Loreley - 5 -
Loreley Rock located on the eastern bank of the Rhine near St Goarshausen which soars some 120 meters above the waterline. It marks the narrowest part of the river between Switzerland and the North Sea. A very strong current and rocks below the waterline have caused many boat accidents.
Imitating, Keep the Legend alive? The names comes from the old German words "lureln"(Murmuring or Lurking) Ley meant in old German Rock. Put it all together it still means today "lurking rock" or a little more modern Loreley. The murmuring is hard to hear today due to the urbanization of...
Imitating, Keep the Legend alive? The names comes from the old German words "lureln"(Murmuring or Lurking) Ley meant in old German Rock. Put it all together it still means today "lurking rock" or a little more modern Loreley. The murmuring is hard to hear today due to the urbanization of...
THE LEGENDARY LORELEY
I do not know what haunts me
What saddened me all day
An old tale confounds me,
A spell I cannot allay
The air is cool and in twilight
The Rhine dark waters flow;
The mountain peak in highlight
Reflects the evening glow.
There sits a lovely maiden
above so wondrous fair,
with shining jewels laden,
she combs her golden hair.
What saddened me all day
An old tale confounds me,
A spell I cannot allay
The air is cool and in twilight
The Rhine dark waters flow;
The mountain peak in highlight
Reflects the evening glow.
There sits a lovely maiden
above so wondrous fair,
with shining jewels laden,
she combs her golden hair.
Through her comb in a shower
and over the valley rings
a song of mysterious power
that lovely maiden sings.
The boatman in his small skiff
Seized by a turbulent love,
No longer he looks for the cliffs,
He looks to the mountain above.
I think the waves must fling him
against the reefs nearby.
And that did with her singing.
The lovely Loreley
and over the valley rings
a song of mysterious power
that lovely maiden sings.
The boatman in his small skiff
Seized by a turbulent love,
No longer he looks for the cliffs,
He looks to the mountain above.
I think the waves must fling him
against the reefs nearby.
And that did with her singing.
The lovely Loreley
AN ANCIENT LEGEND OF THE RHINE
THE LORELEY
By Heinrich Heine
THE LORELEY
By Heinrich Heine
Germany's Mythical Rhine Maiden! According to German folk lore, the Loreley is a siren like creature whose seductive voice and sinister nature have led may sailors to disaster. However, the Loreley is "neither myth nor local legend". Heinrich Heine the well known German Poet, of nineteenth century, refers to the Loreley as "The ghost of an ancient legend/that not let me be." Heine implies, that water spirit possesses an allure that draws innocent onlookers into her clutches, much like the powerful current of the Rhine.
THE ROCK LORELEY
ST. GOARSHAUSEN AND BURG KATZ
"DO WHAT YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU HAVE, WHERE YOU ARE"
The romantic Wine village is the center of the area's trade, and consumption in the local facilities Two Towers shown up on the image of the village, and behind the remaining defense old walls is the original village preserved. Most every year, during the wine harvest in September, many festivities take place. The twin towns St. Goarshausen and St.Goar dominate the last phase of the romantic stretch.
All along this particular romantic stretch of the river, frames after different frame of picturesque villages, towns and vineyards show up and move away in quick succession. Many of this towns and villages are pleasant miniature holiday resort, and watching the boats go by; sitting under an awning to the accompaniment of a glass of just famous Riesling wine from the valley seemed to be a very agreeable tradition and always refreshing. The story of Rhine is the story Europe. Julius Caesar bridged the Rhine to the show who was the boss.
PERSONAL HISTORY
Why so many explanation of the Legends, why so many historical evaluations, there must be answers to all these questions. There are two good reasons. In 1941, my father brought me to St. Goarshausen to enroll in another Boarding school, Institute Hoffman. It was one of the best in the area. After I settled down, met some nice boys my age; some of these boys turned into very good friends of mine. The education offered was very good and appreciated. Sport and military exercises were routine. Something strange but steady was working on my brain. First I was somewhat overwhelmed, to realized that this rigged place turned into a Home from Home for myself. That was the time when Earth felt like heaven to me. I loved this place than and love it even more now. The opportunity came, to tell all of you, when I started the Website, what a beautiful area my home from home are. That's why I made a good effort to bring most of the extremities of the area to your attention.
One day my Father told me that he was informed of a relocation of my schooling to a Boarding far away from the present location. The place was an occupied part by France, and the Germans tried to settle it fast, located in Sierk/Mosel. I had no choice. Made him promise; That I could return to St Goarshausen and finish my High school education at the Institute Hoffman. I did so 1942. Could never comprehend anything other than to graduate in St. Goarshausen! A teacher with name Scherer seemed to like me. One day he came to me and said: Hans Alfred isn't nice for your name! "Hanselfred "would be nicer????? Never happened. The Institute and many people in St. Goarshausen molded my future, which looked very promising and I`m very grateful to all of them. When I left at 16 years old, a Teenager, I felt Sad at first, but after awhile realized the changes I experienced, which altered my whole life, present and future. Special thank you to my God, Mentor and Friend. Without his help and guidance, I never would make it!
ALONG THE RHINE VALLEY! DID YOU ENJOY THE SITE!
During the time in Sierk, new Nazi Boarding school, my father visited multiple times. The education was satisfactory, but not as pleasant as in St Goarshausen, Much more pre-military involvements. By letters I stayed in touch with my former companions and teachers. The war was proceeding; the people were elated about all the victory News. I started to sympathize with our troops. First I felt guilty, but after awhile things turned 180 Degree. Unbelievable but true. The place we occupied was a former monastery. Wondering many times, what did happen to them? Good and bad had to live which each other and we too. Try to end this page on happy and humorous note. The time I spend in St Goarshausen, pardon my repetitions, furnished all the necessary tools to built and live a successful life. Back to an event, when my father visited in Sierk/Mosel. He requested to show him the Restrooms. So I did. The actual stools in a French resident or in any other place are much different as in Germany or in America. We can sit on them and have a rest, but so in good, modern, France. No time wasted on the toilets. No seating capability, no stool. Two elevated footings and a hole. I was not thinking about this and did not tell him. It didn't take long; a loud cry for help was heard throughout the halls. The rest of this story I leave up to your imagination to figure it out. Let me know what you guessed and I will reply.
With the journey on the romantic Rhine, Loreley and St. Goarshausen completed, it is hoped that it was educational and entertaining. Next Page, a more somber occasion, Total "War"
With the journey on the romantic Rhine, Loreley and St. Goarshausen completed, it is hoped that it was educational and entertaining. Next Page, a more somber occasion, Total "War"
WARUM IST ES A`M RHEIN SO SCHOEN?
(WHY IS IT SO NICE AT THE RHINE?)
(WHY IS IT SO NICE AT THE RHINE?)
During the reading of this special page you must have noticed a particular fondness of mine towards the area and their Legends. Two reason it is! The first has to do with my upbringing; was about 11 years old when my parents decided and brought me to St. Goarshausen where I was enrolled in a Boarding school. There I met many young friends. A few evolved into very good companions. Teachers and caretakers took their job series and we did well under their supervision. Slowly but surely I noticed something strange happen. It did not scare me, but I was bewildered. More and more did the new style appeal and accommodate. Soon this place and the Village of St Goarshausen was my home away from home. This was only beginning of an amazing change in my feelings. Feeling! What a word. It can say so much, but very hard to describe, special if you are a young and a tender boy. I hope all of you understand what I wanted to say. If you have questions, Email! Yes, I have loved this place and will love it forever. St Goarshausen and Hoffman Institute guided me into new light; give me the tools to continue what was started.