The Complete Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: The Golden Legend is a collected edition that features one of Longfellow’s most ambitious narrative poems, “The Golden Legend,” originally published in 1851.
 
It’s a medieval Christian allegory centered on Prince Henry of Hoheneck, who suffers from a mysterious illness that can only be cured if a maiden willingly sacrifices her life for him. A humble peasant girl named Elsie volunteers, and the story follows their journey to Salerno, where the cure is to take place. Along the way, they encounter monks, devils, and moral dilemmas—blending spiritual themes, romantic idealism, and mystical folklore.