The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE ETERNAL WATCH

EMPEROR FREDERICK BARBARROSSA'S SPIRIT KEEPS WATCH OVER THE
GERMAN PEOPLE FROM HIS SUPPOSED RESTING PLACE AT THE
KHYFFAUSER CASTLE IN THURINGIA. A FLOCK OF RAVENS KEEP A
CONSTANT VIGIL OVER HIS GRAVE. WHEN THEY ARE GONE, THIS MEANS
THAT BARBARROSSA'S SPIRIT HAS LEFT THE GRAVE, AND IS ROAMING
GERMANY TRYING TO LEAD HER IN TIMES OF PERIL. IT IS SAID
THAT THE RAVENS WERE GONE DURING THE TIME OF THE "WELT DRIEGS."
THIS MEANS THAT THE "HEMICHEKAISER" WAS GONE FROM HIS TOMB.

Submitter comment:

MR. STOERKEL IS GERMAN AND THE SOURCES ARE TRADITIONAL TRANSMISSION.

Data entry tech comment:

SPELLING CORRECTED BY KEYPUNCHER

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Mount Clemens

Keyword(s): Castle ; Germany ; GHOST ; Legend ; SPIRIT ; Tomb