So today, I was out in the nearby town of Sachsenheim to tutor two kids in English. On the way home, I rounded a unassuming corner to be confronted with a 15th century castle.
That's not the best bit. That's the tale of the Kloepferle, a... thing that used to live there... 1/
That's not the best bit. That's the tale of the Kloepferle, a... thing that used to live there... 1/
If you believe the legends - and man, it's fun to - during the 14th and 15th centuries, Wasserschloss Sachsenheim was the home of a demon, with a bird's screeching voice, known as the Kloepferle. /2
The Kloepferle claimed it had lived in the marshes for a thousand years, before hitching a ride on a horse to the castle. Once there, he decided to lend a hand, helping maintain the place, even joining prayers - but leaving out the last line.
Usually he didn't show himself... /3
Usually he didn't show himself... /3
According to the legends, the Kloepferle showed himself only once, after the Lord of Sachsenheim begged him to. Apparently all that was seen was a horrible, scaly arm with claws... /4
The Kloepferle was eventually forced to depart, when the Lord's friends convinced him that having an invisible, demonic presence lurking about - even a reasonably benign one - wasn't exactly a good look. So an Exorcist was brought in. /5
The Kloepferle left, but not before cursing the Lord, and condemning his family to die out. That part didn't happen, AFAIK, but what DID happen was that the castle burned down shortly afterwards. It took ages to rebuild. /6
When the castle was rebuilt, a statue of the Kloepferle was placed on the wall. There are also statues around the town. I hope they inspire him to come back one day. He sounds nice. /END
