De lelie van 's-Gravenhage

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

28175

Title

De lelie van 's-Gravenhage

Language

nl

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A collection of essays, poems, and stories by Jacobus Jan Cremer, blending Dutch folklore with French settings. The work explores themes of art, brotherhood, and social justice through tales of giants, tragic war scenes, and reflections on the power of creativity to unite humanity.

Summary up to 500 words

Jacobus Jan Cremer's *De Lelie van 's-Gravenhage* (The Lily of The Hague) is a collection of essays, stories, and speeches that weaves together folklore, social commentary, and fervent advocacy for peace. The volume opens with the legendary tale of Druon-Antigoon, the giant of Antwerp, who terrorized the Scheldt river by seizing ships and chopping off the hands of those who refused his toll. This tyranny is ultimately defeated by the hero Brabo, whose victory leads to the founding of the city of Antwerp. Cremer uses this myth to transition into a celebration of the 1879 Antwerp International Art Exhibition. Here, he argues that true art transcends religious and national boundaries, fostering a universal brotherhood among creators from diverse backgrounds, including Russia, Italy, and Germany, united by a shared love for beauty and the divine. The narrative then shifts to Nice, where Cremer describes a massive floral tribute to the Virgin Mary and a sermon by the Bishop of Nice. The bishop elevates the priesthood to a divine status, claiming that priests possess power greater than angels and kings, serving as the ultimate intermediaries between God and humanity. However, the tone darkens significantly with the story of Blanche Toulemaire. After witnessing the horrors of war, Blanche descends into madness, prophesying doom to German officers before dying. Her tragic end serves as a stark indictment of the conflict, contrasting the bishop's spiritual elevation with the brutal reality of soldiers dying in the snow and blood. The book concludes with a powerful plea for peace and disarmament. Cremer urges nations to abandon the "necessary evil" of war, labeling it a lie that defiles humanity and God. He calls for the destruction of arsenals and weapon factories, arguing that they hinder human welfare and foster hatred. Through the enduring power of the arts and the message of international understanding, Cremer envisions a future where nations resolve disputes through reason and law rather than violence, ultimately healing and uniting mankind.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-07-03 14:56 UTC

Categories

• History
• Fiction