Tradition: Luxembourgish Mythology
Alternative Names: Das Wichtlein zu Sterpenich
Category: Dwarf
The Myth
The dwarf of Sterpenich was a mysterious little being who appeared before a cruel knight who lived at Sterpenich many centuries ago. The knight was feared throughout the surrounding country for his cruelty. One day, he ordered one of his serfs to travel to Metz, twelve hours away, and return with an answer before the end of the day. He threatened the man with severe punishment if he failed. The poor peasant immediately set off at full speed, desperately trying to cover the enormous distance within the time allowed.
Before he reached the village, however, a dwarf appeared to him beside the road. The little being was sitting in a carriage drawn by three white horses and offered to take the peasant to Metz and back. The man gladly accepted, and the strange carriage carried him over the great distance so quickly that he was able to return and deliver the required answer to his master before sunset. The knight was astonished and demanded to know how his servant had managed to travel so far in such a short time. The peasant honestly told him about the dwarf and his miraculous carriage, then added that the dwarf had said he would soon return with another carriage to take the knight to his final dwelling.
The knight was struck with terror at these words. He cried out, “Die – me?” and immediately collapsed. That evening, a hearse drawn by four black horses was seen leaving through the castle gate. The driver was the same mysterious dwarf, who had returned as promised—this time to carry away the dead knight of Sterpenich.
Sources
“Das Wichtlein von Sterpenich.” SAGEN.at – Traditionelle Sagen aus Luxemburg. Reproduced by SAGEN.at. https://www.sagen.at/texte/sagen/luxemburg/Wichtlein_Sterpenich.html