Rübezahl is the spirit/giant/gnome that lives in the mountains that are located between Silesia and Bohemia. He is mentioned in various fairy tales and legends from the Czech Republic and Germany. Rübezahl is a good spirit and he is friendly with nice people, but if someone disrespects him then takes revenge from him.
To people he is kind to he will teach them medicine and give gifts. Though with those who are not so nice he will play the role of a trickster.
How he got his name.
Rübezahl abducted a princess who liked turnips. The princess became lonely and Rübezal uses his magic to make her friends out of turnips. The vegetables begin to wilt after awhile and the princess saw an opportunity with this. She asks him to go to the field and count the turnips. He does as he's asked and she flees.
Turnips are called Rübe in Germany while count is called zählen. So his name basically means Turnip Counter or Number Nip.
أنت تقرأ
Folklore, Urban Legends, and Spirits of Germany.
الخوارقAs a half German I love the stories of my heritage. I'd thought it would be nice to share them. (Photo is of the Black Forest.)
