Iron John(Part 7)

The king said to his daughter, "I order a grand celebration to be held for three nights, during which you will choose your fiancé by throwing golden apples three times. Perhaps the unknown warrior will attend the celebration upon hearing this news." When the news of the celebration reached the young man, he went to the forest and called for Iron John. Iron John asked, "What do you want?" The young man said, "I want to win the princess's golden apple." Iron John replied, “The apple is yours from now on. Additionally, they will bring you a red saddle, and you will ride a wild horse that has a reddish-golden hue.”

On the day of the celebration, the young man arrived galloping and joined the ranks of the warriors. Clad entirely in steel, no one recognized him. The princess came close and threw a golden apple among the warriors, but no one but this young man managed to catch it.

For the second day, Iron John sent him a white horse and a white saddle. Again, only he was able to seize the golden apple. However, he did not pause for a moment; he quickly grabbed the apple and left the scene. The king was angered and proclaimed, "Such behavior is not permitted. He must come to me and reveal his name." The king then ordered the warriors to pursue the one who received the apple, and if he did not return willingly, they were to attack him with the tip or edge of their swords. Despite this, no one could come close to him.

On the third day, Iron John sent him a black horse and a steed as dark as night, and once again, he was the one to seize the golden apple. However, he intended to flee with it, so the king's servants pursued him. One of them pressed him so closely that he wounded his leg with the tip of his sword. Nevertheless, he managed to escape, but in his haste, his visored helmet fell off, revealing all his golden hair. Seeing this, everyone turned back and reported the entire incident to the king.