Introduction to German folklore creatures
German folklore is a significant element of the country’s cultural heritage and has been a vital part of German life for centuries. These stories are steeped in history and tradition and offer us a glimpse into the beliefs and fears of the people who created them.
In the early days, folklore was an oral tradition where stories were passed down from generation to generation. The early Germanic tribes had their own myths and legends, heavily influenced by the natural world and their spiritual beliefs. These tales were not just meant to be entertaining — they served to educate and preserve cultural identity.
As time progressed, Christianity merged with these older pagan traditions. This fusion gave birth to new tales, where Christian morals and teachings were woven into more traditional folklore. In this period, many of the stories we associate with German folklore began to take shape.
It was in the 19th century that German folklore caught the world’s attention, and we have the Brothers Grimm to thank for that. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were fascinated by the cultural heritage of their homeland. As the world around them quickly changed, they saw the value in the old tales shared by word of mouth for generations.
Their collection, “Grimm’s Fairy Tales,” introduced readers everywhere to witches, giants, and other magical creatures that had been part of Germany’s storytelling tradition. They continue to play a role in modern Germany, influencing literature, movies, and everyday life.
From the depths of German forests to the peaks of its fairy-tale castles, we invite you to join us in learning more about the stories of these legendary figures.
Iconic German mythological creatures
In the heart of German folklore lie creatures so captivating and unique that they’ve become iconic symbols of the country’s rich mythological heritage.
This section covers four notable German cryptids: Rübezahl, Lorelei, the Nix, and Kobolds — exploring their origins and legends.
Rübezahl: The Lord of the Mountains
Rübezahl, a legendary figure in German folklore, is a mountain gnome known for dwelling in the Giant Mountains between Silesia and Bohemia. His story dates back centuries and has evolved significantly over time.
Initially perceived as an evil spirit causing storms and heavy snow, Rübezahl’s character transformed into a guardian of people experiencing poverty and a protector against oppression.
‘Rübezahl’ translates to ‘Count Turnip’ and has an interesting origin story. According to legend, Rübezahl once captured a princess and, to comfort her loneliness, transformed turnips into members of her court. The princess tricked him into counting these turnips, using his distraction to escape. Since then, he has been known as Rübezahl, which reportedly angers him when used.
Rübezahl is typically depicted as a towering figure with a long beard and wild hair, wearing a green coat and hat, resembling a woodwose, a wild man of the woods in European folklore.
Known for controlling the weather, he can summon lightning, thunder, fog, rain, and snow, even under clear skies. His ability to shapeshift is another notable trait, allowing him to transform into various animals or disappear at will. Despite his intimidating appearance and powers, Rübezahl is often portrayed as benevolent to the humble and meek but wrathful towards the arrogant or disrespectful.
Rübezahl’s legend dates back to the 16th century, originating from Germanic cultural beliefs. He is often regarded as the lord of weather in the mountains and is associated with the Wild Hunt, a folklore motif involving ghostly or supernatural group hunters.
The first recorded accounts of Rübezahl appear during the Renaissance period, with the most famous literary work being Johann Karl August Musäus’s play Der Rübezahl, published in 1783. Rübezahl is also a significant part of the cultural heritage of the Silesian region, serving as a symbol of nature’s power and teaching moral lessons through his interactions with humans.
Rübezahl is featured in numerous stories, each highlighting different aspects of his character. One famous tale involves him gifting musicians with what appeared to be horse manure, which later turned into gold, teaching a lesson about the value of gifts. His realm, often depicted as a kingdom in the mountains, is filled with mystery and intrigue, with Rübezahl occasionally testing travelers or aiding those in need.
Rübezahl’s influence extends into various forms of media and art. He has been the subject of paintings, sculptures, literature, and music. His character has even been suggested as a possible inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Gandalf, though this connection remains speculative.
Lorelei: The siren of the Rhine
Lorelei is another mesmerizing figure in German folklore. Traditionally, Lorelei is depicted as a mesmerizing woman with long, flowing blonde hair, often seen sitting on a rock along the Rhine River. Her beauty is so captivating that it enchants anyone who sees or hears her. In some versions, she is associated with mermaids and shown with a fish’s tail instead of legs.
According to legend, Lorelei’s enchanting voice lures sailors to their doom — mesmerized by her song, they navigate their ships into the treacherous rocks.
Lorelei’s tale begins with her as a stunning maiden who, despairing over a faithless lover, threw herself into the Rhine River and transformed into a siren. This story is not just an old folk tale — it gained prominence through literary works, especially in the 19th century.
German writer Clemens Brentano crafted the essentials of the legend in his ballad Zu Bacharach am Rheine from his novel Godwi. Brentano’s ballad depicted Lore Lay as a woman accused of bewitching men, who ultimately jumps to her death, leaving behind her echoing voice.
However, Heinrich Heine’s poem Die Lorelei, published in 1824, truly shaped the modern narrative of Lorelei and made it a national phenomenon in Germany.
Heine’s poem, later set to music by Friedrich Silcher, portrays Lorelei as a siren whose beauty and song distract sailors, leading them to their doom on the rocky Rhine. This romantic portrayal intertwined Lorelei with ideals of intense emotion and natural beauty, both critical themes of the Romantic movement.
The Nix: The shapeshifting water spirits
The Nix, known as Nixie or Neck, are water spirits in German folklore. These creatures are known for their shapeshifting abilities, often taking the form of humans to interact with or trick the unwary. Typically found in rivers and lakes, Nix are known for their alluring singing, similar to Lorelei, but they inhabit different bodies of water.
The Nix is a water spirit, often depicted as half-human, half-fish, and dwelling in a beautiful underwater palace. What makes the Nix particularly fascinating is their ability to change form.
They can appear as fair maidens or older women or even become invisible, interacting with humans in various guises. Male Nix, in particular, were sometimes armed with rocks to drag people under the water, signifying the treacherous nature of water in these myths.
In Nordic folklore, the Nix takes on a slightly different character. They are known as näcken, nøkk, or näkki, and these male water spirits are famed for their enchanting violin music.
This music was said to lure women, children, and even men to the water, often leading to drownings. However, not all Nix were malevolent. Some stories suggest that Nix were harmless or even benign, mesmerizing their audience with sweet songs without intending harm.
The Nix’s music was believed to be most dangerous to women, children, and especially to vulnerable individuals like pregnant women and unbaptized children. These spirits were thought to be most active during Midsummer Night, Christmas Eve, and on Thursdays. In later folklore, the Nix often expressed loneliness and a longing for salvation.
Nix tales often serve as cautionary stories about the dangers of water, with these spirits either helping or hindering humans depending on the story. They embody the unpredictable nature of water — at times calm and helpful, at other times dangerous and deceptive.
Kobolds: Mischievous spirits of hearth and mine
This mischievous household spirit plays a significant role in the folklore of Germany, with its origins and tales reflecting the cultural and historical context of the region.
The etymology of ‘Kobold’ has been a topic of interest among linguists and folklorists. One theory traces the word to ‘kuba-walda,’ meaning “the one who rules the house.” This aligns with the Kobold’s role as a household spirit.
The Old High German word ‘chubisi,’ meaning house or building, is believed to be at the root of ‘Kobold.’ The word’s suffix ‘-old’ suggests the meaning “to rule,” indicating the creature’s dominion over the domestic sphere.
Kobolds are spirits that can materialize in various forms, including animals, fire, humans, and even candles. Although they are often invisible, their presence is felt through their actions. These creatures are known for their temperamental nature, especially when inadequately acknowledged or fed.
In many tales, Kobolds are helpful, assisting with chores and providing valuable services in the household. However, they are also known for their mischievous side, often hiding household tools or playing pranks on people.
Apart from being household spirits, Kobolds are also found in other environments. There are tales of mine Kobolds, believed by the ancient Germanic people, who were seen as supernatural beings skilled in smithing. These beliefs likely originated from the short-statured people who took refuge in caves and mountains, leading to the formation of myths about small, subterranean creatures.
The sea Kobolds, or Klabautermann, are another variant, often connected with sailors and believed to be protective spirits of ships and seafarers.
In their various forms, Kobolds reflect the Germanic understanding of the spiritual world’s interaction with the physical realm. They embody the belief in the existence of beings that, while not always visible, have a tangible impact on daily life.
Regional lore and diverse German cryptids
Germany’s folklore is a treasure trove of mythical creatures, each unique to its regional traditions and stories. Let’s explore lesser-known beings from Bavarian, Saxon, and other regional myths.
The Erlking: A sinister forest entity
One of the most chilling creatures in German folklore is the Erlking, known in German as “Erlkönig.” This being is often portrayed as an evil elf or fairy king who preys on children.
The name “Erlking” is believed to be derived from the ellekonge (“Elf-king”) in Danish folklore, suggesting a connection to the ancient Germanic Heruli tribe. The term “erilaz,” from which “Heruli” is derived, is a proto-Germanic word meaning “chieftain” or “runemaster.”
This connection implies a link between the Erlking and Odin, a chief god in Germanic paganism known for mastery of runes and magic. The Erlking is often associated with the Wild Hunt, a prevalent theme in Germanic folklore, led by mythical figures like Odin, Herne the Hunter, or the Erlking himself.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s poem Der Erlkönig, written in 1782, is a significant work that shaped the modern perception of the Erlking. His dramatic ballad portrays the Erlking as a malevolent entity haunting the Black Forest and luring children to their doom.
The poem is structured as a dialogue between a father and his son, who is terrorized by the ominous presence of the Erlking. Despite the father’s efforts to reassure and protect his son, the child ultimately succumbs to the Erlking’s grasp.
The Erlking’s mythology has permeated various aspects of modern culture. He has been adapted into multiple forms, including literature, music, and video games.
Notable examples include Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files, John Connolly’s Nocturnes, J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher saga. In each of these adaptations, the Erlking retains thematic ties to kidnapping and the supernatural, much like his origins in folklore.
Perchta: The Alpine Goddess
In the Alpine regions, particularly in Bavaria, the myth of Perchta, also known as “The Bright One,” has been popular since the Middle Ages. This mythical being embodies a dual nature, often depicted as a benevolent goddess and a fearsome witch.
She dwells in the mountains, embodying the spirit of nature in its most primal form. Her legend reflects the awe and respect that the people of these regions have for the natural world and its mysteries.
Perchta’s roots lie in Alpine paganism, where she was revered as a goddess. With the passage of time and the influence of Christianity, her image transformed. In medieval times, she was associated with the Epiphany and became known as a figure who rewarded the generous and punished the wicked, especially lying children.
Perchta was once worshiped in a cult where followers left food and drink for her and her entourage in hopes of wealth and abundance. This practice, however, faced condemnation from the church in the 15th century.
The duality of Perchta is evident in the different forms she takes. She can be the “Beautiful Perchten,” representing luck and wealth, or the “Ugly Perchten,” with fangs, tusks, and horse tails, driving out demons and ghosts.
In some accounts, she is considered the most beautiful Percht, while der Teufel (the Devil) is viewed as the most ugly Percht. This duality is celebrated in the Perchtenlauf, a traditional Alpine festival where both beautiful and ugly Perchten are represented.
Perchta’s influence extends to modern times in various regional celebrations. In Austria, especially in Salzburg, large processions featuring the Schönperchten (beautiful Perchten) and Schiachperchten (ugly Perchten) are held during winter.
The beautiful masks are believed to encourage financial prosperity, while the ugly masks are used to drive away evil spirits. These traditions have become a part of holidays and festivals, like Carnival Fastnacht, and are a tourist attraction in many ski resorts.
In folklore, Perchta is sometimes equated with other leading female spirits, like Holda, Diana, and Richella. Jacob Grimm believed that Perchta oversaw spinning and weaving and was a white-robed goddess like Holda. She was sometimes thought to lead the Wild Hunt, portraying a ghostly or supernatural group of hunters.
Beyond her role as a goddess of domestic prosperity, Perchta also has a terrifying side. She is often depicted as a Christmas witch, checking whether children and households have completed their chores and spinning.
Legends say she might disembowel the lazy individuals and replace their innards with straw and pebbles if she finds the work unsatisfactory.
Erdhenne: The ominous harbinger
Erdhenne is a lesser-known creature in German folklore. It is a mysterious house spirit from the Alpine region, the Upper Palatinate, and Bavaria.
Known by various names such as Coluber domesticus, Erdhühnlein, Erdglucke, Erdglutsch, or Herdhendl, the Erdhenne embodies an ominous presence within German folklore.
Unlike many folklore creatures, the Erdhenne does not often appear in physical form. However, when it does, it’s described as a hen-like figure with a greyish appearance and a shorter-than-normal neck.
The Erdhenne is primarily known for its role as a forewarning entity. It’s believed that this spirit appears to warn of impending death within a year. The presence of the Erdhenne is often marked by a clucking sound, similar to that of a hen, which was traditionally interpreted as an omen or a sign from the spirit world.
In the past, there was skepticism around the Erdhenne’s existence, with some attributing its reported sightings to natural phenomena. Johann Andreas Schmeller, for instance, suggested that what people believed to be the Erdhenne was moonlight shining through crown glass windows, creating an illusion of a bright halo with something dark in the center.
Knecht Ruprecht: The companion of Saint Nicholas
Also known as “Servant Ruprecht,” Knecht Ruprecht has origins that date back to the Middle Ages. As Christianity spread, Knecht Ruprecht evolved, finding a place in Christian folklore as a companion to St. Nicholas.
His character likely emerged from Germanic paganism, where he might have been linked with the winter solstice and protective household spirits. His role in holiday traditions is similar to that of Krampus and Pere Foeuttard.
His primary task is to assist St. Nicholas by addressing the behavior of naughty children. In some traditions, he questions children on their ability to pray, rewarding those who can with treats like apples, nuts, and gingerbread, while those who cannot face his reprimand.
Unlike the benevolent St. Nicholas, known for rewarding well-behaved children with gifts, Knecht Ruprecht’s role is more multifaceted. He is often depicted as a dark, imposing figure dressed in fur or dark robes, carrying a staff and a sack or basket.
Celebrated on December 6th alongside St. Nicholas Day, Knecht Ruprecht Day is a day of anticipation for children. They leave shoes or boots outside their doors, hoping for gifts for good behavior and perhaps a little anxious about the consequences of mischief.
Knecht Ruprecht’s portrayal and activities vary across different German regions. While he sometimes visits homes alone, he accompanies St. Nicholas in other areas.
Today, Knecht Ruprecht remains a part of German Christmas culture, though his image has become less focused on punishment and more on his partnership with St. Nicholas in spreading joy. He features in parades, plays, festive events, literature, and media, inspiring writers and artists alike.
The Nachzehrer: Vampiric predator of German folklore
The Nachzehrer is an undead creature that consumes the dead for sustenance. Often associated with the northern regions of Germany and Bavaria, this being shares some characteristics with vampires but also possesses distinct traits that set it apart. Though the Nachzehrer was prominent in the folklore of northern Germany, it is also recognized in Silesia and Bavaria, as well as in Polish folklore among the Kashubes.
‘Nachzehrer’ translates roughly to ‘after devourer’ in English, indicating its nature as a being that survives post-mortem by consuming life. This creature is a type of wiedergänger or revenant, believed to be capable of dragging the living into death, either due to malicious intent or the desire to be closer to loved ones.
The Nachzehrer was believed to have the ability to drain the life force of its victims from afar. This often involved devouring funeral shrouds and clothing, a behavior considered a common sign of this creature.
Unlike traditional vampires, it is believed to move freely during the day without fear of sunlight or holy objects. However, it is said to be vulnerable to certain foods like salt or bread and can be destroyed by fire or decapitation.
Physically, the Nachzehrer is described as having a pale complexion, sunken eyes, long nails, and a bloated appearance due to its unusual feeding habits. Some legends suggest it can transform into a wolf or a pig.
The Nachzehrer reflects the fears and superstitions surrounding death and the unknown. It is often associated with plagues and epidemics, common in medieval Europe.
The belief in this creature was so strong that people once took precautions such as placing a coin in the deceased’s mouth or a sickle on their chest to prevent transformation into a Nachzehrer. Exorcism and rituals like putting bread in the corpse’s mouth were also practiced.
Identifying a Nachzehrer involved looking for peculiarities in how a corpse lay in its coffin, such as holding one thumb in the other hand and having one eye open. The creature was known to be noisy while consuming its shroud or body, a sound audible to those passing by its grave.
The most common method to eliminate a Nachzehrer was decapitation. Alternatively, to prevent someone from becoming a Nachzehrer or to stop it from gaining strength, a stone was placed in the dead person’s mouth, or spikes were driven into their mouth. In some cases, the body was even decapitated.
Mahr: Creatures of nightmares
The Mahr, associated with night terrors, is a goblin-like entity said to sit on the chests of its victims while they sleep, causing discomfort and terrifying dreams. Historically, the Mahr was perceived as a supernatural being responsible for inducing nightmares and sleep paralysis.
The Mahr is typically described as an evil spirit or goblin that attacks people during their sleep. The experience of a Mahr visitation often involves feeling a heavy pressure on the chest, making it difficult to breathe and move. This phenomenon, which may have been an early explanation for sleep apnea and sleep paralysis, is known in German as Alptraum, meaning “elf-dream,” and Alpdruck, or “elf-pressure.”
Accounts of the Mahr are found throughout Germanic regions, including Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia, and Great Britain. Folk tales often describe the Mahr as either a spirit or witch, occasionally recognized by the victim.
In some cases, the Mahr was believed to be a real person suffering from an affliction that caused her to travel out-of-body and attack others. This condition led to her becoming still, even amid activity, as she embarked on her nocturnal escapades.
The Mahr is often linked to the natural occurrence of sleep paralysis. During REM sleep, the body enters a state of atonia, preventing movement. Waking up suddenly during this phase can lead to feeling paralyzed and experiencing intense pressure, mirroring accounts of Mahr visitations. Folklore often interprets this experience as being ‘ridden’ by the Mahr.
Various remedies were employed in folklore to ward off the Mahr. These included placing a knife on the chest while sleeping, swapping shoes in front of the bed to confuse the spirit, and hanging bricks crosswise outside homes. Additionally, verses and prayers were recited before bedtime to protect against the Mahr’s evil influence.
The Wolpertinger: Bavaria’s whimsical creature
The Wolpertinger is a creature of legend in Bavarian folklore, captivating the imagination with its bizarre and whimsical appearance. This mythical being is said to roam the alpine forests of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in Southern Germany. These creatures are considered particularly active during a full moon or on Walpurgisnacht, a traditional spring holiday celebrated on April 30th.
The Wolpertinger is described as a hybrid animal, typically featuring a mixture of various animal parts like wings, antlers, tails, and fangs. Typical depictions of this creature include elements from squirrels, ducks, rabbits, and deer.
The Wolpertinger’s origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have emerged from the romantic union of a hare and a roebuck. This unusual coupling supposedly led to the birth of the first Wolpertinger, and as these creatures began mating amongst themselves, various mutant offspring arose, each more fantastical than the last.
According to legend, spotting a Wolpertinger in its natural habitat requires the presence of a beautiful young woman, as these shy creatures are known to have a weakness for female beauty.
Men seeking to glimpse a Wolpertinger are advised to venture into the forest with an attractive companion during a full moon. The myth suggests that in order to trap the creature, one must sprinkle salt on its tail or lure it into a sack with a lit candle.
The creature is often used in a tongue-in-cheek fashion to tease or play pranks on outsiders or the gullible. It’s not uncommon for locals to craft elaborate tales about encountering a Wolpertinger to amuse themselves at the expense of those unfamiliar with the region’s folklore.
Today, the Wolpertinger holds a special place in Bavarian culture. It appears in various forms of local art, souvenirs, and literature. Stuffed replicas of this creature can be found in traditional hotels and pubs across the region. The beast is also displayed in the German Hunting and Fishing Museum, symbolizing German culture and tradition.
The impact of the Brothers Grimm on German folklore creatures
When we talk about German folklore creatures, we can’t overlook the monumental impact of the Brothers Grimm. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are often revered as the fathers of modern folklore.
They played a pivotal role in bringing German folklore into the global limelight. Their work preserved a cultural heritage and profoundly influenced how these mythological creatures are perceived worldwide.
In the early 19th century, the Grimm Brothers set on a mission to collect and preserve the traditional folk tales of Germany. At that time, these stories were predominantly part of an oral tradition, passed down through generations but not widely known outside their local communities. The Grimms traveled across Germany, compiling tales from various regions, each with its own mythical creatures and legends.
Their collection, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, was a groundbreaking work that brought German folklore creatures into the realm of written literature. Creatures like Rübezahl and the Lorelei found new life in the pages of the Grimms’ work. This endeavor was crucial in ensuring that these stories and the creatures within them were not lost to time.
Though rooted in folklore, their stories were adapted to suit the sensibilities of the times. This meant that while the essence of the creatures and their tales remained, they were often presented in a manner that was more palatable to a 19th-century audience.
The influence of the Brothers Grimm on German folklore is immeasurable. Their work has inspired countless adaptations in literature, theater, film, and television, ensuring that these mythological creatures remain part of our collective consciousness.
The Grimm Brothers are also credited with sparking interest in folklore studies as a serious academic discipline, encouraging scholars worldwide to preserve their own cultural tales.
Their methodology in collecting and preserving these stories set a standard for folklore research. Jacob Grimm’s linguistic work also contributed significantly to understanding the evolution of language and its role in shaping folklore.
German folklore creatures in modern media
With their rich backstories and intriguing characteristics, German folklore creatures have long been a wellspring of inspiration for modern storytellers. Though these entities were once confined to the oral traditions and pages of folklore collections like the Grimm’s Fairy Tales, they now appear in varied forms across different media platforms.
The influence of the Brothers Grimm is particularly notable in the film industry. Movies like The Brothers Grimm (2005) directly reference their work, mixing various tales from their collection into a single narrative.
Other films, such as Snow White and the Huntsman (2012), take inspiration from specific Grimm fairy tales, adapting them for a modern audience with a darker, more complex spin.
The television series Grimm (2011-2017) is a prime example of how German folklore has been adapted for modern audiences. The show reinterprets the Grimm Brothers’ tales, setting them in a contemporary world where the protagonist must navigate a life intertwined with these ancient creatures.
Video games have also paid homage to German folklore creatures, incorporating the myths into their fantastical worlds. For instance, The Witcher game series draws heavily from Germanic mythology, particularly The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This includes myths such as the Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession of hunters featured in many Germanic legends. Players encounter various beings from folklore, re-imagined in an immersive world.
Another notable example is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, where the influence of Germanic folklore is evident in its world-building and character design. Creatures like trolls, dragons, and spirits that draw inspiration from German myths populate the game.
In World of Warcraft, the influence of Germanic folklore can be seen in some of the game’s mythological creatures and storylines. The game’s expansive universe features quests and characters inspired by legends and creatures found in German folklore, blending them seamlessly with the game’s own lore.
The timeless resonance of German folklore creatures
It’s clear why these legends continue to captivate us. These creatures, from the haunting Nix to the enigmatic Lorelei, are enduring symbols that have shaped Germany’s cultural and historical identity.
They can connect us with the past while still resonating in the present, exploring themes of morality and the unknown. They remind us of our ancestors’ attempts to make sense of the world around them, creating tales that explained the unexplainable.
The significance of these creatures in shaping Germany’s identity is profound. They reflect the country’s different landscapes, from its deep forests to its majestic rivers, and embody its people’s values, fears, and hopes through the ages. Even in modern times, they continue to inspire and fascinate us, bridging the gap between folklore and popular culture. 👻
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