In a far away village lived a young girl of red hair, and pearly skin. All men desired her and all women envied her beauty.
Once she came to be of marrying age a brave young man tried to court her. The act was so public that other men from the village became jealous and tried to not lose their opportunity, and courted her as well and madness soon unraveled.
From gossip between women, to fights between men. All thought to have a chance. But the poor girl just wanted to live in peace and gave no man any attention. Day and night men would try to convince her otherwise, sent her gifts, composed songs and wrote poems to win her love. But none would be enough. She just wanted to be left alone.
Until one night one of these men decided that it was enough. In a drunken stupor he went to her house, barged in her room and took her away. At the edge of the lake, he tried to convince her to marry him. That she had to make a decision, that she was being childish and disrespectful mocking all men with her denial. Who was she to think herself better among all! He forced himself on her, but the girl screamed and fought flailing her arms, scratching his face, but no one could hear her.
At the edge of the lake, the drunken man, in desperation and rage hold her red head under the cold dark waters. Hoping for her to quiet down and to give in to him. She stopped moving. Thinking he was finally victorious lift her up with excitement ready to be married, but the life was gone from her body and so his love. In fear and shame from this revelation he slowly put her back in the waters and gently pushed her away from the shore, where her white gown, pearly skin and red head, danced to the bottom to never be seen again.
Until next time a young girl, of red hair and pearly skin was born again, she grew older into a stunning young woman and men went mad once again. Suddenly crops started to wilt, fish disappeared and moved away from the shores. A putrid smell from the lake moved to the village and a strange mist sat upon it. The sun hid away, and all days were grey. The witch of the lake asked only for one favor.
Whenever a beautiful girl of red hair became of marrying age, the witch would claim her to herself. Or in punishment the village would suffer disease and hunger for ever. An eternity of misfortune until the witch claimed her girl. A big procession would resume and the girl would be offered. The witch would come and turn her into a fish, to swim with her forever, away from evil men, envy and sin.
