The Mountain Lord's Domain

These rock formations ahead of us are known as the “Rock Town.” The people in the nearby villages claim that the gate Rübezahl used the first time he rose to the surface is hidden somewhere in the rocks. You see, he possesses only a limited territory as we see it, confined to the rocky heights of the mountains and some of the surrounding country. But deep beneath Earth’s crust is where Rübezahl’s true domain begins, stretching all the way down to the core. He takes pleasure in inspecting his treasure chambers and overseeing the work of his subject spirits within his vast realm. But when he sees fit, Rübezahl will throw off his matters of state and venture to the surface.

Centuries ago, long before this area was inhabited by people, Rübezahl would have his fun by inciting bears and other wild animals into deadly combat. But on one occasion, the Mountain Lord rose to the surface only to find that the once untamed and impenetrable forest that covered the land had disappeared and given way to fields full of crops and small clusters of cottages. But the prospect of becoming acquainted with the farmers delighted Rübezahl, and despite them settling without his permission, he decided to leave them in undisturbed possession of his property much like a gentle-hearted man might permit a sparrow to build a nest among the rafters of his barn.

In his attempt to become accustomed with these settlers, Rübezahl assumed the form of a lowly peasant and hired out to the nearest farmer. Everything he touched prospered and he was known as the best worker in the region. But his employer was cheap and gave Rübezahl little thanks for his toil and trouble. So he left.

Next, Rübezahl became a shepherd. He led his flock to the most abundant pastures and no sheep ever fell from the steep cliffs nor fell prey to the wolves. But his master was covetous and often stole the best ewe from his own flock in order to blame Rübezahl for losing it. So he left.

Then, Rübezahl took service with the judge in one of the villages. Rübezahl zealously carried out the law and no thief or criminal escaped justice because of him. But the judge was corrupt, evaded justice, and mocked the law by deciding cases according to his personal interests. So Rübezahl left.

As Rübezahl looked down at the villages and fields from his rocky perch in the mountains, he wondered how Mother Nature could shower so many gifts onto such thankless creatures. These first encounters drove Rübezahl to take action and teach those within his realm of their Mountain Lord, and reward those who show him humility.

You have shown me, my good travel companion, that you are humble.