We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Dual Natures in Folktales Around the World – opposites, contradictions & paradoxes.
QUEEN-
From German, Polish, and Czech folklore
Rübezahl has been said to mean “Number Nip.” That “Nip” is short for turnip. The story reveals this more. He is the “Lord of the Mountains.” Some would call him a demon with a tail, but he is technically a woodwose that can shapeshift. What’s a woodwose? That’s a fancy way of saying “wild man.” Yet, Rübezahl has the power over the weather such as lightening or wind.
What is so fascinating? What dualities have surfaced?
Tricksters are always appearing one way and then are really another. Rübezahl constantly changes form. Can anyone know the true self of him?
The turnips – being the friends and family – are not what they appear either. Hmmm.
50-word-or-less summary:
Rübezahl abducted a princess and wished for her to be his queen. He turned turnips into her friends and family. Wilted! “Queen of the Mountain” asked Rübezahl to count her turnip friends. While he counted, she ran off. Became Queen…but not for him.
Finding the Story:
Blog post on reflecting of story heard many times in ancestry – found here
Different story featuring Rübezahl – found here
Wikipedia on Rübezahl – found here
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See quick list of programs here.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has been “dual” in our offerings of our hybrid summit & festival on May 9-12, 2022 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; Youth, Educators, Storytellers (YES); City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Clever Octopus; High Desert Brain Trust; and people like you.
I like this story for her, but there are also other stories where Rübezahl is the trickster-hero… you win some, you lose some 😀
The Multicolored Diary
Sounds like a fun story! I’d have to go and read the full version.
Ronel visiting for the A-Z Challenge My Languishing TBR: Q
Oh dear …. there were that many turnips