Tradition: Swiss Mythology
Alternative Names: Hexenmeister
Category: Sorcerer
The Myth
The Hexenmeister is a male sorcerer from the folklore of St. Gallen, Switzerland. He can use supernatural powers to bring misfortune upon people who anger or mistreat him.
In one tale, a young beggar arrives at a farmhouse and asks the farmer for a midday meal. The farmer refuses, explaining that he is too busy bringing hay into the barn. The young man responds that the farmer will not manage to bring in any hay that day.
As soon as the farmer gathers a bundle of hay, a sudden gust of wind sweeps it away. The farmer struggles throughout the day while his neighbours work without trouble. Only the following day can he finally bring the hay safely into the barn.
The young beggar causes further damage whenever someone angers him. Eventually, he is brought before a court, where it is discovered that he had received communion while unworthy. This is taken as proof that he is a Hexenmeister, a sorcerer whose supernatural powers bring harm to others.
The tale warns that mistreating a stranger may bring unexpected consequences, especially when that stranger possesses hidden magical powers.
Sources
“Hexenmeister.” SAGEN.at. https://www.sagen.at/texte/sagen/schweiz/st_gallen/hexenmeister.html