Folklore: Die Rübezahl

In German legends, a mountain spirit cultivated numerous magical carrots among the hills. These carrots understood human languages and could transform into other objects when given instructions. Once, the mountain spirit kidnapped a princess and asked for her hand. However, the princess declined the proposal. Eager to please the princess, the mountain spirit promised to do anything for her. That was when the princess came up with an idea.

The princess told the mountain spirit to count the exact number of magical carrots he had planted. Driven by passion, the mountain spirit was so focused while counting the carrots that he forgot to watch the princess. Seizing the chance, the princess transformed a carrot into a horse and escaped! When the mountain spirit eventually realized what had happened, it was already too late to chase the princess. Since then, he was given the nickname “Rübezahl” (Rübe-carrot, zahl-count).