Tradition: Liechtenstein Mythology
Alternative Names: The Treasure Toad of the Old Castle
Category: Frog
The Myth
The Toad of Grafenberg is a mysterious supernatural creature that guards a hidden treasure within a vault beneath the ruins of the old castle Grafenberg in Liechtenstein. It appears as a wild, monstrous toad concealed in a niche in the wall. When disturbed, it grows larger and larger, while its eyes sparkle and spit fire. The creature’s terrifying appearance makes it a formidable obstacle for anyone seeking the treasure.
One day, an old chimney sweep from Balzers was gathering brushwood for making brooms in the undergrowth near a place known as the Old Schlüssle. Tired from his work, he sat down to rest upon an old wall. Suddenly, a maiden appeared before him and silently beckoned him to follow her. She led him into a great underground vault, where she revealed that he could become wealthy and free her from her enchantment if he knocked down the wild toad hidden in a niche in the wall.
The chimney sweep approached the creature and attempted to touch it, but the toad began to grow enormously. Its eyes glittered and spewed fire, filling him with terror. Unable to overcome his fear, the man leapt away and fled. In an instant, he found himself back at the very spot where he had originally sat down to rest. The treasure remained undiscovered, and the maiden’s enchantment remained unbroken.
Sources
“Grafenberg.” SAGEN.at – Liechtensteiner Sagen, collected by Otto Seger. https://www.sagen.at/texte/sagen/liechtenstein/seger/grafenberg.html