The Spirit of the Mountains (a.k.a. Liczyrzepa) is a figure that is so strongly associated with the Krkonoše area that today it would be difficult to imagine that they could exist without it. Where did he come from and why does the memory of him survive to this day? Which legend about Liczyrzep is true? Move with us to the world of Sudeten stories!

What is the name of the Spirit of the Mountains?

The Spirit of the Mountains is a figure whose creation researchers attribute to the Slavs who once inhabited the Sudetenland. Originally, like many heroes like him, he was supposed to be one of the supernatural beings who were responsible for the inexplicable natural phenomena or various events at that time. Over time, however, as the influx of inhabitants coming from different parts of Europe and their own beliefs mixed, new interpretations, new names and new legends began to emerge, until it began to be known mainly as Liczyrzepa. Who is it then?

Initially, the Spirit of the Mountains was considered the treasurer of treasures kept in the Sudetenland and the guardian of the mountains themselves. Over time, he was assigned the role of the terrible monster of Rubenchal, which was to be a cross between a donkey, a lion and a goat. He was also perceived as a harmless, likable playful and mischievous, and — on the contrary — as one of the evil spirits. Added to this is the variety of names. For us, the Spirit of the Mountains is Liczyrzepa, for Germans it is Rübezahl, and for Czechs Krakonoš.

The importance of Liczyrzep and the legend about him is indicated, among other things, by his presence in literature and media. In addition to numerous publications, there are also radio broadcasts — one of them is “Mysteries from the bag of Liczyrzepa” on Musical Radio.

What does abacelus mean?

The Giant Mountain Spirit owes its name to a legend. According to her, he was supposed to become infatuated with the daughter of the Silesian ruler and kidnap her to his castle. However, the girl was lonely and unhappy in him, so Liczyrzepa decided to give her a dozen Velcro, which, after the spell was pronounced, were to turn into members of her family and service. In this gift, the girl matured her chance to escape and asked the Spirit of the Mountains to collect and count for her all the turnips from the Krkonoše Mountains so that she could surround herself with enough people. While he was complying with his beloved's request, she was getting ready to escape. She used the most ancient turnip, turned it into a pegasus and thus got out of the castle, owned by Liczyrzepa. The legend does not end happily — Liczyrzepa—the Ghost of the Mountains, out of regret that he was deceived, was to demolish his residence and live under the open sky at the end of his estate. Moreover, precisely this, somewhat offensive, nickname was supposed to adhere to him.

What was the name of the Świdnica princess, for whom Liczyrzepa counted turnips?

The legend of the Spirit of the Mountains Liczyrzep, in which he counted turnips for his beloved, states that the kidnapped princess was named Emma or, in another version, Dobrogniew and was the beloved of Prince Mieszko of Świdnica. However, regardless of the application, each of these stories ends similarly — the girl escapes, and Liczyrzepa gains the infamous name of “Turnip Counter”.

Where does Liczyrzepa live?

In where Liczyrzep lives, the legends are not entirely compatible. Sometimes one speaks of the Table Mountains, sometimes about the Krkonoše Mountains, sometimes again about a vast kingdom whose boundaries are to be determined by a plant once called abacus herb, and today, more scientifically, by white butterbur. Another legend about the Spirit of the Mountains, on the other hand, indicates that its seat is located underground, in the vicinity of Snow White or the Errant Rocks. There he is to be accompanied by ghosts, demons and other supernatural beings.

Which mountains according to legend were supposed to be created by Liczyrzepa?

The abacetus, according to legend, created the Vicious Rocks lying in the Table Mountains. Once in the place of the rock labyrinth there was supposed to be Mount Skalniak, where sacrifices were made to pagan idols. One such meeting was attended by the Spirit of the Mountains, who, when he was recognized and met with a refusal to worship him, became angry and spread the mountain, creating in its place a labyrinth of collapsed rocks.

If you are enchanted by legends spilling out of Liczyrzepa's bag and want to see Vicious Rocks or other places associated with the Ghost of the Mountains, be sure to visit the Kłodzko Basin — Vital & SPA Resort Szarotka invites you! Our facility is located in a very convenient location and also offers many amenities that make your stay more enjoyable. Our guests are waiting for, among others, SPA rooms, swimming pools or free parking. Get to know our entire offer now and book your stay at your convenience!

Also read: Castles in which he scares. Meet the chilling tales

Photo: Milada13 CC BY-SA 3.0


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