The Lorelei (Loreley)

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The Lorelei (Loreley) is a One-hundred-and-twenty meter high rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine at St. Goarshausen. Many boat accidents have been attributed to the current and to the rocks below the waterline. In 1395 the Counts of Katzenelnbogen started vineyards there.

Legends speak of Rhine maidens who, through their sweet singing, lure sailors to their deaths on the rocks. The term Lorelei may come from a combination of the old german word “lureln” (murmur) with the Celtic word “ley” (rock) or from the old german word “luren” (lurking) with the word “ley”. In his work entitled "Godwi oder Das steinerne Bild der Mutter" (1801), Clement Brentano told the story of Lorelei, a maiden who jumped to her death from the top of the rock after being spurned by her lover.

Another tale goes as follows: The Lorelei was a beautiful, but false water nymph, who lured men to their deaths as they passed the rock upon which she sat and sang at night time. Captivated by her beauty and song, they became oblivious to rocks near the shore and were dashed to pieces. Ronald, son of the Palatinate Count, heard her song, and longed to see her. He persuaded an old sailor to row him to the rock just as night fell. The Lorelei appeared and sang her song directly to him. Impatient, he dove into the water to be near her, and was dashed by the rocks. The count was saddened and angered at the death of his son, and ordered the killing or capture of the nymph. Four soldiers attempted a capture the next day. They climbed the rock and were confronted by the nymph who heaped scorn on them. She then called for the river steeds to come to her, and rode off into the Rhine current. She was never seen again