The Fair Katrinelje and Pif-Paf-Poltrie

In a cheerful village where everyone knew everyone else’s business, there lived a young woman named Katrinelje who was known throughout the region for her beauty, kindness, and good humor. She had many admirers, but none quite like the young man who would soon change her life in the most amusing way possible.

The Unusual Suitor

There was a young man in the village whose name was quite extraordinary - he was called Pif-Paf-Poltrie. This unusual name had been given to him as a child because of the playful sounds he made when he was happy, and somehow it had stuck with him throughout his life.

Pif-Paf-Poltrie was a good-hearted, hardworking fellow who had fallen deeply in love with the fair Katrinelje. He admired not only her beauty but also her merry laugh and her kind way of treating everyone she met.

For months, Pif-Paf-Poltrie had been trying to work up the courage to ask Katrinelje to marry him. Every time he saw her at the market or walking through the village, his heart would pound and his tongue would tie itself in knots.

The Decision to Propose

Finally, Pif-Paf-Poltrie decided that he could wait no longer. “I must ask for Katrinelje’s hand in marriage,” he declared to himself. “But I want to do this properly, with all the correct traditions and formalities.”

In their village, it was customary for a young man to ask not only the young woman herself, but also to gain the approval of her entire family before proposing marriage. This meant speaking to her parents, her grandparents, and any other relatives who might have an opinion on the matter.

Pif-Paf-Poltrie put on his finest clothes, combed his hair carefully, and set off for Katrinelje’s family home with great determination.

The First Conversation

When Pif-Paf-Poltrie arrived at the house, he found Katrinelje sitting in the garden, sewing a beautiful piece of embroidery. She looked up and smiled when she saw him approaching.

“Good day, Katrinelje,” said Pif-Paf-Poltrie, nervously fidgeting with his hat.

“Good day to you, Pif-Paf-Poltrie,” replied Katrinelje cheerfully. “What brings you to visit today?”

Pif-Paf-Poltrie took a deep breath and said, “Katrinelje, I have come to ask you an important question. Would you consider becoming my wife?”

Katrinelje blushed prettily and smiled. “That is very sweet of you to ask, Pif-Paf-Poltrie. I think you are a fine man, and I would be happy to marry you. But first, you must ask my family for their permission, as is proper.”

The Chain of Permissions

“Of course!” said Pif-Paf-Poltrie eagerly. “I want to do everything correctly. Who should I speak to first?”

“Well,” said Katrinelje thoughtfully, “you should probably start with my father. But first, my father will want to discuss it with my mother. And my mother will want to talk to my grandmother. And my grandmother will certainly want to consult with my grandfather. And my grandfather will need to speak with my great-uncle Heinrich, who is the head of our family.”

Pif-Paf-Poltrie nodded seriously, though this seemed like quite a lot of people to convince. “I understand. I will speak to your father first.”

Meeting the Father

Pif-Paf-Poltrie found Katrinelje’s father, Herr Mueller, working in his workshop behind the house. Herr Mueller was a carpenter known for his fine craftsmanship and his methodical approach to everything.

“Good day, Herr Mueller,” said Pif-Paf-Poltrie politely. “I have come to ask for permission to marry your daughter Katrinelje.”

Herr Mueller looked up from his work and studied the young man carefully. “Pif-Paf-Poltrie, you seem like a decent fellow, and Katrinelje has spoken well of you. But this is an important decision. I must discuss it with my wife first. Come back tomorrow, and I will give you an answer.”

The Mother’s Consultation

That evening, Herr Mueller spoke to his wife, Frau Mueller, about Pif-Paf-Poltrie’s request. Frau Mueller was a practical woman who prided herself on making thoughtful decisions.

“Pif-Paf-Poltrie is certainly a good young man,” she said, “and he works hard at his trade. But marriage is a serious matter. I think we should ask Mother what she thinks. She has more experience with these things than we do.”

So the next morning, when Pif-Paf-Poltrie returned for his answer, Herr Mueller told him, “My wife and I are favorably inclined toward your request, but we want to consult with Katrinelje’s grandmother first. Please come back tomorrow.”

The Grandmother’s Wisdom

Katrinelje’s grandmother, Oma Greta, was a wise old woman who had seen many young couples come and go in her long life. When Frau Mueller explained the situation to her, Oma Greta nodded thoughtfully.

“Pif-Paf-Poltrie has a good reputation in the village,” she said, “and I’ve observed that he’s always respectful and kind. But you know, Father would want to have a say in this decision. He’s always been very particular about family matters.”

So when Pif-Paf-Poltrie came for his answer the next day, he was told, “The family is pleased with your request, but we must consult with Grandfather first. Please return tomorrow.”

The Grandfather’s Deliberation

Opa Wilhelm, Katrinelje’s grandfather, was an elderly man who took great pride in family traditions and proper procedures. When Oma Greta explained about Pif-Paf-Poltrie’s proposal, he stroked his long beard thoughtfully.

“This young man has shown proper respect by asking the family’s permission,” he said approvingly. “But such an important decision affects the entire family line. I think we should get Heinrich’s opinion. As the eldest member of our family, his wisdom would be valuable.”

And so Pif-Paf-Poltrie received yet another request to return the following day.

The Great-Uncle’s Authority

Great-uncle Heinrich was the oldest and most respected member of the family. He lived in a small cottage at the edge of the village and was known for his thoughtful advice and his long memory of family history.

When Opa Wilhelm explained the situation to him, Great-uncle Heinrich listened carefully and then said, “Pif-Paf-Poltrie is from a good family, and his father was an honest man. I believe this would be a suitable match. You have my blessing.”

The Final Answer

The next day, when Pif-Paf-Poltrie came for what he hoped would be the final answer, he found the entire family gathered in the parlor. Herr Mueller stepped forward with a big smile.

“Pif-Paf-Poltrie,” he announced formally, “after consulting with my wife, my mother, my father, and my uncle, we are pleased to give you permission to marry our daughter Katrinelje.”

Pif-Paf-Poltrie was so excited that he jumped up and down, making the happy “pif-paf-poltrie” sounds that had earned him his name as a child. Everyone laughed at his joy.

Katrinelje’s Response

Katrinelje, who had been watching this entire process with great amusement, stepped forward and took Pif-Paf-Poltrie’s hand.

“And I,” she said with a merry laugh, “after consulting with myself, am pleased to accept your proposal!”

The whole family burst into laughter and applause at Katrinelje’s witty response to all the formal consultations.

The Wedding Preparations

The engagement was celebrated with a wonderful party, and the whole village was invited to share in the happiness. Everyone agreed that Pif-Paf-Poltrie and Katrinelje were perfectly suited to each other, both having such cheerful and good-natured personalities.

The wedding was planned for the following month, with great care taken to follow all the proper traditions and customs. Katrinelje’s family insisted on doing everything correctly, just as they had with the engagement process.

The Happy Wedding

The wedding day arrived with perfect sunshine and gentle breezes. The ceremony was held in the village church, with the entire community in attendance. Pif-Paf-Poltrie looked handsome in his best suit, and Katrinelje was radiant in her white dress.

When the minister asked if anyone objected to the marriage, Great-uncle Heinrich stood up with a twinkle in his eye and said, “I have been consulted about this matter, and I give my full approval!” Everyone laughed at this reference to the long consultation process.

The Moral of the Story

The tale of Katrinelje and Pif-Paf-Poltrie became a favorite story in the village, told whenever people wanted to illustrate the importance of family traditions while also gently poking fun at excessive formality.

The story taught that while it’s important to respect family customs and seek the approval of those we love, it’s also important to remember that love and happiness are what truly matter in a marriage.

The Happy Ending

Pif-Paf-Poltrie and Katrinelje lived happily together for many years, and their home was always filled with laughter and joy. They became known throughout the village for their good humor and their willingness to help others.

Whenever young couples in the village became engaged, people would tell them the story of Pif-Paf-Poltrie and Katrinelje, reminding them that while traditions are important, the most important thing is finding someone who makes you laugh and brings joy to your life.

The Lasting Legacy

Years later, when people told the story of the fair Katrinelje and Pif-Paf-Poltrie, they would always emphasize how the couple’s good humor and respect for family had brought them happiness.

The tale reminded everyone that love should be celebrated with joy and laughter, and that the best marriages are built on friendship, respect, and the ability to find humor in life’s little complications.

And so Pif-Paf-Poltrie and Katrinelje lived happily ever after, proving that sometimes the silliest love stories make the sweetest endings.