STORIES & LEGENDS
The “Elwetritsche”, the world axis and the wild woman of Kusel are legends that have made us shudder, laugh and be amazed since childhood. We show you the mystical side of the West Palatinate.
Palatinate World Axis
If you want to believe the words of the local poet Paul Münch, Waldleiningen is the center of the world. Deep in the forest between Waldleiningen and Johanniskreuz lies a huge sandstone block on the 459 m high Roßrück.
Hildegard of Hohenecken
Beautiful Hildegard, who enjoyed hunting, met an old woman in the forest who could predict the future. She announced to Hildegard that one of her arrows would kill her fiance.
The cross of Johannis
According to a legend, Knights Reinhard III von Hohenecken and Johannes von Willenstein struggled for dominance of the forest section near Trippstadt, which is why Johannes had a large stone cross built.
The Devil's Table
Everyone in Dahner Felsenland knows how the Devil's Table was created. The physical wanted to rest and built a table from three rocks, at which he dined.
The Elwetritsch
As a cross between chickens, geese, fairies and goblins, Elwetritsch has always been hunted in the woods during the new moon phase. A distinguishing feature is the long beak. In the Palatinate the Elwetritsche are very well known by the fountains of Gernot Rumpf.
The wild woman of Kusel
This Hun woman is considered a predator of sheep and other grazing animals in the Kuseler area. Even today, some men think that their wives are descended from the wild woman.
Barbarossa and the pike
Friedrich II released the first pike in Kaiserwoog in 1230. This fish was caught 267 years later; it was six feet long and 350 pounds.
The Queen of snakes
A Hütterer girl stole the crown of the snake queen and took her into her Kate. When the queen noticed this, she wanted to repeat her possession; with bad consequences.
The legend of Hans Trapp
The robber knight, who lived at Berwartstein Castle in the 15th century, is still considered a seducer of virgins and a child fright who accompanies the "Christkind" on Christmas Eve in eastern France.
The Black God
Saint Philip planted his mess vineyard here. In order not to have to walk 15 minutes to the monastery for prayer, he erected a cross that turned black over time.
The maiden jump
When a robber knight tried to rob the innocence of a girl, the girl fled and jumped off the rock. She landed on the floor unscathed because her skirts caught her. A fountain was formed where it landed.
Dices of Sickingen
Franz of Sickingen, the knight who was said to have magical abilities, rolled the dice on the eve of the great siege of Nanstein Castle and threw the dice down in grief into the city.
Adula and the Abbot of Hornbach
When the noble Adula fulfills her promise to the church, she meets her former kidnapper. In the meantime, he has been appointed abbot at the Hornbach monastery and is plagued by remorse.
The damsel of Wilenstein
A tragic love that should not have been, led to great sorrow and a broken heart. Even today, the tower of the Aschbacherhof with a carved inscription is witness to this connection.
Imperial resting places
In 1811, Emperor Napoleon had numerous resting benches built along the Emperor's Road, which served as resting places for his armies and invited them to take a short breather.