One evening, I met a man who was on his way to the village because his wife had just given birth to a son. I asked him if he would allow me to spend the night in his home, and he willingly granted my wish. He considered it good luck to have a monk in his home on that auspicious night.

He asked me if I would baptize the child, and I did so, gladly. I named the boy Janni, and I gave him a knife. One day, he will need it.

The Monk Godfather in Janni and the Draken, Grey Fairy Book. Painting by Rembrandt.