During the war between Queen Margarita and Albrecht of Mecklenburg the
two armies had an encounter in Southern Halland. The Queen’s people had
encamped upon the plains of Tjarby, a half mile north of Laholm, while
the Prince’s adherents were camped in the vicinity of Weinge Church.
One morning the Queen went, as was her custom to morning prayers in
Tjarby Church, but took the precaution to set a guard upon the
so-called Queen’s Mountain to warn her of danger.
While she was buried in her devotions there came a message, informing
her that a few unattended knights had been seen in the vicinity.
“There is yet no danger,” said the courageous Queen, and continued her
prayers at the altar.
In a short time another message was brought, informing her that as many
as a hundred knights had made their appearance, but the Queen commanded
her people to keep still, that yet there was no occasion for alarm.
Finally a message came that all Elstorps Woods seemed to be alive and
moving against Tjarby.
“Now, my children, for a hard battle, but God will give us the
victory,” said the Queen, and springing upon her horse, she marched at
the head of her warriors against the enemy.
The enemy had, as is related in the story of Macbeth, made use of
stratagem, for each man carried before him a green bush, thinking to
come upon the queen’s attendants by surprise. But the queen outwitted
him and gained a brilliant victory.
In gratitude to God, she rebuilt the old church of Tjarby, and since
that day no birches higher than a man’s head have grown in Elstorps
Woods.