Mary Shelly’s Short Story: ‘The Pilgrims’

In “The Pilgrims,” Mary Shelley tells of the knight, Burkhardt, who curses his daughter and his enemy. Only forgiveness and mercy can truly heal him

"The Pilgrims Resting," 1859, by Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller. Private Collection. Public Domain

In her short story, “The Pilgrims,” Mary Shelley tells of the knight, Burkhardt, who, in a fit of uncontrolled rage, curses his daughter and his enemy. Such a moment of unmitigated rage results in an estrangement from his beloved daughter and lifelong sorrow. Only forgiveness and mercy can truly heal him.

Burkhardt lives by himself in his castle in the valley of Unspunnen. As he walks through a grove of trees mourning past mistakes, two young pilgrims interrupt his thoughts. Seeing their tired faces, he welcomes them in with entertainment and a good meal.

A Tale of Woe

While they feast, Burkhardt falls back into his mournful contemplation. Concerned for their kind host, the pilgrims press him to tell them what saddens him so much. Touched by their kind inquiries, Burkhardt recounts his sorrowful tale.