Harz legend magic: How a hike conquers a heart!

Harz legend magic: How a hike conquers a heart!

In the picturesque Harz, where the air is permeated by myths and legends, Carsten Kiehne (39), a passionate researcher and storyteller, is on the trail of the stories that the region has to offer. He has been collecting legends, fairy tales and anecdotes for over a decade and, together with his partner Manuela Petri, has already published more than thirty books. The demand for his exciting stories is constantly increasing, even during the challenging times of the corona pandemic Superillus.

Kiehne is not only an author, but also an active “storyteller” who offers hikes and lectures three times a week. His stories are about the long settlement of the Harz Mountains, which goes back over 7,000 years. Kiehne also refers to the effects of Christianization, which transformed many ritual places into new meanings. Places like the Hexentanzplatz or the Teufelsmauer are just a few examples from this legendary region.

An extraordinary adventure

On March 4th, Kiehne invited his group to a special hike along the Paracelsus Harz Clinic in Bad Suderode. Here the group met Günther, an older man in an electric wheelchair who really wanted to go on the hike. Despite the three-hour tour and the steep climb to the clinic, he expressed his desire to be there. Kiehne initially had concerns as to whether Günther would be able to overcome the challenge, as the path was not very suitable for walkers. But the group showed great solidarity and helped to push Günther up the steep mountain with their combined strength.

After a lot of effort and difficulty, they finally reached their goal. Once at the top, Günther beamed with joy and described the experience as the highlight of his hospital stay. For Kiehne, too, this hike was one of the most special experiences in his 14 years as a “saga teller” - a truly touching story that tells of community and determination, while at the same time reflecting the magic of the Harz legends.

The Harz world of legends

The stories of the Harz are as diverse as the landscape itself, which is characterized by mysterious rock massifs, old mines and dark caves. In the course of his research, Kiehne compiled around 2,000 stories that revolve around mystical creatures such as dwarves and elves. A particularly fascinating example is the legend of the barking Quedel, who helped found the city of Quedlinburg.

Here are some of the most exciting legends that Kiehne tells:

• Der bellende Quedel: Ein Hund warnt Siedler vor Räubern.
• Sprung in die Freiheit: Königstochter Brunhilde entkommt dem Riesen Bodo.
• Brave Köhler: Zwei Köhler finden Gold in der Asche ihres Meilers.
• Zauberfische: Ein Fischer hört Stimmen und lässt die Forellen frei.
• Esel liebt Hexe: Ein Bräutigam wird in einen Esel verwandelt und findet zurück zu seiner Hexenbraut.

The Harz legends are more than just stories; they are part of the cultural heritage and tell about the lives of ordinary people. The beauty of the Harz, together with the stories, is attracting more and more hikers and history lovers. If you would like to find out more about these fascinating stories, you can visit the pages of News38 and Harz legends inform in more detail.