Top Austria Stories on GatherTales

Austrian folklore is full of old pagan traditions, Christian influences, and local legends, which express the closeness of this country with its Alpine landscapes. Among the most popular characters in Austrian mythology features a demonic creature known as "Krampus," which punishes naughty children during the Christmas season, acting as some kind of dark side to Saint Nicholas. Krampus is an imminent cautionary figure; his horns, chains, and threatening features create a legend that lives through parades and festivals throughout Austria during holiday celebrations, which are both frightening and exciting. Along with "Krampus," the Austrian folkloric scene assumes the presence of "Perchta," a dual-natured goddess who stops by during the Twelve Days of Christmas. Perchta is a beautiful woman, rewarding the diligent, or an awful hag with a practiced hand in punishing the lazy, maintaining good and evil in balance. Her presence makes the work ethic and integrity in Austrian culture all the more important. The story of the "Wild Huntsman" comes in most various forms throughout the alpine area. Usually, the Wild Huntsman was a cursed nobleman or ghostly figure who rode across the forest paths with his hounds and thus was there as a harbinger because of the coming danger or disaster. These stories strongly relate to man's close relation with the untamed wilderness, as central to Austria's mountainous heritage. "Rübezahl," a guardian spirit of the Krkonoše Mountains, also plays a major role in Austrian folklore. This legendary figure is said to help those in need and punish the greedy; thus, Rübezahl symbolizes justice and the balance between humanity and nature. Being a big protective giant but somewhat mischievous, his figure blends into most of Austria's mountain legends. Austrian fairy tales, such as "Rumpelstiltskin" by the Brothers Grimm, show traditions of cleverness, resourcefulness, and outwitting evil forces. The stories of legends, like the "Lake Traunsee Waterman" guarding the treasures in its bottom, reveal how deeply rooted in mystic belief the Austrian culture is. It celebrates these myths through stories, festivals, and the practice of tradition that allows Austria to preserve its rich heritage and lace up the natural landscapes with moral understandings of the world. Austria, through its folk tales, still cuddles the values, history, and traditions of its people.