The knight was in the service of a middle prince away from Hadeln, but the knight had learnt that his mother back in Otterndorf had been accused of witchcraft, found guilty, and so was to be burnt at the stake at the east gate of the town.
Rüütel oli keskmise vürsti teenistuses Hadelnist eemal, kuid rüütel sai teada, et tema ema Otterndorfis süüdistati nõiduses, tunnistati süüdi ja pidi põletatama tuleriidal linna idavärava juures.