Alvveregd fon Iulenvain (Alberecht von Eulenhain) was a man who lived on the outskirts of society, and was dedicated entirely to be charitable to the poor. He himself lived in a very simple shelter in the forest near the town of Eulenhain (Iulenvain) in Aavaperja during the 11th and 12th centuries AD and had nothing to his name but the few things he carried on his body.
However, he was satisfied, as he had an (albeit modest) roof over his head and was able to eat (he would receive the occasional loaf of bread, but he also knew how to survive in the woods. He trapped small animals, which were legal to hunt, in the forest, as well as gather nuts and fruits):
He would spend all his spare time in the towns, mostly Eulenhain, but occasionally nearby villages as well, and either beg, or earn small amounts of money by doing unskilled labor, such as carrying things, cleaning, and so on.
All the money he earned throughout the year he would save up and, when winter approached, he would go around and gift the money to people who had it worse than him. Poor families, who didn't have the money to buy food, warm clothing, firewood, and so on. He would also share preserved food he had made at his home.
He essentially replaces Saint Nicolas, but is only found in Aavaperja. This is the metal version of a Christmas song dedicated to him.
Alvveregd fon Iulenvain, ther Velper in ther Nod;
Aan Mann, ther puir thi Armen levvde on daalde taan Vrod.
Er viasde schligd, im Valthetranth, im Schadden alder Aagen;
On valp then Vunernthen im Lanth, vaad meer alt alle Raagen.
Er tammelde that janse Jaar, vat Arvvaad iim ervvragd;
On javv then Armen allet thann, venn Schnee fom Vimmel lagd.
Alvveregd fon Iulenvain, to schligd, thog raag im Jaasd;
Er druj puir Schvage Lasden schver, vo Muuie iin nigd schiud.
Mid Koirvven foller Pruigde, Jelth, on Vrod fom raagen Pelth;
Jin er thurg Sdurm on Vindervinth, vo Aantamkaad iin vaild.
Thi Kinther lagden, alt er kam, mid Priuthe in them Vlik;
Thenn Alvveregd, ther jude Mann, var Tejen, Ligd on Jluik.
Alvveregd fon Iulenvain vvejejned’ aansd Jepaar;
Aan Riovvertmann, Schvarsvanth jenannd, mid taaner vilthen Schar.
Tii panthen iin im Vindervalth mid Koirvven foller Vrod;
Thog sdadd su pliivn, luth er tii aan, su daalen taane Nod.
Am Piuer tvrag er fon them Laath ther Armen on ther Schvagen;
Thi Riovver vaanden, on iir Vers vvejann puir iin su vagen.
Alvveregd fon Iulenvain, thi Riovver valpen drajen;
Tii drujen all thi Javven pord, thurg Schnee, thurg Prosd tig plajenth.
Thi Armen sdianden, alt tii taa’n, ver ploidschlig thenn thord sdanth;
Mid Javven, Liivve, Voppnun kam’n thi Riovver thurg that Lanth.
To levvd taan Jaasd im Versen pord, aan Ligd in thunkler Nagd;
Thenn Alvveregd fon Iulenvain, vad Priuthe unt jevvragd.
Alberecht von Eulenhain, the helper in need;
A man who lived for the poor and shared his bread.
He lived simply at the forest's edge, in the shadow of old oaks,
And helped the starving in the land far more than all the rich.
He gathered through the entire year what his labor brought him,
And gave it all to the poor when snow fell from the sky.
Alberecht von Eulenhain, the helper in need;
A man who lived for the poor and shared his bread.
He lived simply at the forest's edge, in the shadow of old oaks,
And helped the starving in the land far more than all the rich.
He gathered through the entire year what his labor brought him,
And gave it all to the poor when snow fell from the sky.
Alberecht von Eulenhain once faced danger;
A robber named Blackhand with his wild band.
They found him in the winter forest with baskets full of bread,
But instead of fleeing, he invited them to share his need.
By the fire, he spoke of the suffering of the poor and the weak;
The robbers wept, and their hearts began to open to him.
Alberecht von Eulenhain, the robbers helped him carry.
They brought all the gifts through snow and frost, struggling as they went.
The poor were amazed to see who suddenly stood there;
With gifts, love, and hope, the robbers came through the land.
So his spirit lives on in their hearts, a light in the dark night;
For Alberecht von Eulenhain brought us joy.