Neugesammelte Volkssagen aus dem Lande Baden und den angrenzenden Gegenden

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27206

Title

Neugesammelte Volkssagen aus dem Lande Baden und den angrenzenden Gegenden

Language

de

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Bernhard Baader's 1859 collection presents a rich tapestry of folklore from Baden and surrounding regions. This sequel to his earlier work offers faithful retellings of tales gathered from oral tradition, featuring ghosts, faeries, and supernatural interventions. With a tone of pious caution and local wonder, the book appeals to readers of historical folklore and regional history.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1859, Bernhard Baader's *Neugesammelte Volkssagen aus dem Lande Baden und den angrenzenden Gegenden* serves as a faithful supplement to his earlier 1851 collection. Writing from advanced age, Baader gathered these 155 distinct tales with conscientious fidelity from the local populace, correcting errors from his previous work while acknowledging his inability to produce a full second volume. The collection offers a comprehensive snapshot of 19th-century Badenese cultural consciousness, blending the supernatural with historical anecdotes and deep Catholic piety. The volume features classic folklore motifs, including the wild hunter, witchcraft, and the dire consequences of blasphemy or sacrilege. Supernatural narratives abound, such as the 'Eisschreiber' (ice writers) who inscribed events on a frozen Lake Constance, and the mischievous spirit Poppele, who tests the greed of travelers by offering gold that vanishes if not kept with honor. Other tales detail treasure hunts thwarted by demons or divine intervention, such as a chest of silver guarded by a black dog with fiery eyes. Historical legends explain the origins of local place names, including Boxberg, Hohinrot, and Sitzenkirch, while stories of saints like St. Antonius and St. Brigitte highlight the region's religious devotion. Baader balances an eerie atmosphere with moral lessons on charity, humility, and faith. For instance, the tale of Brigitte illustrates the virtue of charity, showing how a pious woman's kindness eventually wins back the love of her husband and community. Conversely, stories of sacrilege, such as a man insulting a crucifix with wine, result in immediate blindness or divine retribution. The collection also preserves local customs, such as the ritual processions of St. Fridolin and the belief that heavy relics predict a fruitful year. Through these narratives, Baader captures the unique blend of fear, faith, and folklore that defined the Baden region in the mid-19th century.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27206.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27206.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-06 09:09 UTC

Categories

• Folklore
• German Literature