto is particularly appalled by the revelation of how his father killed a defeated enemy, Baron Frederick as he knelt trying to surrender. A rival robber baron, Baron Frederick had been riding with his men-at-arms guarding a column of merchants in return for the tribute they were paying him.áShortly thereafter, Baron Conrad is summoned to the Imperial Court by the Emperor himself, and takes the vast majority of his men-at-arms with him as an impressive escort- but leaves Castle Drachenhausen practically undefended as a result. Seizing his moment, the late Baron FrederickâÇÖs heir, his nephew Baron Henry, then launches an attack on the now lightly-guarded castle, overcoming the garrison, and burning it to the ground. Capturing Otto, Baron Henry takes him to his own fortress, Castle Trutzdrachen ('Dragon-scorner,' in German) and imprisons him in its dungeon. There, Baron Henry tells Otto that he has sworn a solemn oath that any member of Baron ConradâÇÖs House who fell into his hands would never be able to strike a blow like the one which killed his uncle, Baron Frederick. Because the boy is so young, instead of killing him the new Baron keeps this oath by cutting off OttoâÇÖs right hand, and as an afterthought has a healer sent to tend to him. While Otto is feverish from the pain of his wound, he is comforted by Baron HenryâÇÖs eight-year-old daughter Pauline, who visits him in his cell.áOttoâÇÖs father Baron Conrad then returns and rescues him with the help of a few remaining loyal followers. Baron Henry and his men give chase and OttoâÇÖs father, having commanded the exhausted remnants of his men to flee to safety with his son, waits on a narrow bridge over a deep, fast flowing river. Alone he blocks the road against Baron Henry and his soldiers, killing many until finally he is mortally wounded by Baron HenryâÇÖs lance. With a final burst of strength he wrestles the equally heavily-armoured Baron Henry from his horse, and clutching him, hurls both himself and his foe into the river to drown so that his son can escape.áOtto is brought to the monastery where he grew up and is given refuge there. After Otto regains his health the Abbot accompanies him to an audience with the Emperor, who promises restitution and takes responsibility for OttoâÇÖs future upbringing.áOtto becomes a respected statesman, marries his former captorâÇÖs daughter Pauline, and is known and admired for his wise counsel and peaceful nature. His amputated swordhand is replaced by an artificial and immobile one made of silver. The Emperor has Castle Drachenhausen rebuilt for the couple and over the gatehouse is carved the motto 'Manus Argentea Quam Manus Ferrea Melior Est', which translated from Latin means 'A hand of silver is better than a hand of iron'. (Wikipedia.org)á