Tradition: Swiss Mythology
Alternative Names: The Ghost of the Walchwil Vineyards
Category: Ghost
The Myth
Many years ago, the picturesque hills of Walchwil in Switzerland were famous for producing an exceptionally fine wine said to possess mysterious powers. The wine was celebrated far beyond the village, and wondrous tales circulated about its strength. Yet the vineyards were also haunted by an evil ghost that tormented and terrified people of all ages, appearing both in daylight and under the cover of darkness. The pious winegrowers and fishermen of Walchwil struggled for a long time to find a way to rid themselves of the troublesome spirit.
Their hopes rose when a small monastery of Capuchin friars was established in nearby Arth. Desperate for help, the inhabitants sent a messenger to the neighboring village, asking the monks to drive away the ghost. A Capuchin friar answered their plea and came to Walchwil. Before attempting the exorcism, however, he demanded half a liter of the village’s fiery wine.
The ghost was terrified by the friar’s plan and immediately fled, declaring that if the priest drank even half a liter of Walchwil wine, it would be completely defeated. From that moment onward, the evil spirit was never seen in the vineyards again. The legend celebrates the extraordinary strength of Walchwil wine, whose reputation proved powerful enough to overcome even a terrifying supernatural enemy.
Sources
“Der Wein.” SAGEN.at – Traditionelle Sagen aus der Schweiz (Zug). Reproduced by SAGEN.at. https://www.sagen.at/texte/sagen/schweiz/zug/wein.html