The Tale of Lohengrin, Knight of the Swan, illustrated by Willy Pogany and published in 1913, is a beautifully rendered adaptation of the medieval German legend of Lohengrin—the Knight of the Swan—who appears mysteriously to defend the innocent and uphold justice, only to vanish when his identity is questioned.
This edition presents the story in a style accessible to younger readers or general audiences, distilling the core elements of the myth that also inspired Richard Wagner’s opera Lohengrin. The narrative centers on Elsa of Brabant, falsely accused of murdering her brother, who is saved by a noble knight arriving in a boat drawn by a swan. The knight agrees to champion her cause on the condition that she never ask his name or origin—a condition she ultimately breaks, leading to his departure and the revelation of his identity as a Knight of the Holy Grail.
Willy Pogany’s illustrations are the highlight of this 1913 edition. Known for his elaborate, ethereal, and highly decorative Art Nouveau–influenced style, Pogany fills the pages with intricate pen-and-ink drawings, delicate watercolor washes, and ornamental borders that evoke a dreamlike, romanticized vision of medieval chivalry and mysticism. His artwork enhances the fairy-tale quality of the legend, blending fantasy and spirituality in a way characteristic of early 20th-century illustrated gift books.
Published during the golden age of illustrated children’s literature, The Tale of Lohengrin stands as both a literary retelling and a visual masterpiece, showcasing Pogany’s talent for transforming ancient myth into an enchanting, visually sumptuous experience.
