Legends of the Rhine by Wilhelm Ruland is a collection of folk tales inspired by the Rhine River and the surrounding Low Countries, a region rich in mythological tradition.
The book presents stories that have become deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of the region, including the well-known Lorelei legend and other local myths. These narratives, often blending history and legend, reflect the people's connection to the river landscape and demonstrate how geographical features become repositories for cultural meaning and identity.
Accompanied by illustrations from celebrated artists, the text visually enhances these narratives, bringing mythological figures and settings to life. The tales capture not only the natural beauty of the Rhine but also the powerful stories that have emerged over centuries, contributing to the river's status as a symbol of romance and legend in European folklore.
The work stands as a literary exploration of the Rhine's mythical significance, offering insight into how landscapes shape narrative traditions and how these stories, in turn, influence how people understand and relate to their environments.
𝌇 READ: "Legends of the Rhine and Low Countries", Project Gutenberg.
↑ ▢ "The Petrified Alp", 1906. Main image from story of same name. Photo depicting landscape near the source of the Rhine; |<– ▢ ▢ ▢ –>| Illustrations from "Legends of the Rhine and Low Countries"; Location: St. Gotthard, Switzerland; Source: Project Gutenberg License, Public Domain.
Copyright: Source materials belong to the public domain sources they originate from. See source site links for full rights and usage details. Materials shared on this site are used in accordance with Public Domain, Creative Commons, Open Access licenses, or applicable Fair Use principles. All rights remain with the original creators.
Copyright: Source materials belong to the public domain sources they originate from. See source site links for full rights and usage details. Materials shared on this site are used in accordance with Public Domain, Creative Commons, Open Access licenses, or applicable Fair Use principles. All rights remain with the original creators.