vengeance

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Tyrolean Folktales: The Vengeance of the Spirit of the Silver Mine

The Schachtergeist, Spirit of the Silver Mine- AI Image by zteve t evans

Tales of the Tyrol

The Tyrol is a mountainous region of Europe, a place of  grandeur and beauty, high mountains and deep valleys and awe-inspiring scenery. The people of the Tyrol through hard work and moderate behaviour have for generations made their living in the mountains and valleys evolving traditions and customs that help mould and perpetuate their society and keep order. Embedded deep in their folklore lies a world of peculiar and powerful entities that can be very benevolent and friendly to humankind, but when offended, or feel their good nature to be abused, can be an absolute terror.

Mary Countess A. von Günther, also known as, Madame La Comtesse A. von Günther’s compilation of folktales, “Tales and Legends of the Tyrol,” published in 1874, provides a captivating glimpse into the folklore and traditions of the people of the Tyrolean Alps she collected during long hikes among the stunning mountains and valleys. The following is a retelling of the story she called “The Schachtgeist” in her collection, followed by a retelling of the story, concluding with a few thoughts to consider. The Notes provide a quick explanation of folkloric terms (1) used.

The Schachtgeist

The Larcha Farm was about an hour’s walk from Reit. It was situated on the left as one passed through the gap in the hills to the Aplbach Valley and overlooked by a mountain. Close to this farm, a deep silver mine was carved into the mountain’s side. During the era of this legend, the mine was in operation and known as the Silber Stollen or Silver Tunnel of the Illn.

The mine was owned and worked by a cooperative of nine miners who toiled within the depths of the mine, and being the stakeholders, they also shared the profits. They worked hard but were fortunate that the mine was the haunt of a benevolent mining spirit, or ghost, known locally as the Schachtgeist (2). These supernatural entities can be highly benevolent when pleased. However, they can become very malignant if they come to believe they are not being respected, or if they disapprove of the behaviour of one of their beneficiaries.

Ever since the mine had first started, the Schachtgeist had treated the miners with great benevolence and generosity. Impressed by their hard work, moderate lifestyles, and desire to better themselves and provide for their families, it directed the honest miners to the most valuable veins of silver.

With the help of this benevolent spirit, their fortune had grown remarkably, yielding substantial quantities of precious ore daily. As the miners worked independently, their wealth expanded rapidly, but unfortunately, with more money in their pockets, they veered towards dissolute and profligate behaviour. No longer content with simple miner attire, even for work in the mine, they purchased fancy and stylish but impractical clothing. Their once grey work shirts were replaced with velvets and rich fabrics. At the same time, their wives adorned themselves in brilliant hues of satin and silk and high-quality fashions.

The Schachtgeist – AI image by zteve t evans

They ditched the famous modest traditional Alpböck costume, known as the Alpböcker Tracht, giving way to an entirely new but pretentious fashion. Furthermore, their conduct sank into depravity beyond adequate description. The benevolent Schachtgeist was appalled at the change in their behaviour and warned them to change their ways on three separate occasions. After being mocked and ignored for the third time the spirit lost patience, becoming angry, fierce, and savage, and finally decided to act.

That same day, the farmer of Larcha stood at his door to see what the weather was doing and, glancing upward, became concerned to see dark, heavy clouds gathering and feel the air becoming warm, heavy, and static. He knew the signs well enough, but storms at this time of the year were rare, yet all the omens pointed to an impending thunderstorm.

He had been labouring with his men in the cellar, where the clamour of miners’ hammers and their boisterous singing resonated clearly from the Silver Tunnel nearby. Like other local people he did not approve of the decline in the moral standards of the miners, or the way they flouted their newfound wealth, but the truth is like everyone else he was glad to take their money.

As the atmosphere grew heavier and darker, the farmer became overwhelmed by an impending sense of doom. Suddenly, the Schachtgeist appeared before him, his demeanour clearly displaying his anger and bellowed at him in a terrible voice,

“Farmer, close your doors, and you shall avert misfortune. I am about to punish and silence forever the immoral miners of the Silver Tunnel of Illn.”

The terror-stricken farmer crossed himself and prayed for divine protection while the angry ghost ascended the mountain. He secured his doors, as he had been warned, before returning to work.

Not long after, the farmer and his men heard agonizing shrieks, from underground, followed by a thunderous crash that shook the earth and quaked the cellar where they toiled. They hurried out of the cellar into the yard, reciting the rosary. The tumult continued all day and subsided at nightfall, and the farmer and his workers went to their beds.

By morning news of the terrible calamity had spread across mountains and valleys that  an earthquake had entombed the miners in the depths of the mine. Their distraught wives wailed inconsolably, writhing in the dust, and their distress and agony was so great that they nearly dislodged the crucifix above the farm that marked the crossroads.

Yet more horrific was the revelation that the buried miners were alive in their underground prison, shrieking for rescue from the mountain’s depths. For ten harrowing days, the gruesome scene persisted as the villagers attempted to break through the blocked tunnel. Finally, after unceasing, back-breaking effort, they broke through to be greeted with a horrific scene.

The Schachtgeist sat atop the lifeless bodies of the nine miners, drenched in blood. His visage bore the likeness of a devil, his fiery eyes fixed on his victims with an ominous glare. The miners had starved to death, clutching their shoe leather between their teeth after gnawing their fingers down to the bone.

To this day, local people still remember this strange and terrifying event, especially at Larcha Farm, where if a door is accidentally left ajar after the evening Angelus tolls, the housewife cries,

“Close the door, that we may keep misfortune at bay.”

The End

Concluding Thoughts

It is a cautionary tale on three levels, warning how money can corrupt and change people for the worse, why you should never abuse your benefactor’s good nature and the dangers of excessive pride. In the context of this story, with the help of the Schachtergeist, the miners became wealthier, which was fine to begin with because they remained hardworking and humble. But the more affluent they became, the more extravagant, wasteful and proud they became, thanks to their newfound riches from the silver mine. They needed more and more silver to fund their lavish lifestyle, and the more silver they got, the more they wanted, leading them to mine much more from the mine than they needed for a comfortable level of living.

At first, the Schachtgeist – a spirit of the earth – is cooperative and generous and admires the work ethic of the miners and their moderate, thrifty, and honest way of life and helps them. But after seeing the changes wealth brings to the character and behaviour of the miners and their wives, it is not happy, believing they have abused its benevolence and using the silver – the earth’s wealth – frivolously and greedily to satisfy their growing lust for extravagant and unnecessary commodities. Consequently, it withdraws its goodwill and punishes them.

Maybe, as we look around in our everyday lives, at all the increasing number of extravagant commodities we seem to need and our growing plundering of the earth’s resources to supply them, if there is a warning in the tale for us? Should we also fear the vengeance of the Schachtgeist and the spirits of the earth?

What do you think?

© 11/09/2025 zteve t evans

NOTES

(1) It should first be pointed out that folkloric terms used may be specific to locality and epoch. Those found in her work relate to when and where the authoress collected the folklore and tales, and her understanding and presentation of them.

(2) A “Schachtgeist” is a German term that translates to “mine ghost” or “shaft ghost” in English. In German and Tyrolian mining folklore and tradition, a Schachtgeist is believed to be a supernatural being or spirit associated with mines and mining activities. These spirits are often thought to inhabit the deep tunnels and shafts of mines, and their presence can bring both good and bad luck to miners.

Schachtgeister are often depicted as either benevolent or malevolent entities, and their behaviour is tied to the success or failure of mining endeavours. In traditional stories, a Schachtgeist might guide miners to valuable mineral deposits, helping them find rich ore veins. In other tales, the Schachtgeist might become angry or vengeful if miners are too greedy or disrespectful or engage in unethical practices.

These legends and stories about the Schachtgeister have been a part of mining cultures in various regions, particularly in German-speaking areas of Europe, where mining has historically been a significant industry. The concept of mine ghosts is a blend of superstition, folklore, and the miners’ attempts to explain the challenges and uncertainties of their dangerous profession.

References, Attributions And Further Reading

Copyright zteve t evans September 11th, 2025

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Welsh Folklore; Legends of Llangorse Lake

Llangorse Lake in Wales – AI Image – zteve t evans

Llangorse Lake

Llangorse Lake is is part of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park close to Llangors and Brecon, and the most recent name, for the most extensive natural lake in South Wales. Its Welsh and older names are Llyn Syfaddon, Llyn Syfaddan, Brecenanmere, and Brycheiniog Mere.

Ynys Bwlc

The lake has a long and engaging history of human activity, boasting the only known example of a crannog in Wales known as Ynys Bwlc or Bwlc Crannog. A crannog is an island made by humans, formerly built in lakes and estuarine waters throughout Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Crannogs were constructed in water to form artificial islands, unlike the prehistoric pile dwellings around the European Alps, which were built on stilts on the shores and edges of lakes, bogs, and rivers. The crannog on Llangorse Lake is built using massive oak planks to construct a dwelling platform built with layers of stone, soil, and brushwood. The most visible signs are the debris visible on the shoreline and the vertical oak planks visible on the east side.

Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians

The lake is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle entry for the year 916 A.D which states:

“Aethelflaed sent an army into Wales and stormed Brecenanmere and there captured the wife of the king and thirty-three other persons.”

Aethelflaed was known as the “Lady of the Mercians” and was the ruler of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia and Wales lay on its western border. She was the eldest daughter of Alfred the Great and ruled Mercia from 911 until she died in 918. Her relations with the Welsh are unclear, but in 916, she sent an expedition to avenge the murder of a Mercian abbot and his companions; her men destroyed the royal crannog of the Welsh kingdom of Brycheiniog on Llangorse Lake and captured the queen and thirty-three of her companions. The capture of the King of Brycheiniog’s wife suggests the site was a royal residence or “Llys,” which in medieval Wales, served as the central administrative hub for the ruling princes, but there is no definite proof this was the case with the lake, but there are other associations with royalty.

King Gruffudd ap Llywelyn

According to the twelfth-century writer Walter Map, the Welsh King Gruffudd ap Llywelyn 1039-1063 AD was very jealous of his beautiful wife. When he heard that a man had dreamed, he was in a relationship with his wife, he demanded he be tortured to death. According to Welsh Law of the time, a fine of 1000 kine could be received for those guilty of such a misdemeanour, however, since the man had only dreamt of committing the crime, the case was judged accordingly despite the King’s angry protests. According to Map, the judgment was,

“The young man shall set 1000 kine (cattle) in the king’s sight on the bank of the lake of Bethen (Llangorse), in a row in the sunlight, that the reflection of each maybe seen and that the reflections shall belong to the king and the kine to him who owned them before in as much as a dream is the reflection of the truth.”

Walter Map, hailing from the Welsh border region of Archenfield, displayed a profound familiarity with Llangorse Lake, evident from his accurate descriptions and numerous tales about its ancient legends. What makes his connection intriguing is his association of the lake with Gruffudd ap Llywelyn.

Gruffudd, originating from north Wales, achieved a unique feat by uniting the entire Welsh nation under his rule. He was a relentless adversary of the English, famously devastating Hereford in 1055 AD, including the burning of its cathedral, before returning to Wales laden with spoils. It is plausible that Gruffudd spent the winter of 1055 in south Wales, potentially in Brycheiniog, selecting a site with a Llys and abundant food supplies for his army, and it is possible this may be what is being remarked upon by Walter Map. If Gruffudd did spend the winter in Brycheiniog in south Wales, choosing a location with a Llys and ample food supplies for his army would have been a good move.

Giraldus Cambrensis

Giraldus Cambrensis, also known as Gerald of Wales, noted the lake yielded pike, perch, tench, eels and trout, and waterfowl, and commented on the prophetic powers of the lake, claiming It turned green to forewarn of invasions and sometimes appeared to be ominously streaked with blood. According to Giraldus, the locals believed the lake’s surface was occasionally covered with structures, orchards, and gardens. This could be explained by the uncovering and covering of the crannog, which may have been abandoned by the 12th century when Giraldus wrote his account during periods of flood and drought.

Legends and Folklore

Storm over Llangorse Lake in Wales – AI Image – zteve t evans

Llangorse Lake has its own monster called the Afanc, or Addanc, and nicknamed ‘Gorsey,’ The Afanc is a mythical water monster from Welsh folklore, mentioned in a 15th-century poem by Welsh poet Lewys Glyn Cothi, which was later translated to English by John Rhys.

“The afanc am I, who, sought for, bides
In hiding on the edge of the lake.
Out of the waters of Syfaddon Mere
Was be not drawn, once he got there.
So with me: nor wain nor oxen wont to toil
Me to-day will draw from here forth.”

The Afanc is described as a monstrous creature that preys upon those who venture into or swim in the lake. It has been compared to legendary water monsters such as the Loch Ness Monster, which has a standard description. In contrast, the Afanc is confusingly described as resembling a vast beaver, crocodile, dwarf-like creature, or sometimes a platypus, having no fixed identity. Other Welsh lakes associated with the Afanc include Llyn Llion, Llyn Barfog, and Llyn yr Afanc near Betws-y-coed and Llyn Glaslyn, which was transported there by Hu Gardarn and his Mighty Oxen from the river Conwy.

Myths of Origin

Llangorse Lake is a natural lake but has two myths of origin associated with it which tell how the lake was created by divine retribution because of the wicked and immoral behaviour of its citizens, or rulers.

City of Sin

The first version tells that underneath the watery surface of the lake lays a drowned city whose inhabitants were considered exceptionally wicked. Upon hearing of the immorality and sin of the city’s citizens, the King sent his chamberlain on an unannounced visit to investigate, vowing that if it were true, he would destroy the town as a warning to all of his other subjects.

When the chamberlain arrived unannounced one evening in the guise of an ordinary traveller, he could not help but notice inhabitants were enjoying festivities and excesses. He saw people drinking, dancing, and no one was working or undertaking everyday tasks.

Not one of the citizens offered the stranger hospitality as he walked around the town; they were too drunk or too busy indulging in wanton behaviour to care about a lone traveller. Everywhere he looked in the city, he saw the same lewd and drunkenness and he despaired.

As he was giving up looking for anyone behaving with sense and sobriety to talk to, he saw the front door of a small and humble cottage had been left wide open and could hear the cries of a baby coming from inside. Inside, he found a young babe lying in a cradle, completely unattended and neglected but in need.

Appalled, the chamberlain took off his expensive gloves, did what he could to make the infant clean and comfortable, and remained rocking the cradle, expecting its parents to return home at any minute. Eventually, both he and the infant fell asleep, and he woke well before dawn with a start. Looking out the door, he saw people staggering homeward after a night of drunkenness and excess. After ensuring the babe was safe and comfortable, he shut the door and left to report all he had witnessed to the King.

As he was leaving the city’s bounds, the sky suddenly darkened; rain poured down in torrents while lightning flashed and thunder crashed across the sky. He turned to look and began worrying about the infant he had left alone in its cradle. As he gazed back the way he had come, there was a terrific peal of thunder, and a tremendous display of lightning and rain fell in torrents. He was surprised to see the rain was only falling on the town and unusually despite the dark clouds gathering above the city, the weather was clear and dry outside the city limits. It was very peculiar, but he did not have time to ponder this wonder, as he wanted to return to the king with his report as soon as possible. Therefore, he continued along the path and was quickly out of sight of the city.

Suddenly, the earth groaned and shook, and the ground the city was situated on slowly sank into a deep hollow which rapidly filled with water. The chamberlain felt the earth rumble and groan under his feet, but he had no idea what it meant. Looking at the sky, he saw the sun rising, the dark clouds dissipating, and a chill in the air. He put his hands in his pocket for his gloves but, finding they were not there, remembered he had taken them off to attend the baby.

As the gloves were costly, he thought he would go back to see if he could find them, but he was shocked at what he saw as he came within sight of where the town had been. All the houses and buildings had gone, and a vast expanse of water covered the entire city site. While gazing at the lamentable scene, he saw a dot floating in the middle of the watery expanse. As it drifted towards him, he recognised the cradle where he had left his gloves. As it floated nearer, he drew the cradle towards him using a broken branch from a nearby tree. Bringing it safely to shore, he found, to his relief and happiness, the babe safe and alive inside, and he was so glad he forgot about his gloves.

Taking the infant from the cradle, he hurried back to the king to tell him of all he had seen of the immorality of the townsfolk and how he had seen the city drowned by the storm. The king took pity on the tiny orphan, adopted him, and was the sole survivor of that godless city.

Vengeance Will Come!

The second myth of origin tells a different tale of sin and again involves the theme of divine retribution. In this case, it is wreaked on later generations. It is a theme in several similar myths in Wales and other places around the British Isles.

There once was a beautiful lady who owned a grand estate. She was enormously proud of her high birth and status, and her lovely face made her the object of affection for a young man from Brecon. Paradoxically, her beauty was only skin deep, for she had an ugliness of soul that could not be hidden. She was vain and selfish, considering herself superior to all, looking down with disdain on those of lower status to her.

She had an admirer who was young, handsome, deeply in love with her, and a bold and formidable warrior. But although he was of noble blood, he was born of lower rank than she and had no wealth. Therefore, she looked down on him and, although enjoying his attentions, made it clear he was far too lowly for her to seriously consider him as a potential husband.

Nevertheless, despite her rejection, his passion for her surpassed his love for his mortal soul, and he succumbed to committing a crime, hoping to sufficiently impress the love of his life enough to marry him. Therefore, on meeting a wealthy merchant, driven by the burning desire for her he lured him to a remote and secluded place, murdered him in cold blood, and stole all of his money and valuables which was more than enough to make him wealthy for life.

Returning to his love he showed his beloved the money, gold, and valubles he had stolen from his victim and proposed marriage. Seeing the riches, he now possessed, she was incredibly impressed with his newfound wealth and readily accepted. Although not caring how he had acquired such riches, she asked anyway, hoping there might be more.

He told her how he had lured the wealthy man to a secluded place, murdered him, and stole his money and treasure. The brutality of his crime meant nothing to her, and she asked, “Did you make sure you buried the corpse and concealed the grave?”

Realising he had not bothered to even attempt burying and concealing the body, he told her truthfully, he had not, and she replied,

“Then you must return immediately and bury the corpse, conceal the grave, and make sure there is no evidence to be seen at the site and removing any tracks you made that lead to here. You can be sure he will soon be missed and if his kin discover his body, they make track you down and seek revenge.”

The young warrior returned to the scene of the crime and began digging a grave. While working, he heard a loud voice proclaiming,

“Vengeance will come!”

The warning was sounded three times, the second louder than the first and the third in a thunderous voice. He threw down his spade in terror and, hastening back to his lady love, and told her what he had heard.

“You must return,” she said, “and if you hear the voice again, ask when the punishment will fall?”

He obeyed, and this time, he was allowed to bury the body in peace. Just as he was about to head home, the dread voice again cried,

“Vengeance will come!”

The murderer plucked up his courage and asked when that would be and the voice whispered in reply,

“In the lifetime of thy grandsons, great-grandsons, their children, and their children’s children.”

He returned and told his lady, and she replied, “Then there is no reason for us to fear; we shall have passed beyond long before.” The wicked pair believed themselves safe enough, and their marriage was celebrated. They had sons and daughters who, in their turn, married and had children. These children multiplied, and the family became very numerous until, at last, a descendant of the sixth direct generation was born.

By this time, the murderer and his Lady, were ancient and exulted in their prosperity and power, for they had spread themselves as the green bay tree (1). Said she to him, “We have grown great, rich, and powerful, and our family is numerous. We have lived to our heart’s delight and tasted all life’s pleasures. Before we die, let us hold a splendid celebration for our entire family to honour and recognise how our prosperity in wealth, power and kin has spread from us two into a multitude of descendants, and they shall honour and remember us as the progenitors of a great dynasty.”

An extravagant and lavish celebration was held, and the entire dynasty of their descendants was invited. There was a sumptuous banquet followed by performances by bards, harpist jugglers and many other kinds of entertainment. The wine and ale flowed, and all inhibitions of the guest flowed freely. It was the first time all the generations of the family had gathered in one place, so everyone was happy and glad to be with their kin and give honour to their progenitors. When the gaiety and mirth were at their height, the sky started to darken, and great banks of heavy black clouds rolled across the sky. As the storm passed overhead, a terrific flash of lightning lit up the sky, and a tremendous clash of thunder boomed to ground, causing all to tremble in fear. A terrible voice cried from the depths of the storm clouds,

“Vengeance has come!

Vengeance has come!

Vengeance has come!”

The ground under them shook, trembled, and sank, swallowing the wicked pair and their entire family dynasty as the storm broke above their heads, sending a deluge to earth that quickly filled up the deep hollow in the ground that swallowed the entire family as thunder crashed and lightning flashed.

Not one soul escaped from the entire living dynasty, and a deluge of water poured into the hollow, filling it entirely and becoming known as Syfaddon Lake. In Welsh, “Syfaddon” means “muddy pool,” which some folk may consider apt in multiple ways.

Now, they do say, there are times after a storm, after the darkness has lifted and the fury stilled, a whispering voice can be heard across the water repeating,

“Vengeance is done!

Vengeance is done!

Vengeance is done!“

© 07/06/2025 zteve t evans

References, Attributions and Further Reading

Copyright zteve t evans 7th June, 2025

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Tyrolean Folklore: The Ghost of Bierner’s Wife

The Ghost of Bierner’s Wife – AI Image – zteve t evans

Madame La Comtesse A. Von Günther

The following is a retelling of a Tyrolean legend called “Biener’s Wife” collected by Madame La Comtesse A. Von Günther in her anthology “Tales and Legends of the Tyrol,” 1874.

The Ghost of Biener’s Wife

Büchsenhausen Castle of Innsbruck, and its surrounding area is said to be haunted by the sorrowful spirit of a woman, whose presence still lingers in the hallways and chambers. They say she can also be encountered in parts of the local countryside, especially along the path from the castle to the cliffside on the mountain where she met her death. They say she is the ghost of the wife of a former master of the castle seeking vengeance on those who wronged her husband.

The castle stands on the site of a far older fortress, and who originally built it is unknown. Eventually, ownership passed to the Archduchess Claudia, who gave it as a present to her favorite and most respected politician and magister, Wilhelm von Biener, who was famous, or infamous, depending on your point of view, for holding remarkable progressive ideas and values for the time.

Wilhelm von Biener

Biener was well-known for his biting humor and cutting remarks, which he delighted in directing at the elite classes of society. He was fond of composing satirical essays that were particularly scathing towards the nobility and clergy, exposing the dishonesty and criminality within their ranks. Consequently, he incurred the wrath of those who became the object of his satire. Fortunately for him, the patronage of the Archduchess safeguarded the talented politician, who was loyally devoted to her cause.

Sadly, the Archduchess passed away in early August of 1648, and shortly afterwards, Herr von Biener’s adversaries were able to forcefully remove him from his post. Seven influential opponents of Biener were appointed to a royal commission of judges to investigate his activities.

Sentenced to Death

 On 28 August, two years after the death of his patron, Archduchess Claudia, he was arrested without charge and incarcerated to await trial. The judges demanded his wife hand over all the papers and documents he had written. While searching through them, they found a body of political satires he had compose, which they used to incriminate him. He was charged with treason and defaming the Emperor. Since his accusers were his judges, the very same people he had publicly lampooned and exposed, he was sentenced to death.

When his fearful wife visited him in prison, he comforted her, saying, “Have no fear! As sure as God in Heaven exists, he would never allow a person to be executed for exposing the corruption and knavery of our ruling classes.” Biener’s wife had sent a messenger to plead for clemency for her husband from the Emperor. He had granted a stay of execution and sent a messenger to her with his decision, and another messenger he sent to the prison warden ordering a halt to the death sentence. Tragically, her husband’s arch-enemy, President Schmaus of the Austrian Court, hearing the Emperor’s decision, prevented the messenger from delivering the news to the prison in time to stop the execution. On 17 July 1651, Herr von Biener was executed in a public event. The sword that took off his head is still said to be kept at the Büchsenhausen castle.

Frau von Biener

After hearing the news of the Emperor’s intended intervention, Frau von Biener had been elated. Tragically, after discovering the other messenger had arrived too late to stop the execution, she went insane and ran through the house screaming and shouting, disavowing God and swearing to wreak revenge on those who had condemned her husband to death. Finally, confused, and deranged, she wandered the countryside, starving with a wild look in her eyes, muttering about vengeance. People tried to help her, but she refused all assistance, and eventually, wandering along a mountain path which led her to the heights of a high cliff ovrlooking the countryside.

Weary of life and hoping to be reunited with her husband in the world beyond, but still yearning for vengeance, she swore to whatever power heard her that she would seek out her husband’s accusers and avenge his death. With her oath sworn, she leapt off the edge of the lofty precipice to her death on the rocks below. Her lifeless, broken body when found was taken to Höttingen, and buried to the left of the altar. A plain tombstone with only a cross engraved upon it marked her final resting place with no accompanying words to honour and remember her by.

A Wandering Ghost

A few days after, President Schmaus, who had hindered the Emperor’s messenger, was found dead without a mark on his body. Previously, he displayed no symptoms of ill health, and many claimed he died through divine judgment.

Since her death, Frau von Biener has often appeared as a wandering ghost around the surrounding countryside, town, and castle. Local people call her “Bienerweibele,” which means Biener’s Wife. Those who walk the mountain paths have often seen her dressed in long black flowing robes and exuding darkness. They claim she approaches with a manic, murderous, look on her face and in her eyes, until she gets up close and then sadly shakes her head. Her countenance and face then lose their mania, and she becomes calmer and commiserating, gliding silently and leaving without harm. At times, she has been seen standing on the cliff, her long dark robes flowing in the wind, wailing, “I will avenge!”

She is also seen in the streets around the castle, moving through crowds, searching for someone. More often, she is seen wearing her long, dark robes, gliding through the castle’s corridors and rooms, effortlessly passing through each securely locked door in her path. She is known to seek out the bedside of peacefully slumbering occupants to stand silently, looking down on them sorrowfully.

She is reputed to be a harbinger of death, appearing to every master and mistress of the castle before their demise. She kindly consoles them, always forewarning them of the impending arrival of the “Dreaded Spirit,” and is only known to harm those who wronged her husband.

Unnatural Deaths

It was 1720 when a descendant of one of the judges who condemned Wilhelm von Biener was found dead after staying the night in the castle with an oddly twisted neck. There have also been found in her haunts around the countryside the twisted remains of corpses. An investigation into the deaths by the authorities revealed the victims were either one of the judges who had condemned her husband to death, or one of their descendants, but they could not identify the murderer.

They did record that the killings began after the execution of Biener, and how his wife had disowned God and vowed revnge on her husband’s murderers. As she was no longer alive, and to save those living from embarrassment if the contents of Biener’s writing should be revealed, they decided to close the case. Nevertheless, the local people came to their own conclusions and the legend of Büchsenhausen Castle was born.

They say her restless spirit appears wearing a black velvet cloak and a petite bonnet with black lace embroidery, known as a “Hierinnen” in the local language. Sometimes she is seen wearing on her head a shimmering golden crown secured by a silver pin to her hair.

Set Free to Shine

According to local folklore, witnesses claim, in the past, her specter exuded a chilling presence and a very dark aura when she first manifested. As she steadily and relentlessly completes her vow, her dark colouring lightens to a greyish sheen. With each victim, the darkness around her decreases, and her presence becomes less chilly. They say that only when the last descendant of those who wronged her husband is dead will this sad soul be set free to shine.

© 24/05/2025 zteve t evans

References, Attributions and Further Reading

Copyright zteve t evans May 24th, 2025

Tales of the Lost, the Drowned and the All-Seeing Eye – Vengeance Will Come!

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Human Activity

There are many cases in recent times where towns and villages have been deliberately flooded by humans where a change in the landscape was required for purposes such as to form a reservoir for fresh water. These are usually well-documented and their history known though folklore and legends may evolve from them.

Legends

All around the world there are also legends of towns, cities and lands that have been destroyed or lost, leaving only rumor and myths of their existence and demise.  Many such places were rich and successful, well established and populous, making their loss all the more tragic and mystifying. These legends often tell of a catastrophic natural event such as a flood caused by high tides, storms or perhaps covered by sand or snow.  Sometimes it is some geological phenomenon such as an earthquake and sometimes this is combined with a natural event or act of war. The loss of such well-established and prosperous places left a deep impression on following generations.  Myths and legends evolved to explain the cataclysmic event and very often these were carefully crafted to provide a warning to following generations of the consequences of breaking God’s laws or their excessive pride or hubris.

Myth of Origin

These places were very often situated on a site that became transformed by a disastrous natural event in t a new feature of the landscape.  An inland town situated in a valley may be covered by a watery lake.   A town situated by the sea may be flooded and drowned by the waves or covered by sand becoming a massive dune.  A town in the mountains may be covered by snow and ice becoming a glacier. The story created to explain the disaster may be mostly fictional but based on some historic cataclysm like a powerful storm, earthquake or other natural disaster that actually happened.  Sometimes these myths and legends can help archaeologists and scientists investigate real disasters that happened long ago.  In some cases such disasters are well documented from the time but the legends and myths evolve after.

Cautionary Tales

These events when combined with the mysterious origin of some well known feature in the landscape create a compelling story that can have a profound and lingering effect on those it is told to.  Especially when the narrator is a local priest or who uses the story to impress upon their audience the consequences of offending the Almighty.  Although such myths and legends are often designed to uphold Christianity, other religions and philosophies have also used such techniques for this purpose. In some case it is pagan deities or spirits that have been angered in some way by rulers or citizens.  Although warnings may be given they are ignored invoking the wrath of the powerful divinity to wreak some form of divine retribution.

Divine Vengeance

Once divine retribution is invoked the fate of the town is sealed. Often it unfolds as a weather event such a rain, sand or snow storm.  Once divine retribution manifests the end is inevitable. All that will remain will be the myths and legends of a once rich and prosperous society that was drowned, buried or destroyed along with most of its population. Perhaps a lake or some other feature of the landscape appears where the town once stood.

From this a talented storyteller can weave a tale that will work quietly among following generations for centuries that impresses and extols the danger of angering the all powerful deity. In this way a naturally occurring catastrophic event such as a storm or earthquake may be transformed into something altogether more sinister and in many ways more dangerous. Very often it becomes the judgement of God that is dispensing retribution for wrongdoing on an immoral and corrupt society. This and similar themes are quite common in these legends. Warnings of impending retribution and vengeance are offered in an attempt to change people’s behaviour but are ignored. Punishment is inflicted often destroying that society in its entirety not just the perpetrators. Sometimes a few are saved but often the innocent perish along with the guilty.

Collective Guilt

There is a concept of collective guilt that runs through generations until some chosen time when punishment is enacted. Sometimes vengeance is suspended for several generations and the deviant behaviour forgotten by people.  Sometimes it becomes part of normal behaviour.  Nevertheless, the Almighty works at his own pace and punishment eventually arrives when least expected with devastating consequences. This does seem harsh on those who were not born when the original sin was committed but it seems there is an expectation to strive to recognize and put right the wrongs of the past. The message is that the sins of one, even when committed in the past, must not be tolerated either at the time, or perpetuated in the future. What is sown will eventually be reaped in a time and in a way that suits the Almighty. This obligation to right and discontinue past wrongs does not mean that they be wiped from history or that they should be.  It is important to keep records of such wrongs and our attempts to right them to monitor our own evolution and to make sure we do not make the same mistakes again.

The All-Seeing Eye

There is a sense that the individual and collective behaviour of people is being watched by some all-seeing eye.  It sees and knows all our deeds and looks into our hearts and minds making judgements upon us. Legends such as these warn that we are always being watched and judged and even our innermost thoughts are known to the Almighty.  They emphasize we must remember and obey the laws of God and will be held answerable for any transgressions at anytime in the present or future no matter how long ago the indiscretion.  Furthermore, we have a collective responsibility that runs through the past, present and future to keep ourselves and others in society on the straight and narrow. The message is the all-seeing eye sees everything and in a manner and time that suits the Almighty we will reap what we sow and then –

“Vengeance will come!”

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Welsh Folklore: The Legend of the Drowned Town of Kenfig Pool

The Kenfig Pool at Sunset – By Robert Coorigan – CC BY 3.0

This post was first published on #FolkloreThursday.com on May 25th, 2017, titled Welsh Lake Legends and Folklore: The Drowned Town of Kenfig by zteve t evans, edited and revised 10 September 2024 by zteve t evans and published here in full.

Legends of Kenfig

Kenfig Pool, like many Welsh lakes, has a mysterious legend of a drowned town submerged below its surface. Adding to its allure, the historic fortified borough of Kenfig lies buried under nearby sand dunes. This town, once bustling with life, was abandoned after being engulfed by the shifting sands of a massive dune system spread along the Welsh shoreline. Kenfig Pool, also known as Pwll Cynffig, is nestled near Porthcawl, Bridgend, in Glamorgan, Wales, a region that has been home to human settlements since the Bronze Age. This article discusses the legendary town said to be submerged under Kenfig Pool. First, a description of the buried historic town of Kenfig, which was known to exist, will be provided. This will be followed by a discussion of how Kenfig Pool was thought to have formed. The legend that tells the story of the drowned town will then be presented, and the conclusion will offer a few thoughts to ponder.

The Borough of Kenfig

During the medieval period, Kenfig was a thriving borough, centered around a castle near the sea. The Burgesses, empowered by a charter that granted them the right to make bylaws and levy taxes, oversaw a prosperous town with abundant community resources, including a hospital and a guild hall. There were laws designed to ensure a good standard of commodities such as beer, bread, and other foods, and there were controls on weights and measures to ensure fair practice.

The Normans built the castle to try and impose themselves on the local people. Although the Welsh sacked the castle several times, it was finally overcome by the forces of nature. This happened during the 13th century when powerful storms caused massive hills of sand to build up along the coastline. The wind carried the sand inland so that the town of Kenfig and its castle were buried underneath tons of it. Today, all that can be seen is the top of Kenfig castle protruding from the sand.

The Origin of Kenfig Pool

According to one local tradition, an earthquake caused the land to sink and fill with water, creating Kenfig Pool. However, not all experts support this idea. A more modern explanation from Cardiff University claims that before the shifting of the sand, the River Kenfig ran south towards Sker Rocks on the southern part of Kenfig Beach, and the pool is all that now remains. Another alternative explanation, supported by historical documentation from 1360, tells that a stream called the Blaklaak flowed along the west side of the buried Kenfig town. Another local tradition says that seven springs fed the pool (but are now believed to have dried up), and the Blaklaak was an outlet for it. Whatever the truth of its origin, the pool was said to be a dangerous place with a whirlpool in the southwest part that dragged boaters and swimmers underwater to drown.

The Drowning of the Legendary Town of Kenfig

According to local tradition, the lord of Kenfig had a daughter who fell in love with a young local man of humble birth and no wealth. Despite their love, the couple’s hopes for marriage were dashed by the girl’s father, who deemed the young man an unsuitable match due to his social status and financial situation. Therefore, filled with despair, the young man decided that his only chance of marrying his true love was to leave Kenfig and strike out to another town, hoping to find or make his fortune. After discussing his plan with his lover, who reluctantly agreed, he left to find his fortune.

Many months passed, and he had no luck and was as poor as ever. Feeling sad and lonely, he returned to Kenfig to visit his true love. As he neared the town, he met with the Lord of Kenfig’s rent collector, who had been collecting rent from his master’s tenants around the countryside. After completing his rounds, he carried a large amount of cash and was returning to the treasury to deposit it safely.

Realizing that the rent collector was vulnerable and fully laden with money, the young man decided this could be his chance for riches. He ambushed and killed him, hiding his body and stealing the rent money. The amount of money he stole was enough for him to be regarded as very rich and a man of means. He went to the Lord of Kenfig and asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage.

His true love was delighted to have him back, and her father was impressed by his wealth and readily gave his consent this time. Although the rent collector had gone missing, it was assumed he had run off with his master’s money. No connection was made to his disappearance, the rent loss, and the young man’s return.

A Storm Breaks

Plans for the wedding were made, a date was set for the happy event, and the couple was married in the local church. After the ceremony, the Lord of Kenfig hosted a grand banquet to celebrate his daughter’s marriage to such a wealthy young man. As the celebrations were in full swing, a powerful storm broke upon the town, and a terrible voice in the howling wind swept through the streets crying:

“Vengeance will come, vengeance will come, and vengeance will come!”

This caused the frightened townsfolk to wonder when, and as if in answer, the wind howled:

“Ninth generation, ninth generation, with the ninth generation!”

The newlyweds and the frightened people locked their doors and fastened the shutters on their windows, but still, they could hear the dreadful wailing voice. All through the night, the awful din continued, and they took comfort in the thought that they would almost certainly be dead before the time of vengeance arrived. As is the way of storms, this one gradually subsided and was eventually forgotten.

The Ninth Generation Arrives

The couple settled down and lived a very long and happy life together, outliving all the other townsfolk. They had many children, who also had many children, and more generations were produced, and a great dynasty was built. At last, the ninth generation was welcomed into the world with the birth of a baby boy. The couple had reached a great age, and as the proud progenitors of nine generations, they decided to hold a lavish celebration for the boy’s birth. As the extravaganza was in full swing, a terrible storm broke over the town, lashing it with sheets of rain. The fearsome wind returned, screaming through the streets, crying:

“Vengeance has come! Vengeance has come! Vengeance has come!”

The Drowned Town

Kenfig National Nature Reserve- by Mick Lobb – CC BY-SA 2.0

The storm raged all night, and torrents of rain fell while the terrible voice continuously howled out its message. As the sun rose, the storm eventually subsided. People who lived outside the town and worked or had business in Kenfig were astounded to see that there was now a vast, still pool of water where the city once stood. Vengeance had fallen heavily upon Kenfig because the only signs of its previous existence that remained were three chimneys protruding from the water, still belching out plumes of black smoke. Local legends tell that the appearance of these chimneys was often the prelude to storms at sea that would cause the deaths of local sailors. It is also said that the distant, dismal tolling of the church bells can be heard drifting across the water at times.

The Sins of the Father

Maybe the bells toll for the innocents of the town drowned alongside the proud but guilty progenitors of a great dynasty. The long-lived couple lived to bear witness to the drowning of the entire line of their descendants, all of whom appear to have paid the price for their forefather’s crime. Is there some hidden message or moral in this? Are the sins of the father also the sons, or is the legend of the drowned town of Kenfig Pool just a quaint story to tell the children?

© zteve t evans

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Welsh Folklore and Legend: The Drowned Town of Lake Bala

This article was written by zteve t evans and first published on #FolkloreThursday, titled, “Drowned Towns and Sunken Cities: The Legend of Lake Bala, Wales, March 9, 2017, and edited and revised by zteve t evans and published in full here 20th September 2024. Images may differ from original.

Legends of Drowned Towns

Lake Bala, also known as Llyn Tegid, is famous in Welsh folklore for the legend of a drowned town beneath its surface. It is situated in Gwynedd, Wales, and the modern-day town of Bala lies on its eastern shore. Two different legends give different accounts of how the flooding took place. One concerns the spring of Ffynnon Gower or Gower’s Well, and the other involves the wickedness of a prince named Tegid Foel. This article looks at the legend of Tegid Foel. 

The Legend of Tegid Foel

According to legend, Tegid Foel had a fine palace in the town now underneath Lake Bala and lived a life of luxury and excess. He had a reputation for cruelty and greed and for oppressing his people. The gods had sent several warnings and provided opportunities for him to change his ways. However, he still unheedingly persisted in his greed and excesses. 

When his first grandson was born, he celebrated the birth with a lavish feast. He sent invitations to all the most influential princes in Wales and beyond and invited his family to join him in the banquet at his palace in Bala. Now, they say a man is known by the company he keeps, and many would not attend the celebration because they refused to associate with this cruel and barbaric prince. Sadly, like attracts like, and many influential men of ill repute and nefarious character still attended the banquet. 

The Harpist and the Little Bird

Song Sparrow by Bob Hines – Public Domain

The prince had hired the finest harpist in Wales to entertain his guests, and as he sang and played his harp, the wine flowed, and the guests indulged in various excesses, paying little attention to him. Nevertheless, he was a professional and paid well, so he continued. Strangely, as he played, he thought he heard a quiet voice behind him whispering in his ear. He thought it was trying to tell him something, but he could not quite make out what, so he continued to play and sing. This happened several times, and he suddenly realized that the voice was saying, 

“Vengeance will come! Vengence will come!”   

Startled, he looked behind him, and there, perched on an open window, was a small bird looking at him intently, which chirped, 

“Vengeance will come! Vengeance will come!”

The little bird’s direct gaze and the way it moved its head seemed to indicate that it was motioning for him to follow. The harpist thought it was about time he took a break, so carefully setting down his harp, he went outside and found the bird waiting for him by the door. Following the bird’s lead, he found himself on a hillside overlooking the town of Bala. The bird, with a gesture, invited him to sit beside it. Then, it sang the most enchanting song the harpist had ever heard. Mesmerized by the melody, he soon fell into a peaceful slumber, completely immersed in the beauty of the moment. 

The New Lake

Lake Bala by Mecrothesp at the English-language Wikipedia

When he awoke, he looked out from the hillside but was astounded to see the landscape had changed. The valley was filled with water, and the town of Bala was nowhere to be seen. Floating on the water close to the shore of the new lake, he saw his harp. Wading into the chilly water, he retrieved it and looked around for the little bird that had saved his life, but no sign of it could be seen. Nevertheless, he called out his heartfelt thanks, hoping it would reach the one who had saved his life. He made his way home, feeling a profound sense of gratitude for being alive and for the safe return of his harp. He realized that higher powers had been at play, flooding the town, and saving his life. In gratitude, he dedicated all his future singing and playing to the little bird and the deities for their help.

The moral of the legend is clear. Tegid Foel and the wicked ones who had perished under the water had brought it upon themselves and paid the price of their wickedness. The few who survived built a new town on the shores of the lake, which grew through the ages into the modern town we see today. According to tradition and folklore, there are nights when the lights of the palace and the town surrounding it can be seen underneath the lake’s surface, and a small voice can be heard floating across the water saying, 

“Vengeance will come! Vengeance will come!”

Legend says those bold enough to ask when it will come will be told, 

“In the third generation, in the third generation!” 

A Few Thoughts

Welsh Harp by Thomas Pennant, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Similar legends of drowned towns or sunken cities are attached to other Welsh lakes and sites around the coastline. For example, there is Kenfig Pool in Glamorgan and the submerged land of Tyno Helig in Conwy Bay, both having the motif of vengeance arriving in later generations and a similar chain of circumstances that led up to the drowning event. These legends, like the one of Lake Bala, serve as an example of the consequences of wickedness and the importance of heeding warnings.

 Another point of interest is that whilst Lake Bala is called Llyn Tegid in the Welsh language, the word “bala” is believed to be older than the Welsh language. It is thought to have originated with the Celts from Europe and Asia Minor and spread during the migration of the Celtic people. The term can still be used in parts of Romania and southern Russia, meaning “a place where a river flows out of a lake.” The River Dee flows in and out of Lake Bala so that may refer to this outlet. Interestingly, according to tradition, the river’s waters do not mix with the lakes. 

Is it a Warning or Just a Story?

Was there once a town where Lake Bala now stands? Is the legend part of a broader tradition of deluges worldwide that punished the wicked and ungodly, or did these popular stories evolve to bring colour and romance to local areas and a subtle warning to people through the ages to consider their behaviour? The legend of Lake Bala, like many other folktales and legends, has its roots in historical events and cultural beliefs, serving as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the consequences of greed and wickedness. 

© zteve t evans

References, Attributions and Further Reading

Copyright zteve t evans