We start in the Harz mountains near the Schlosshotel Blankenburg and the Naturresort Schindelbruch. And with a very well-known destination: the Devil’s Wall.

This rock formation juts out of the northern Harz foreland between Ballenstedt via Rieder and Weddersleben to Blankenburg.

Beaten by a rooster

Legend has it that God and the devil once agreed to separate their territories in the Harz Mountains. God wanted to keep the fertile lowlands for himself, but the devil would be allowed to call the ore-rich Harz his own. There was one condition, however: The devil must build a high wall around his territory in one night until dawn. 

The devil immediately went to work, and the wall grew to a stately size in the darkness. But then it happened: a farmer’s wife, from Timmenrode, stumbled as she went to market with her rooster in the basket. The animal was frightened and began to crow loudly. 

Then the devil thought the night was over. In rage, he destroyed part of his wall, fragments of which are still preserved and which until now are called the Devil’s Wall.

Our next legend takes us to Pottenstein in Franconian Switzerland, near the Creativhotel Luise and the legend about the so called “Hasenloch”. This is what it’s all about: Some boys from Pottenstein skipped church service one Sunday morning. They preferred to play. In order not to be observed, they sneaked into the forest. 

There they were completely absorbed in their game until they saw a white hare. The animal could not walk properly, and the boys had fun chasing it.  They got deeper and deeper into the forest, until they stood in front of an unknown cave, into which the hare took refuge. 

Dangerous play of catch

Fearfully, they stood in front of the dark entrance into the mountain. Only one of the boys dared to enter. For a long time, nothing moved, but then the boys heard a pitiful screaming from the cave, whereupon silence returned. 

Panic-stricken, they ran to the village and alerted their parents. The father of the missing boy immediately rushed to the cave with some other men. There they found the boy lying mangled on the ground. The rabbit had been none other than the cave’s scavenger, who had turned into a lame hare in mockery. Since then, the cave is called “Rabbit Hole”.

Don’t worry, that’s it again with the bloodthirsty tales. For the next ones we travel to Thailand to hear more from our Green Pearls®’ partners Keemala, Zeavola and Tongsai Bay.

A country full of traditions and legends

Thailand, like many Asian countries, has a large variety of myths specific to the country. If you have ever visited a temple in Thailand, you may have noticed the creatures that look like a mixture of a snake and a dragon. 

In fact, these creatures are Naga. In Buddhism and Hinduism, these are semi-divine beings that live in the Mekong River. They are also said to be responsible for a Thai phenomenon: The Naga fireballs. Contrary to our previous tales, however, Naga are gentle beings and are considered guardians who keep evil spirits away.

If you travel to Thailand, you will certainly eat rice once or twice. After all, Thailand is the second-largest rice exporter in the world. The business with the white grain brings many jobs and income to the country. As a result, many people involved in the industry routinely pray to or make offerings to Phosop, also known as “the rice goddess”. This occurs at every stage of grain cultivation, and Phosop is believed to ensure that everyone has enough to eat. Queen Sirikit of Thailand also recognizes this custom.

Are you ready to take a closer look at these areas? Then take a look here beforehand: HOW TO PACK MORE SUSTAINABLE

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