Lecture Notes: The Legends of Alsace

Introduction

The lecture explores the beliefs and legends inspired by the landscapes of France, focusing on Alsace.
Germanic imagination and mythology play a significant role in Alsatian forests and culture.
The Alemanni conquerors brought their language, gods, and beliefs, contributing to Alsatian legends.
Paganism was moderated by the Church through adapted biblical stories.
Legends in Alsace include cursed princes, wild and enchanted beasts, gnomes, the devil, witches, ghosts, and giants.
These tales and legends often blend reason and wisdom fueled by the mystical Rhine.

Alsace's identity changed between French and German rule multiple times (pre-1870, 1870-1918, post-WWI, 1939-1945, post-WWII).
Alsace was forcibly attached to the Kingdom of France by Louis XIV in 1648, who aimed to reintroduce Catholicism.
Strasbourg's cathedral was a significant landmark, representing medieval society's concern for salvation.
Strasbourg was founded on a hill by the Celts (Argentorates) and further developed by the Romans (Argentoratum).
The city's religious history involves multiple transformations and adaptations according to changing rulers.

Strasbourg's Notre Dame Cathedral was built to accommodate a growing Christian population, initially needing drained foundations due to the water table.
A legend speaks of a lake beneath the cathedral with a gnome named Svarigele who gathers the souls of unborn children.
The stork is symbolic in Alsace, associated with bringing babies, linked to a Germanic goddess, Frau Holle.
There's a myth that couples trying to conceive should place sugar and milk on their windowsill to attract storks.
The devil features prominently in Strasbourg's legends, appearing as a handsome tempter on the cathedral facade and causing chaos whenever he visits.
Another character, a curious man, is sculpted into the cathedral as a lesson in humility and watchfulness over the structure's stability.

The devil, characterized as a banker of the underworld’s treasures, worries about losing souls due to new churches, visits Strasbourg frequently for this reason.
He gets trapped in the cathedral by mass bells and creates an eternal wind around the cathedral as his horse, the wind, searches for him.

Strasbourg was a major center for printing, including the infamous "Malleus Maleficarum," a witch-hunting manual.
Witch trials and executions in Alsace were a dark part of history, powered by this manual.
Protestantism spread in Strasbourg in the 16th century, establishing its own religious practices and beliefs.
The church of Saint-Pierre-Le-Jeune played a crucial role in the Protestant Reformation in the city.

Strasbourg saw division and conflict between Protestant and Catholic believers, who shared churches separated by rood screens.
The church of Saint-Pierre-Le-Jeune retains a mix of styles symbolizing religious coexistence.

Winter vigils in Alsatian homes were times for storytelling, sharing legends and myths to pass the cold nights.
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle is a significant historical and legendary site, involving tales of heroic figures like Wolfdietrich.

Wolfdietrich, a boy raised by wolves, becomes a legendary hero in Alsace, defending it against enemies.
His story symbolizes the strength and bravery valued in Alsatian culture.

Selestat is considered the birthplace of the Christmas tree tradition, originating in 1521 with festive fir trees mentioned in town registers.
The tradition involved hanging food items like apples and cookies, which were later hung from ceilings to protect from rodents.
The Christkindel, representing Jesus, and Hans Trapp, a punitive figure, are central to Alsatian Christmas folklore.

Saint Odile, a blind girl who miraculously gained sight, became a revered figure in Alsace, associated with compassion and miracles.
Mont Sainte-Odile, where she lived and established monasteries, remains a significant pilgrimage site, embodying a blend of history and legend.
Her story involves themes of divine intervention, family conflict, and ultimate forgiveness and charity.

Alsatian legends are deeply rooted in its complex history, blending Germanic and French influences.
These tales transcend religious beliefs, highlighting the mystical and romantic nature of Alsatian culture.
Legends in Alsace often connect to specific locations, enhancing their significance and resonance with local heritage.
Understanding Alsatian legends provides insight into the region's cultural and spiritual identity, promoting a unique Rhine mystique.