Austrian Mythology

Appearance

The Norc is depicted as a small humanoid figure that typically wears ragged clothing, often oversized for its small stature. Despite that, it also owns finer blue garments which it wears on special occasions. It is characterized by an exceptionally long or seemingly endless lifespan combined with a still aging body, leading to its portrayal as a very old person with a long ice-grey beard. Additionally, it is described as having notably large or "duck-like" feet, which makes walking in a manner similar to humans challenging for the Norc.

Behaviour

The Norc constructs its home inside hills, and such a burrow is referred to as a "Norggenloch", which translates to "Norc hole". Little is known about the interior of these holes.

Norcs exclusively inhabit the wilderness and lead a gathering lifestyle. Due to their often very old age they cannot hunt or farm and depend on others, such as humans, for sustenance. In the winter, they often visit human homes to seek warmth and shelter.

In terms of personality, the Norc, while not dangerous at all, leans more towards the mischievous side. It remains grumpy throughout the day, often complaining about everything. It enjoys playing harmless pranks when the opportunity arises. Even if someone is helpful to the Norc, it doesn't take long before the Norc abandons its gratitude and begins complaining about its helper. However, the Norc can also prove to be a beneficial creature when it assists in herding or harvesting wheat.

As mentioned, the Norc can get very old or might be even incapable of dying at all. There are two explanations for this phenomenon. The first involves a special diet consisting of roots and herbs, while the second is a Christian narrative suggesting that Norcs are fallen angels.

Relation to the Orc

Although the Norc is typically depicted as mischievous rather than harmful, there are instances where it is said to engage in harming actions, such as hurting or killing cattle. This confusion may arise from its potential association or shared origin with the Orc.

Origin

Behaviour

The Fuchtelmandl tends to lean more towards the side of goodness than evil. It guides lost individuals back to the right path but can also cause people to lose their way. Anyone who gets too close or speaks to the Fuchtelmandl will receive a slap in the face.

Stories

There dozends of stories about the Fuchtelmandl. All of them showing a similar pattern. The following are some of the tales and sightings:

Fuchtelmandl were often seen in the Naarn area in the past. They are created from mist and moisture. In 1925, a Fuchtelmandl was seen shining through the windows of Keindl in Brand.

On dark nights the Fuchtelmanns can be seen on the Danube. Anyone who speaks to it will get a slap in the face, but the Fuchtelmandl will dissolve.

Fuchtelmandl are poor souls of deceased people who were unable to make amends for a serious debt in life. They show those who get lost in the night the right path and disappear when one thanks them for their help. Anyone who doesn't respond correctly will lose their way again.

Origin

Appearance

He takes the form of a young man or child, yet his mature behaviour and serious facial expression create the impression that he has lived through numerous human lifetimes. One of the most remarkable visual characteristics is his hair, which shimmers in a shade of green, a colour which is entirely unnatural for both humans and animals. Complementing this extraordinary hair color, he wears a tiara crafted from silver adorned with an array of gemstones. He also wears a mantle decorated with emeralds and a belt made from corals. In his hands, he wields a luminous staff, scepter, or spear crafted from a single, large gemstone.

He is accompanied by a small boat with its keel made out of the red hues from a sunrise and its sails are blue like the heavens themselves. The boat features a golden mast and golden oars. Inside, the boat is lined with silver moss.

Behaviour

When the Mountain King makes his presence known, it begins with a violet light that gradually intensifies and transforms into a calming blue, eventually filling his entire cave or realm.

He travels by boat across an immense underground silver lake, where the most beautiful rainbow stretches from one side of the lake to the other. Additionally, small blue flames hover above the lake and a captivating and melodious tune can be heard. The gigantic cave is full of precious stones and its roof is like a starlit night sky.

It appears that the Mountain King is cautious of humans and endeavors to discern the genuine intentions of those who find themselves in his domain. However, he also seems eager to ensure that any worthy humans who enter his realm depart with a precious gift from him.

Environment

The cave in which the ferryman appears is difficult to reach. Inside the cave is a gigantic lake behind which an enormous gap appears. Behind the gap is a treasure hidden, which is guarded by two goats.

Origin

This figure originates from a tale in Styria, situated near the city of Weiz, but not much is known about its mythological background. In folklore, this being is regarded as a mountain spirit. However, it stands out as such spirits are typically depicted as gnome or dwarf-like creatures that either aid or disrupt miners.

The description of the Mountain King incorporates several motifs. The presence of the rainbow is reminiscent of Irish Mythology, where it signifies a treasure concealed at its end. In Norse and Greek Mythologie, rainbows symbolize a connection between Earth and the Realm of the Gods.

The concept of a silver lake or a vast underground lake is a recurring theme in Alpine tales, as seen in the Ladin Fanes Saga. In these stories, such lakes often hold magical items like arrows that never miss, or they feature mythical beings guiding humans to a treasure hidden beyond the lake. In some tales, the lake and the cave vanish once the human departs, adding an element of enchantment and mystery to these narratives.

The association of water with the dead in Alpine tales, along with a possible interpretation of the hovering flames as souls, adds depth to the symbolism surrounding the Mountain King. In this context, he can be seen as a figure similar to Charon from Greek Mythology, who serves as a ferryman transporting souls to the realm of the dead.

Appearance

The Orc, in its various manifestations, exhibits a curious blend of humanoid and animalistic characteristics. It is often described as having a head resembling that of a large dog, bear-like fur, a broad mouth with iron teeth, and a snake-like tail. Its eyes are said to emit a fiery glow, adding to its eerie presence. Also, it has disproportionately long arms, allowing it to reach far and wide, and its razor-sharp claws, resembling those found on scavenging vultures. Despite its animal-like appearance, the Orc is quite proficient in using tools and weapons. It is frequently portrayed wielding scythes with skill and precision.

Behaviour

The Orc is a complex figure in Alpine mythology, with its actions and intentions varying across different narratives. It can be a playful trickster. In some tales, it revels in pranks and mischief, bringing perplexity and laughter to its encounters. The Orc also appears as a guardian of the forest or as the lord of animals, warning wild animals of hunters, or as a demonic herdsman aiding livestock.

However, the Orc also possesses a darker side. It can transform into a menacing presence, attempting to harm humans and animals. Stories tell of it appearing suddenly in fields, and using blades like a sharp sickle to injure those who dare to approach and steal from it. It has the ability to hide everywhere only emitting eerie whistles or bird-like calls, and it strikes with swift and frightening agility. Sometimes it can also be heard singing songs like:

"Sharpen, sharpen good, and cut through the legs as through wood!"

Origin

Fire and War

In the twilight days of our world, when the shadows will be lengthened and the very horizon will seem to tremble with foreboding, a storm of war will descend upon the land.

It will arrive so swiftly that even the humble farmer, tilling his fields, will be caught in its unforgiving grasp. With no time to retreat to the safety of his hearth, he will grasp his plough and horsewhip, preparing to defend hearth and home.

The war, like an unleashed storm, will rage with a ferocity that will defy comprehension. Yet, strangely, it will be short-lived, a whirlwind of destruction that will sweep across the land, leaving behind a haunting silence.

Only a fortunate few will emerge from the maelstrom with their lives intact. They will bear witness to a world forever changed, a canvas marred by the scars of conflict.

Yet, the war will just the precursor to a greater, more merciless force. After the battle's crescendo, an all-consuming inferno will ravage the earth, leaving nothing in its wake. Not a blade of grass, not even solitary stone, will withstand the voracious flames.

The world will be reduced to smoldering ashes, as if the very essence of existence seeks purification in the crucible of destruction.

Mountains and Water

It is said that under many of the majestic mountains, just beneath their ancient roots lie large underground lakes.

Over countless ages, these discarded piles grew and grew, reaching ever skyward, until they emerged as the towering sentinels we now call mountains. Each peak, a testament to the dwarves' tireless work, rose as a monument out of the very earth that once hid it away. But the dwarves' work did not end there. As rain fell from heaven and collected in the cavernous recesses left by their digging, a transformation of wondrous beauty occurred. Those hollows filled with water, their depths reflecting the skies above, creating shimmering pools that we now know as lakes. And so, in the embrace of nature and the craftsmanship of the dwarves, the world gained its majestic splendor, with mountains that touch the heavens and lakes that mirror that very celestial canopy from above.

As they are sociable and not solitary beings, they are often counted among the Germanic elves or Celtic fairies, though unlike these, the Saligen are not small, but instead approximately human-sized. Therefore, they are sometimes seen as half-gods instead. In contemporary folklore, the Saligen are interpreted either as the offspring of elves and humans, thereby suggesting the existence of male Saligen, or as enchanted princesses.

Given their remarkable similarity to the elves from "Lord of the Rings", one might speculate that J.R.R. Tolkien drew inspiration from the Saligen.

Appearance

The Saligen are exclusively depicted as female beings. They are usually described as tall, exceptionally beautiful, and having blonde hair. The Saligen are often portrayed wearing loose, white dresses.

Behaviour

The Saligen are usually thought of as shy, kind-hearted, and wise individuals. They tend to stay hidden from regular people. However, if someone needs help, the Saligen are quick to offer assistance.

Some stories mention that one should avoid encountering a Saligen during full moon, as unlucky individuals who cross paths with them are seduced to spend the night together. Those who fall victim to this encounter are left as soulless bodies.

Saligen are said to live either in caves or underground villages surrounded by a wooded environment to conceal their entrances or in ice palaces.

These beings possess some magical abilities, but unlike elves and dwarves, they cannot simply disappear or become invisible in front of humans. However, there is a belief that they, and even their spouses, are invisible until they initiate a conversation with someone. It is not known how they become invisible again.

Origin

The Saligen are also known as Salkweiber, Salaweiber, Antrische Dirn (Antric Girl), Schneefräulein (Snow Girls), Bergfrauen (Mountain Women), wilde Frauen (Wild Women) and weiße Frauen (White Women).

The term Saligen comes either from Old Bavarian sālīg (kind-hearted, blessed) or is related to modern Bavarian Seäl (soul). Also, an origin from the Suleviae, a group of celtic godesses attested in many inscriptions in Noricum, has to be considered.