In the course of our research on the Black Forest area,
we found some interesting legends, myths and lore. We've added some of the
stories that we found here, so that we can share them with you.
Bühl, Baden
Water nymphs are suppose to live in the dark depths of the Mummel
Lake at the foot of Hornisgrinde at Buhl, Baden.
The Legend of Fremersberg Mountain
A small cloister of Franciscans had a monastery on the southern slope of
Fremersberg Montain from 1426 until 1826. It was named Kloesterle. The monks
were not only concerned with the spiritual health of the people, they also
concerned themselves with their earthly peace. For instance, when ghosts
raising a ruckus on the mountain, raised fear and anxiety among the villagers
with their rumblings, the monks caught the troublemakers, put them in sacks,
and carried them to poltergeist graves, where they remain banned once and
for all. So the story goes.....
The lengend of Windeck Castle in village of Kappelwindeck
Down in the valley, girls working with their spinning wheels told each other
of wonderous things that were suppose to have happened in the castle above. A
hen, they say, dug a deep. wide trench as the Strassbourgers advanced. A
dashing young hunter perished there because of his love for a beautiful young
woman of the castle.
by Aloys Schreiber (1761-1841)
Varnhalt, Baden
There is a tradition in Varnhalt that has carried down from generation
to generation for over 200 years. The last grape harvest of every growing
season must be brought home by ox-cart., if not done, this last harvest will
make the whole grape harvest into a sour, undrinkable wine.
Legends of Yberg Castle
Myths of this ancient castle tell of fair ladies who appear in the night;
of unusual Bowling games on the first Monday of every month and of a
mysterious vault, that no one could find, filled with delicious wines.
Tales of the Village of Yberg
Tales have long been told of a distinguished Baden gentleman who showered
a shepherd with enough money to build himself a house.
Villagers, in former times, gossiped of the unusual things that happened to the unlucky Earl Edward Fortunatus, who by trying to create Gold in his
laboratory, killed the beautiful caretakers daughter, whom he loved above
all...
Myth of the Village of Ittersbach
In 1232 Herman, Margrave of Baden, gave his villages of Utilspur (today called
Ittersbach) and Wolmerspur to the covent St. Gallen. As a settlement
Wolmerspur disappeared, but the cause is unknown whether war, plague or
famine. According to myth, at midnight during Advent a headless horseman on a
white steed rides in the cemetary over the terrain of the destroyed village of
Wolmerspur.
Source: Heimatbuch de Gemeinde Ittersbach
Submitted by J. Hirsch
The Legend of Hex von Dasenstein
In the village of Kappelrodeck (Kreis Ortenau) there is an old legend
surrounding the town's namesake family. High on a hill sits Rodeck
Castle that was, for centuries, the seat of this aristocratic family.
Centuries ago, legend has it, that a beautiful daughter of the family
fell in love with a peasant boy. Her powerful father forbid her to
marry the boy. The girl ran away to the other side of the valley and
took up life as a hermit in a huge outcrop of rocks in the middle of
the mountainside vineyards. The outcropping was known as Dasenstein.
Over the years, the townsfolk came to believe that the girl was a
powerful and good witch who watched over their blessed grape crops.
The local wine cooperative goes by the name, Hex von Dasenstein (Witch
of Dasenstein). Its wines are reknown throughout Europe and in 1982,
its spatburgunder (pinot noir) was named best wine in Europe and
served to President Reagan during his ill fated visit to Bitburg.
The Mummelsee
The Mummelsee has a legend of a king who lives beneath the water and dragged down
women to his kingdom under the water many years ago.
Legend of Loecherberg
There is a Celtic graveside and temples up in the forest at Loecherberg. You can feel the spirit of the Celtic peoples at night. You can see the ghosts gathering but only when there is total peace and quiet. A party of people who are loud etc. will not see it.
If you know of a legend from the Black
Forest area, we'd love for you to share it with us. Email us at:
blackforest@websters.net
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