In the rich tradition of our home region, there are numerous stories and legends that have been passed on orally for centuries. These stories reflect life, customs and mystical ideas of bygone times. They are a valuable treasure of cultural heritage that gives us insights into the world of the time and the values of people. in theTwo well-known stories are presented below: one of love and courage in the water, and one of a stolen altar and a dark secret that remains alive in the old walls to this day.
The courageous rescue adventure near Merzdorf and Prösen
Many centuries ago, when the landscape was still traversed by extensive swamps and water areas that stretched between the villages of Merzdorf and Prosen, traffic between the two towns was mainly dependent on waterways. The water surfaces were so spacious and confusing that you often traveled with barges to overcome the distances. These waterwayswere the connecting element for the inhabitants of both villages and determined everyday life. One day, a young, beautiful woman from the village of Merzdorf fell in love with a young man from Prosen. Her love was deep and sincere, so that the young woman was determined to one day travel to her lover in Prosen to make the marriage with him. thePreparations for the wedding were celebrated according to ancient customs. The groom and his relatives had gathered on a small hill in front of the village to pick up the bride on a festive train. The mood was cheerful and expectant, and even from afar, those present could see the bride in the barge crossing the surface of the water. The joy was great, and on bothPages were happily waved. But suddenly, shrill screams broke through the festive mood. The barge had gotten into a whirlpool and capsized. The girl, desperately and seeking help, reached out, called for help, but the water had already devoured her. In front of the wedding party she sank in the water, while the water surfaces mercilessly hershowed cruel power. The groom without hesitation jumped into the water immediately. With great courage, even though he was in danger, he swam towards the capsized boat. At the risk of his life, he managed to pull the bride out of the water and rescue the boat. The audience on the shore burst out in cheers and applause, impressing with the courage and selflessness of the young man. after thisDramatic event happily returned to the village, bride and groom. They lived for many years and sealed their love through marriage, which was characterized by courage and willingness to make sacrifices. This incident was firmly anchored in local tradition and is considered a symbol of love, courage and willingness to risk life for the other. The story has been over generationspassed on and is still part of the cultural heritage of the region. (Source: M. Gebhardt in the home calendar 1939)
The dark secret of the robbed altar in Großkmehlen
Another, also well-known legend from the area around Großkmehlen, is about a stolen altar that is told in different versions. Accordingly, at night, during the hour of witching, a courageous knight is said to have stolen a valuable winged altar from a foreign church. The altar was an artful work worshiped in the church and was in the castle of the knightbrought. But the act did not go undiscovered for long. The residents of the area were shocked when the theft became known, because the altar was a significant religious and cultural heirloom. In order to spare his son the punishment that was common at the time for church robbers to be bathed in hot oil, the knight’s mother decided to act quickly. She acted behind and withGreat determination to save the boy. On a dramatic night, she secretly stabbed her own son with a dagger to protect him from the cruel punishment. This act is said to have left its mark to this day. It is said that an inevitable bloodstain is said to have formed in the castle’s plaster, which is still visible after centuries. This spot is consideredVisible sign of the heavy guilt and the tragic deed that is said to have taken place in the walls of the castle. The legend tells of guilt, atonement and the permanent shadow of dark secrets that still have an impact on the old walls. This legend is a warning of greed, betrayal and the serious consequences that dark deeds can entail, and it reminds usbecause past offenses are not forgotten and leave their mark on history.
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