The Rider without a Head (Lengfeld)

Loading map...

Geographic Coordinates: 50° 31' 1.88" N, 10° 38' 31.02" E

There once was a moss-covered stone cross about three and a half feet in height that stood within a hazelnut hedge beneath the village of Lengfeld alongside the cart road to Themar, at a farm boundary where fields were encroaching from the higher side. This cross was only removed recently. According to legend, a horseman lies buried beneath this cross along with his horse. Both were decapitated at this spot during the Thirty Years’ War, and during the twelfth hour the rider climbs on his horse which lacks a head just like he does. Then, he slowly rides around the cross, but with the last chime of the bell he vanishes as well.

Source: Bechstein - Der Sagenschatz des Frankenlandes, p. 269f

Volume 01: Lurkers at the Threshold Note: This story was published in the book Sunken Castles, Evil Poodles Volume 01: Lurkers at the Threshold. Get the book for further context and explanatory commentary!