Tradition: Luxembourg Mythology
Alternative Names: The Blinding Light
Category: Flame
The Myth
Das blendende Licht, meaning the Blinding Light, is a terrifying supernatural glow that appears at night and surrounds those who encounter it. Its radiance grows increasingly intense as it approaches, eventually enveloping its victim in a dazzling brilliance that makes it impossible to see clearly or find a way to escape. The light is associated with a sinister, almost devilish enchantment that can lead unsuspecting travellers into mortal danger.
One night, a woman from Remich mistook the bright moonlight for the approach of dawn. Believing morning had arrived, she set out carrying a measure of grain toward the Herder Mill near Bous. When she reached the hill above the mill, she noticed a light shining in the valley and initially assumed it came from the mill itself. However, the light gradually moved toward her, growing larger and brighter until it surrounded her in a blinding glow.
Terrified, the woman called upon all the saints in heaven for help and ran frantically in every direction, but the dreadful light continued to close around her. In desperation, she cried out, “I believe in God the Father!” At once, the enchantment vanished. Only then did she realize, with renewed horror, that she was standing on the steep, high bank of the millpond. Had she taken just one more step, she would have plunged into the water and drowned.
Sources
La Fontaine, Edmond de. Luxemburger Sagen und Legenden. Luxemburg: Jos. Beffort, 1882.