The legend of The Little Man in the Tower

A legend about ‘Seidel’

There is a legend about the Seidel Restaurant. It tells the story of The Little Man who lives in the tower next to the inn…

Nobody knows how The Little Man, who is only knee-high to a grasshopper, was able to get into the tower. Fortunately he only wishes for all the travellers that visit Seidel to eat till there heart’s content.

Now it came to pass that a Prince of the House of Orange, who was just passing through with his retinue, arrived unexpectedly and wanted to have dinner at the Seidel inn and spend the night. The prince asked the innkeeper to prepare some very special fish dishes for him and his entourage. Right on that day, however, there wasn’t so much fresh fish available. It would also take too long to send the fishermen back to sea again. The innkeeper didn’t know what to do. He only knew one person who could help him: The Little Man! Quickly he climbed to the top floor of the tower where The Little Man lived and he made a wish. The Little Man didn’t show himself, but said: “Go to the inner harbour. Cast out your fishing nets and your wish will be fulfilled.” Innkeeper Seidel hurried outside. What he saw was unbelievable. The water was swirling. A stream of sea creatures poured out of the sea into the inner harbour. After half an hour, Seidel closed the harbour and dragged his fishing nets through the water. He hauled his nets onboard and couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw an incredibly wide variety of fish and shellfish. Meanwhile, the stoves were hot and the sauces and all the other garnishing were prepared with the utmost care. Within an hour the fish was served. The innkeeper won the highest praise and all the noblemen promised to come back as often as they could.