German Folklore and Mythology Presented by: Petra & Wolfgang

The Grimm Brothers Jakob Ludwig Grimm and Wilhelm Karl Grimm were born January 4, 1785, and February 24, 1786 Became very involved in linguistics and law They were interested in folklore and mythology Released their compilation of folklore and fairy tales in 1812. The collection was entitled “Kinder- Und Häusmarchen” or “Children and Household Tales” The Grimm brothers did not write this compilation for children In later years they started writing a definitive dictionary of the German language. The first volume was published in 1854 and was carried on by future generations

The Grimm brothers also have published a set of four detailed volumes on the gods, mythology, and the creatures found within called Teutonic Mythology.

Water Spirits There are many versions of water spirits throughout Germany and nearby regions. Dancing, song and music are the delight of all water-sprites. Like a greek siren, the nixe by her song draws listening youth to herself, and then into the deep. The Fossegrimm and Nix are male variations. When among humans the Nix can be recognized by a slit ear, the Nixe by her wet hem. the Fossegrimm prefers a trade of some kind, frequently for music lessons.

the brook horse Lorelei Fossegrimen

Lorelei I don't know what it may signify That I am so sad; There's a tale from ancient times That I can't get out of my mind. The air is cool and the twilight is falling and the Rhine is flowing quietly by; the top of the mountain is glittering in the evening sun. The loveliest maiden is sitting Up there, wondrous to tell. Her golden jewelry sparkles as she combs her golden hair She combs it with a golden comb and sings a song as she does, A song with a peculiar, powerful melody. It seizes upon the boatman in his small boat With unrestrained woe; He does not look below to the rocky shoals, He only looks up at the heights. If I'm not mistaken, the waters Finally swallowed up fisher and boat; And with her singing The Lorelei did this. - Heinrich Heine

Kobolds Kobolds are sprites of Germanic folklore Although usually invisible, a kobold can materialize in the form of an animal, fire, a human being, and a mundane object Legends tell of three major types of kobolds (House sprites, Cobalt Klabautermann) House kobolds are ambivalent creatures but sometimes play malicious tricks if insulted or neglected. They often appear as a man but often the size of a 4 year old boy.

The element cobalt was named after this type of kobold, who commonly haunted mines and underground tunnels, because medieval minors blamed the sprite for the troublesome nature of the typical arsenic ores of this metal (cobaltite and smaltite) which polluted other metals. Klabautermann typically dwell on ships aiding sailors. He is a mirthful creature of insuppressible musical talent. His image is of a small sailor in yellow with a tobacco pipe and woolen sailor's cap, often wearing a caulking hammer. This likeness is carved and attached to the mast as a symbol of good luck. Despite the positive attributes, there is one omen associated with his presence: no member of a ship blessed by his presence shall ever set eyes on him. He only ever becomes visible to the crew of a doomed ship. Kobolds usually remain invisible but can materialize in the form of an animal, fire, a human being, or a mundane object.

The Many Forms of Kobolds

Changelings A changeling is a faerie or troll babe that has been switched with a human baby. Changeling children are generally unhealthy and problematic for the parents. Many simple things are said to prevent the switching of children. It is not uncommon for faeries to be tricked or persuaded into switching the children back. (sometimes by beating the changeling.)‏

Sources http://www.business.uiuc.edu/vock/poetry/lorelei .html http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/gerchange.html http://www.mythfolklore.net/3043mythfolklore/re ading/grimm/background.htm www.wikipedia.com Cole, Joanna. Best-Loved Folktales of the World. New York: Doubleday, 1982