The Walpurgis Night begins
High up on a mountain, surrounded by old trees, the remains of a former castle peek out. Witness to a past that dates back many centuries. Every time my way leads me to Vilshofen, a few glimpses go up to the former fortress. And as I drive down the road that snakes its way between the mountain and the Danube, my thoughts remain connected to the old masonry for a few moments.I would love to explore the ruins that tell their story there in the shelter of the forest.
But the weeks and months pass. Perhaps the pandemic also contributed to the fact that the magic and the desire for little adventures in everyday life were repressed a little in me. But it is they who enrich my existence and make it an unforgettable journey.
When I was driving with my car again that day, the large wooden sign that stands at the edge of the forest was no longer empty. Large white letters had found their place on it and invited to Walpurgis Night.Now I stood in front of the big archway and with a feeling of fascination and curiosity I stepped through. High masonry lined a small street that seemed to lead inside the castle. The old stones of the walls gave the scenery an impressive atmosphere. I could now understand that people used to feel safe and protected here.
So I walked along the gravel path, past small wooden stalls that catered for the physical well-being of the guests. Then a chapel caught my attention.This symbol of the Christian faith seemed to have melted into the stone of the ruin. The door was open and I knew I would visit this little church some other time.
Now I was in the heart of the ruin. The twilight had already started to envelop the masonry quietly, only to merge completely with the darkness. But in the light of the night, which usually takes its place peacefully, something had traveled that evening. Mocking laughter broke the silence. Shadow creatures flew in and reached the courtyard of the castle. Then they were among us, the witches with their brooms and began to dance together on this Walpurgis Night.
The Devil's Bride Show
Shadow creatures flew up and reached the castle ruins. While my gaze was still locked in the action on the big screen documenting the arrival of the witches, unfamiliar faces had already mingled with the audience. Screams of terror echoed through the old walls.
Bizarre figures of the night appeared in the pale light of the candles and torches. Now they were among us, the witches on their broomsticks, gathering around the fire that burned for them in the heart of the castle. As if following a silent call, they began to dance together on this Walpurgis night.
The magical beings, as I knew them from books and fairy tales, grew pillars of fire and spread sulphurous smoke in the courtyard.
Then it kind of diverted my attention from what was happening for a moment. My eyes wandered around. My journey of discovery was then abruptly cut short. Is there something sitting on the ledge? I nudged my son who was standing next to me and as we stared at the "something" it unexpectedly rose. A figure had awakened. Horns, like those of a bull, adorned his skull and his voice pierced the night sky: "Come to me, all of you!"
The witches were meant, who now only seemed to dance for him.
A group of monks with torches in their hands past me, but they couldn't stop the inevitable.
Suddenly it got light in the heart of the castle. A wall of fire opened up and out came the prince of darkness. He took his seat on his burning throne while the witches continued to dance for him. He would choose one of them to rule the dark realm with him at his side.
Then the devil entered the circle too. The light of fire played around the mystical beings, whose existence we have banished to the world of shadows and evil. Now Beelzebub danced with his future wife. He proudly presented the new woman at his side. Then the festival of witches drew to a close.The devil opened the gate of hell again and everyone disappeared down the abyss of the underworld. He looked back one more time and it seemed like a promise to come back the next Walpurgis Night.
Like a little child, I let myself be carried away by this spectacle. I love it when someone manages to pull me into another world for a few moments. Unfortunately, the gift of seeing with a child's heart is all too often lost in everyday life. Children can still allow something without judging and simply follow their inner enthusiasm.
The performance at the castle ruins also brought back a memory to me. Hadn't my father also told me about a witches' dance floor in the Hammrich?
Sequel follows!
