Mythology and genuine threat

According to European folklore, the lindworm (comes from „lint“ which means „glowing“) frequently appeared in the form of a monstrous snake or other gigantic figure. This mythological creature was  known to many other peoples too. He was the mythical embodiment of demonic powers. According to folklore, he holds back the fertile waters and must be killed so that the earth can evolve. The Goisern version of the lindworm also has connections with „water“ and „threat“. Yet this connection is not a mythical one, but a very real one.

Leo Reiter writes about the „Geology of the Goisern Valley“ in the book „Heimat Goisern“. He describes the area between Wurmstein and Sandling as a „disturbed landscape“, in that the geological structure of the area have caused numerous landslides, mudflows and even rock avalanches. It is little wonder, therefore, that in times of mudflow and flooding, people think back to this creature and tell us:

„A lindworm flooded the land with water, and now the king, the queen, their daughter and all the good people have drowned and been sunk“.
 

The legend has been inscribed on a plaque and is displayed in the local museum. The neighbourhood affected is today known as „Wurmstein“ as the lindworm was such a symbolic creature in the history of the Goisern area.  Known as „Lindy“ he is represented in local coats of arms, on a corner of the local parish building, and often as a local mascot. You will also find him on the curtain pole at tourist information in Bad Goisern.