The Uglei

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Geographic Coordinates: 54° 11' 3.98" N, 10° 38' 13.81" E

Not far from Eutin, there is a small lake within a beech grove. This lake is called the Uglei. Its dark waters are always calm and quiet, and everything around it appears sad and gloomy. The lake did not always exist, but it was a long time ago when it formed.

Up on the hill, where the summer residence is located now, there used to be a castle inhabited by a young, handsome, but wild knight. He loved nothing more than hunting, and early every morning he ventured into the forest. On his way, he frequently encountered the daughter of a poor farmer, who had to drive her father’s horses into the woods for pasture. The knight soon fell deeply in love with her due to her beauty, but the girl refused his pleas and gifts and replied to all his courting that she could not possibly become his wife, as she was only a poor man’s daughter. And, yet, the girl had come to care for the handsome knight as well. One morning, when he once more pursued her with his pleas and promises, they came to a depression in the forest where a small chapel was located. Then, the knight led the girl inside. As he stepped before the altar, he spoke: “Here, in the sight of God, I will take you as my spouse, and Heaven may strike me down at this place if I do not stay true to you and fail to keep my word.” The girl believed his vow and they met in the forest every morning. But, when the girl reminded him of his promise, he first put it off and eventually he stayed away and did not come back. When she realized that she had been abandoned, she put on a black dress, became depressed, fell sick, and died after a short time.

Meanwhile, the knight had become engaged to a rich countess and the wedding day was set. The wedding was to take place in the small chapel in the forest. But, when the preacher had finished his sermon and the bridal couple wanted to come together, the ghost of the unfortunate girl appeared and raised her finger against the groom. When he sank to the ground out of fright, a terrible storm with thunder and rain broke loose as if Heaven itself was about to collapse. Then the chapel sunk into the waters with everyone inside. The lake has stood at this site since that time. Only the preacher, the bride, and a small innocent girl could be saved, since they had stepped on the wooden stairs of the altar. But, at times, in evenings during quiet weather, it is still possible to hear the small bell of the chapel from the waters.

Source: Müllenhoff - Sagen Märchen und Lieder, p. 165f

Sunken Castles, Evil Poodles 1E Note: This story was published in the book Sunken Castles, Evil Poodles: Commentaries on German folklore. Get the book for further context and explanatory commentary!

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!