In his series on myths and legends, Gerry Erang explores some of the Grand Duchy's lesser-known yet enthralling stories. The Moselle may be deep but Grevenmacher's mythological waters are deeper. Last week, we established that all mythological roads apparently lead to Grevenmacher. Idyllically nestled between steep vineyards and flanked by the leisurely flowing Moselle river, the city has more to offer than immediately meets the eye. Cursed materialists, cannibalistic witches and hellish hounds β picture-perfect Grevenmacher has it all.
Grevenmacher - a city of cannibalistic witches, hellish hounds, and cursed materialists? On this note, let's pick up where we left off and wade deeper into the city's mythological waters.
If you ever hike from Grevenmacher to Manternach, chances are you come across a large stone block of stone. But what's so special about that? Legend has it that the devil himself brought the massive stone to its final resting place. Centuries ago, the not-so-high society of Grevenmacher and the surrounding villages told good old Satan about a new brothel that was supposed soon to open its doors in Trier. A new place that celebrates sexual debauchery and institutional immorality?
The devil was euphoric. To express his gratitude and appreciation, Satan decided to carry the foundation block of the brothel to Trier. However, just as as he was blissfully embarking on his journey, less pleasant news reached the fallen angel's ear: officials had changed plans and decided to erect a cathedral instead of the pleasure house.
Upset and disappointed, the devil carried the large stone through Grevenmacher's streets and dramatically threw it on the ground of a nearby hill. Before resignedly leaving the would-be foundation block, he jumped onto the stone and started dancing almost as feverishly as year-old Picadilly revelers would do centuries later.
