September 20, 2024 • 18 mins
Heidi by Johanna Spyri - Chapter 18 - Winter in the Village
STORYTIME FRIDAY
Heidi is a story of goats and a young childs resilience and adventures in the Mountains. It was written in 1880 by Johanna Spyri who was born and lived in Switzerland. A timeless Classic enjoyed by children and adults alike. Echoes from the Mountain is a podcast by Gracious Mountain Therapies
Echoes from the Mountain YouTube Channel can be found here
Music by Chris Collins, Indie Music
Ready to climb your own personal mountain and looking for help? Loraine is an accredited BWRT practitioner, clinical Hypnotherapist and Advanced EFT practitioner. Book an initial consultation at https://www.graciousmountain.co.uk/book-online
If you would like to support my podcast and YouTube channel I do have a buy me a coffee page https://www.buymeacoffee.com/echoesfromthemountain
STORYTIME FRIDAY
Heidi is a story of goats and a young childs resilience and adventures in the Mountains. It was written in 1880 by Johanna Spyri who was born and lived in Switzerland. A timeless Classic enjoyed by children and adults alike. Echoes from the Mountain is a podcast by Gracious Mountain Therapies
Echoes from the Mountain YouTube Channel can be found here
Music by Chris Collins, Indie Music
Ready to climb your own personal mountain and looking for help? Loraine is an accredited BWRT practitioner, clinical Hypnotherapist and Advanced EFT practitioner. Book an initial consultation at https://www.graciousmountain.co.uk/book-online
If you would like to support my podcast and YouTube channel I do have a buy me a coffee page https://www.buymeacoffee.com/echoesfromthemountain
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Heidi by Joanna Spiury, Chapter eighteen. Winter in the village.
The snow lay so deep around the elm hut that
the windows seemed to stand level with the ground, and
the house door had entirely disappeared. Round Peter's hut. It
(00:21):
was the same when the boy went out to shovel
the snow. He had to creep through the window. Then
he would sink deep into the soft snow, and to
kick with arms and legs to get free. Taking a broom,
the boy would have to clear away the snow before
(00:42):
the door to prevent its falling into the hut. The
uncle had kept his word. When the first snow had fallen,
he had moved down to the village with Heidi and
his goats. Near the church and the parish house lay
an old ruin that once had been a spacious building.
(01:04):
A brave soldier had lived there in days gone by.
He had fought in the Spanish War, and, coming back
with many riches, had built himself a splendid house. But
having lived too long in the noisy world to be
able to stand the monotonous life in the little town,
he soon went away, never to come back. After his
(01:29):
death many years later, though the house was already beginning
to decay, a distant relation of his took possession of it.
The new proprietor did not want to build it up again,
so poor people moved in. They had to pay little
rent for the house, which was gradually crumbling and falling
(01:52):
to pieces. Years ago, when the uncle had come to
the village with Tobias had lived there most of the time,
it had been empty for the winter lasted long, and
cold winds would blow through the chinks in the walls.
When poor people lived there, their candles would be blown
(02:16):
out and they would shiver with cold in the dark.
But the uncle had known how to help himself in
the fall. As soon as he had resolved to live
in the village, he came down, frequently, fitting up the
place as best he could. On approaching the house from
(02:39):
the back, one entered an open room where nearly all
the walls lay in ruins. On one side, the remains
of a chapel could be seen, now covered with the
thickest ivy. A large hall came next, with a beautiful
(02:59):
stone its own floor, and grass growing in the crevices.
Most of the walls were gone, and part of the ceiling. Also,
if a few thick pillars had not been left supporting
the rest, it would undoubtedly have tumbled down. The uncle
(03:20):
had made a wooden partition here for the goats and
covered the floor with straw. Several corridors, most of them
half decayed, led finally to a chamber with a heavy
iron door. This room was still in good condition and
had dark wood paneling on the four firm walls. In
(03:44):
one corner was an enormous stove which nearly reached up
to the ceiling. On the white tiles were painted blue
pictures of old towers surrounded by high trees, and of
hunt with their hounds. There also was a scene with
(04:05):
a quiet lake, where under shady oak trees, a fisherman
was sitting around the stove. A bench was placed. Heidy
love to sit there, and as soon as she had
entered their new abode, she began to examine the pictures.
(04:29):
Arriving at the end of the bench, she discovered a
bed which was placed between the wall and the stove. Oh, Grandfather,
I have found my bedroom, explained the little girl. Oh
how fine it is. Where are you going to sleep?
(04:49):
Your bed must be near the stove to keep you warm,
said the old man. Now come and look at mine.
With that, the grandfather led her into his bedroom. From
there a door led into the hugest kitchen Heidi had
ever seen. With a great deal of trouble, the grandfather
(05:12):
had fitted up this place. Many boards were nailed across
the walls, and the door had been fastened with heavy wires.
For beyond the building lay in ruins. Thick underbrush was
growing there, sheltering thousands of insects and lizards. Heidi was
(05:36):
delighted with her new home, and when Peter arrived next day,
she did not rest till he had seen every nook
and corner of the curious dwelling place. Heidie slept very
well in her chimney corner, but it took her many
days to get accustomed to it. When she woke up
(05:59):
in the mall and could not hear the fir trees roar,
she would wonder where she was. Was the snow too
heavy on the branches? Was she away from home? But
as soon as she heard her grandfather's voice outside, she
remembered everything and would jump merrily out of bed. After
(06:24):
four days had gone by, Heidi said to her grandfather,
I must go to grandmother now, she has been alone
so many days. But the grandfather shook his head and said,
you can't go yet, child. The snow is fathoms deep
up there and is still falling. Peter can hardly get through.
(06:47):
A little girl like you would be snowed up and
lost in no time. Wait a while till it freezes,
and then you can walk on top of the crust.
Heidi was very sorry, but she was so busy now
that the days flew by. Every morning and afternoon she
(07:09):
went to school eagerly learning whatever was taught her. She
hardly ever saw Peter there, for he did not come
very often. The mild teacher would only say, from time
to time, it seems to me Peter is not here again.
School would do him good, but I guess there is
(07:31):
too much snow for him to get through. But when
Heidi came home towards evening, Peter generally paid her a visit.
After a few days, the sun came out for a
short time at noon, and the next morning the whole
elp listened and shone like crystal. When Peter was jumping
(07:57):
as usual into the snow that morning, he fell against
something hard, and before he could stop himself, he flew
a little way down the mountain. When he had gained
his feet at last, he stamped upon the ground with
all his might. It really was frozen, as hard as
(08:19):
a stone. Peter could hardly believe it, and quickly running
up and swallowing his milk and putting his bread in
his pocket, he announced, I must go to school today. Yes,
go and learn, nicely, answered his mother. Then sitting down
(08:43):
on his sledge, the boy coasted down the mountain like
a shot, not being able to stop his course. When
he reached the village, he coasted down further and further
till he arrived in the plain, where the sledge stopped
of itself. It was already late for school, so the
(09:03):
boy took his time and only arrived in the village
when Heidi came home for dinner. We've got it, announced
the boy. On entering what general asked the uncle the snow,
Peter replied, oh, now I can go up to grandmother.
Heidi rejoiced, But Peter, why didn't you come to school?
(09:26):
You could coast down today, she continued, reproachfully. I went
too far on my sledge, and then it was too late.
Peter replied, I call that deserting, said the uncle. People
who do that must have their ears pulled, do you hear?
The boy was frightened, for there was no one in
(09:49):
the world whom he respected more than the uncle. A
general like you ought to be doubly ashamed to do so.
The uncle went on, what would you do with the
goats if they did not obey you anymore? Beat them?
Was the reply. If you knew of a boy that
(10:09):
was behaving like a disobedient goat and had to get spanked,
what would you say serves him right? So now you
know it, goat general, if you miss school again when
you ought to be there, you can come to me
and get your due. Now, at last Peter understood what
(10:31):
the uncle had meant more kindly. The old man turned
to Peter and said, come to the table now and
eat with us. Then you can go up with Heidi,
and when you bring her back at night, you can
get your supper here. This unexpected change delighted Peter, not
(10:53):
losing any time, he soon disposed of his full plate. Heidi,
who were given the boy most of her dinner, was
already putting on Clara's new coat. Then together they climbed
up Hidie chatting all the time, but Peter did not
(11:14):
say a single word. He was preoccupied and had not
even listened to Hidie's tales. Before they entered the hut,
the boy said stubbornly, I think I had rather go
to school than get a beating from the uncle. Heide
promptly confirmed him in his resolution. When they went into
(11:38):
the room, Peter's mother was alone at the table mending.
The grandmother was nowhere to be seen. Brigida now told
Hidie that the grandmother was obliged to stay in bed
on those cold days, as she did not feel very strong.
That was something new for Heidi. Quickly running to the
(12:01):
old woman's chamber, she found her lying in a narrow bed,
wrapped up in her gray shawl and thin blanket. Thank Heaven,
the grandmother exclaimed when she heard her darling step. All
autumn and winter long, a secret fear have been gnawing
at her heart that Hidie will be sent for by
(12:24):
the strange gentleman of whom Peter had told her so much.
Hidie had approached the bed, asking anxiously, are you very sick? Grandmother? No,
no child, the old woman reassured her, the frost has
just got into my limbs a little. Are you going
(12:46):
to be well again as soon as the warm weather comes,
inquired Hidy, Yes, yes, and if a god wills even sooner.
I want to go back to my spinning wheel, and
I nearly tried it today. I'll get up tomorrow, though,
the grandmother said confidently, for she had noticed how frightened
(13:08):
Heidi was. The last speech made the child feel more happy. Then,
looking wonderingly at the grandmother, she said, in Frankfort, people
put on a shawl when they go out. Why are
you putting it on in bed, Grandmother? I put it
(13:28):
on to keep me warm, Heidy, I am glad to
have it, for my blanket is very thin. But Grandmother,
your bed is slanting down at your head where it
ought to be high. No bed ought to be like that.
I know, child, I can feel it well, so saying,
(13:51):
the old woman tried to change her position on the
pillow that lay under her like a thin board. My
pillow never thick, and sleeping on it all these years
has made it flat. Oh, dear, if I had only
asked Clara to give me the bed I had in Frankfort, Heidi, lamented.
(14:13):
It had three big pillows on it. I could hardly
sleep because I kept sliding down from them all the time.
Could you sleep with them, grandmother? Of course, because that
would keep me warm. I could breathe so much easier, too,
said the grandmother, trying to find a higher place to
(14:34):
lie on. But I must not talk about it anymore,
for I have to be thankful for many things. I
get the lovely roll every day and have this beautiful
warm shawl. I also have you, my child, Heidi. Wouldn't
you like to read me something to day? Heidie immediately
(14:58):
fetched the book and read one song after another. The grandmother,
in the meantime, was lying with folded hands. Her face,
which had been so sad a short time ago, was
lit up with a happy smile. Suddenly Heide stopped, Are
(15:20):
you well again? Grandmother? She asked, I feel very much better, Hidie,
Please finish the song, will you? The child obeyed, and
when she came to the last words, when mine eyes
grow dim and sad, let thy love more brightly burn
(15:42):
that my soul a wanderer glad safely homeward may return. Safely,
Homeward may return, she exclaimed, Oh, Grandmother, I know what
it is like to come home After a while. She said,
it is getting dark, Grandmother, I must go home now.
(16:04):
I am glad that you feel better again. The grandmother,
holding the child's hand in hers, said, yes, I am
happy again, though I have to stay in bed. Nobody
knows how hard it is to lie here alone day
after day. I do not hear a word from anybody,
(16:27):
and cannot see a ray of sunlight. I have very
sad thoughts sometimes, and often I feel as if I
could not bear it any longer. But when I can
hear those blessed songs that you have read to me,
it makes me feel as if a light was shining
(16:48):
into my heart, giving me the purest joy. Shaking hands,
the child now said good night, and pulling Peter with
her ran outside. The brilliant moon was shining down on
the white snow light as day. The two children were
(17:12):
already flying down the alp like birds soaring through the air.
After Hidie had gone to bed that night, she lay
awake a little while thinking over everything the grandmother had said,
especially about the joy the songs had given her. If
(17:33):
only poor grandmother could hear those comforting words every day,
Hidie knew that it might be a week or two
again before she could repeat her visit. The child became
very sad when she thought how uncomfortable and lonely the
old woman would be. Was there no way for help?
(17:57):
Suddenly Heidi had an idea, and it thrilled her so
that she felt as if she could not wait till
morning came to put her plan in execution. But in
her excitement, she had forgotten her evening prayer, So, sitting
up in bed, she prayed fervently to God. Then falling
(18:21):
back into the fragrant hay, she soon slept peacefully and
soundly till the bright morning came
Heidi by Joanna Spiury, Chapter eighteen. Winter in the village.
The snow lay so deep around the elm hut that
the windows seemed to stand level with the ground, and
the house door had entirely disappeared. Round Peter's hut. It
(00:21):
was the same when the boy went out to shovel
the snow. He had to creep through the window. Then
he would sink deep into the soft snow, and to
kick with arms and legs to get free. Taking a broom,
the boy would have to clear away the snow before
(00:42):
the door to prevent its falling into the hut. The
uncle had kept his word. When the first snow had fallen,
he had moved down to the village with Heidi and
his goats. Near the church and the parish house lay
an old ruin that once had been a spacious building.
(01:04):
A brave soldier had lived there in days gone by.
He had fought in the Spanish War, and, coming back
with many riches, had built himself a splendid house. But
having lived too long in the noisy world to be
able to stand the monotonous life in the little town,
he soon went away, never to come back. After his
(01:29):
death many years later, though the house was already beginning
to decay, a distant relation of his took possession of it.
The new proprietor did not want to build it up again,
so poor people moved in. They had to pay little
rent for the house, which was gradually crumbling and falling
(01:52):
to pieces. Years ago, when the uncle had come to
the village with Tobias had lived there most of the time,
it had been empty for the winter lasted long, and
cold winds would blow through the chinks in the walls.
When poor people lived there, their candles would be blown
(02:16):
out and they would shiver with cold in the dark.
But the uncle had known how to help himself in
the fall. As soon as he had resolved to live
in the village, he came down, frequently, fitting up the
place as best he could. On approaching the house from
(02:39):
the back, one entered an open room where nearly all
the walls lay in ruins. On one side, the remains
of a chapel could be seen, now covered with the
thickest ivy. A large hall came next, with a beautiful
(02:59):
stone its own floor, and grass growing in the crevices.
Most of the walls were gone, and part of the ceiling. Also,
if a few thick pillars had not been left supporting
the rest, it would undoubtedly have tumbled down. The uncle
(03:20):
had made a wooden partition here for the goats and
covered the floor with straw. Several corridors, most of them
half decayed, led finally to a chamber with a heavy
iron door. This room was still in good condition and
had dark wood paneling on the four firm walls. In
(03:44):
one corner was an enormous stove which nearly reached up
to the ceiling. On the white tiles were painted blue
pictures of old towers surrounded by high trees, and of
hunt with their hounds. There also was a scene with
(04:05):
a quiet lake, where under shady oak trees, a fisherman
was sitting around the stove. A bench was placed. Heidy
love to sit there, and as soon as she had
entered their new abode, she began to examine the pictures.
(04:29):
Arriving at the end of the bench, she discovered a
bed which was placed between the wall and the stove. Oh, Grandfather,
I have found my bedroom, explained the little girl. Oh
how fine it is. Where are you going to sleep?
(04:49):
Your bed must be near the stove to keep you warm,
said the old man. Now come and look at mine.
With that, the grandfather led her into his bedroom. From
there a door led into the hugest kitchen Heidi had
ever seen. With a great deal of trouble, the grandfather
(05:12):
had fitted up this place. Many boards were nailed across
the walls, and the door had been fastened with heavy wires.
For beyond the building lay in ruins. Thick underbrush was
growing there, sheltering thousands of insects and lizards. Heidi was
(05:36):
delighted with her new home, and when Peter arrived next day,
she did not rest till he had seen every nook
and corner of the curious dwelling place. Heidie slept very
well in her chimney corner, but it took her many
days to get accustomed to it. When she woke up
(05:59):
in the mall and could not hear the fir trees roar,
she would wonder where she was. Was the snow too
heavy on the branches? Was she away from home? But
as soon as she heard her grandfather's voice outside, she
remembered everything and would jump merrily out of bed. After
(06:24):
four days had gone by, Heidi said to her grandfather,
I must go to grandmother now, she has been alone
so many days. But the grandfather shook his head and said,
you can't go yet, child. The snow is fathoms deep
up there and is still falling. Peter can hardly get through.
(06:47):
A little girl like you would be snowed up and
lost in no time. Wait a while till it freezes,
and then you can walk on top of the crust.
Heidi was very sorry, but she was so busy now
that the days flew by. Every morning and afternoon she
(07:09):
went to school eagerly learning whatever was taught her. She
hardly ever saw Peter there, for he did not come
very often. The mild teacher would only say, from time
to time, it seems to me Peter is not here again.
School would do him good, but I guess there is
(07:31):
too much snow for him to get through. But when
Heidi came home towards evening, Peter generally paid her a visit.
After a few days, the sun came out for a
short time at noon, and the next morning the whole
elp listened and shone like crystal. When Peter was jumping
(07:57):
as usual into the snow that morning, he fell against
something hard, and before he could stop himself, he flew
a little way down the mountain. When he had gained
his feet at last, he stamped upon the ground with
all his might. It really was frozen, as hard as
(08:19):
a stone. Peter could hardly believe it, and quickly running
up and swallowing his milk and putting his bread in
his pocket, he announced, I must go to school today. Yes,
go and learn, nicely, answered his mother. Then sitting down
(08:43):
on his sledge, the boy coasted down the mountain like
a shot, not being able to stop his course. When
he reached the village, he coasted down further and further
till he arrived in the plain, where the sledge stopped
of itself. It was already late for school, so the
(09:03):
boy took his time and only arrived in the village
when Heidi came home for dinner. We've got it, announced
the boy. On entering what general asked the uncle the snow,
Peter replied, oh, now I can go up to grandmother.
Heidi rejoiced, But Peter, why didn't you come to school?
(09:26):
You could coast down today, she continued, reproachfully. I went
too far on my sledge, and then it was too late.
Peter replied, I call that deserting, said the uncle. People
who do that must have their ears pulled, do you hear?
The boy was frightened, for there was no one in
(09:49):
the world whom he respected more than the uncle. A
general like you ought to be doubly ashamed to do so.
The uncle went on, what would you do with the
goats if they did not obey you anymore? Beat them?
Was the reply. If you knew of a boy that
(10:09):
was behaving like a disobedient goat and had to get spanked,
what would you say serves him right? So now you
know it, goat general, if you miss school again when
you ought to be there, you can come to me
and get your due. Now, at last Peter understood what
(10:31):
the uncle had meant more kindly. The old man turned
to Peter and said, come to the table now and
eat with us. Then you can go up with Heidi,
and when you bring her back at night, you can
get your supper here. This unexpected change delighted Peter, not
(10:53):
losing any time, he soon disposed of his full plate. Heidi,
who were given the boy most of her dinner, was
already putting on Clara's new coat. Then together they climbed
up Hidie chatting all the time, but Peter did not
(11:14):
say a single word. He was preoccupied and had not
even listened to Hidie's tales. Before they entered the hut,
the boy said stubbornly, I think I had rather go
to school than get a beating from the uncle. Heide
promptly confirmed him in his resolution. When they went into
(11:38):
the room, Peter's mother was alone at the table mending.
The grandmother was nowhere to be seen. Brigida now told
Hidie that the grandmother was obliged to stay in bed
on those cold days, as she did not feel very strong.
That was something new for Heidi. Quickly running to the
(12:01):
old woman's chamber, she found her lying in a narrow bed,
wrapped up in her gray shawl and thin blanket. Thank Heaven,
the grandmother exclaimed when she heard her darling step. All
autumn and winter long, a secret fear have been gnawing
at her heart that Hidie will be sent for by
(12:24):
the strange gentleman of whom Peter had told her so much.
Hidie had approached the bed, asking anxiously, are you very sick? Grandmother? No,
no child, the old woman reassured her, the frost has
just got into my limbs a little. Are you going
(12:46):
to be well again as soon as the warm weather comes,
inquired Hidy, Yes, yes, and if a god wills even sooner.
I want to go back to my spinning wheel, and
I nearly tried it today. I'll get up tomorrow, though,
the grandmother said confidently, for she had noticed how frightened
(13:08):
Heidi was. The last speech made the child feel more happy. Then,
looking wonderingly at the grandmother, she said, in Frankfort, people
put on a shawl when they go out. Why are
you putting it on in bed, Grandmother? I put it
(13:28):
on to keep me warm, Heidy, I am glad to
have it, for my blanket is very thin. But Grandmother,
your bed is slanting down at your head where it
ought to be high. No bed ought to be like that.
I know, child, I can feel it well, so saying,
(13:51):
the old woman tried to change her position on the
pillow that lay under her like a thin board. My
pillow never thick, and sleeping on it all these years
has made it flat. Oh, dear, if I had only
asked Clara to give me the bed I had in Frankfort, Heidi, lamented.
(14:13):
It had three big pillows on it. I could hardly
sleep because I kept sliding down from them all the time.
Could you sleep with them, grandmother? Of course, because that
would keep me warm. I could breathe so much easier, too,
said the grandmother, trying to find a higher place to
(14:34):
lie on. But I must not talk about it anymore,
for I have to be thankful for many things. I
get the lovely roll every day and have this beautiful
warm shawl. I also have you, my child, Heidi. Wouldn't
you like to read me something to day? Heidie immediately
(14:58):
fetched the book and read one song after another. The grandmother,
in the meantime, was lying with folded hands. Her face,
which had been so sad a short time ago, was
lit up with a happy smile. Suddenly Heide stopped, Are
(15:20):
you well again? Grandmother? She asked, I feel very much better, Hidie,
Please finish the song, will you? The child obeyed, and
when she came to the last words, when mine eyes
grow dim and sad, let thy love more brightly burn
(15:42):
that my soul a wanderer glad safely homeward may return. Safely,
Homeward may return, she exclaimed, Oh, Grandmother, I know what
it is like to come home After a while. She said,
it is getting dark, Grandmother, I must go home now.
(16:04):
I am glad that you feel better again. The grandmother,
holding the child's hand in hers, said, yes, I am
happy again, though I have to stay in bed. Nobody
knows how hard it is to lie here alone day
after day. I do not hear a word from anybody,
(16:27):
and cannot see a ray of sunlight. I have very
sad thoughts sometimes, and often I feel as if I
could not bear it any longer. But when I can
hear those blessed songs that you have read to me,
it makes me feel as if a light was shining
(16:48):
into my heart, giving me the purest joy. Shaking hands,
the child now said good night, and pulling Peter with
her ran outside. The brilliant moon was shining down on
the white snow light as day. The two children were
(17:12):
already flying down the alp like birds soaring through the air.
After Hidie had gone to bed that night, she lay
awake a little while thinking over everything the grandmother had said,
especially about the joy the songs had given her. If
(17:33):
only poor grandmother could hear those comforting words every day,
Hidie knew that it might be a week or two
again before she could repeat her visit. The child became
very sad when she thought how uncomfortable and lonely the
old woman would be. Was there no way for help?
(17:57):
Suddenly Heidi had an idea, and it thrilled her so
that she felt as if she could not wait till
morning came to put her plan in execution. But in
her excitement, she had forgotten her evening prayer, So, sitting
up in bed, she prayed fervently to God. Then falling
(18:21):
back into the fragrant hay, she soon slept peacefully and
soundly till the bright morning came
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