Tradition: Liechtenstein Mythology
Alternative Names: The White Maiden of Gutenberg
Category: Ghost
The Myth
The Virgin of Gutenberg is a mysterious white maiden who haunts the old fortress of Gutenberg near Balzers, Liechtenstein. She guards an immense hidden treasure that once lay exposed to the sunlight, appearing as a great mound of snail shells made of pure gold. The treasure shines brilliantly in the sun, but anyone who wishes to claim it must first free the maiden from her supernatural burden. Until someone succeeds, she remains bound to the fortress, condemned to guard the treasure for another century.
One day, a boy from Balzers was picking berries near the old fortress walls when the white maiden appeared before him. She begged him to release her and explained that he must swing her around three times. He was forbidden to look at her braids or speak a single word during the task. Gathering all his courage and strength, the boy managed to swing her around twice without looking at her or speaking. But as he began the third turn, curiosity overcame him, and he glanced at her beautiful golden braids.
At that instant, the braids became two snakes in his hands. Startled by their coldness, the boy cried out, “Jesus, how cold!” His words broke the conditions of the enchantment, and the maiden vanished with a sorrowful lament. Her chance for release was lost, and she was condemned to haunt Gutenberg for another hundred years, continuing her lonely watch over the hidden treasure. The legend warns that even a moment of curiosity or a single careless word can undo an attempt to break a powerful supernatural curse.
Sources
“Die Jungfrau auf Gutenberg.” SAGEN.at – Liechtensteiner Sagen. Reproduced by SAGEN.at. https://www.sagen.at/texte/sagen/liechtenstein/jungfrauaufgutenberg.html