.: enchanted castle or magical-thinking :.

Over the weekend, we paid a visit to the impressive Burg Kriebstein in Middle Saxony, near Waldheim and dominating the landscape on the cliffs over the dammed river Zschopau. It was originally build as a knight’s residence in the late 1300s and though later embellished by its various owners managed to retain its medieval style and character, radiating out from the main tower, the castle-keep. The grounds were fun to explore and accessible from all angles, including a meandering trail down to the water, deep wells and a cavernous cellars. The nicely curated interiors offered a treasury of furnishings with historical context to populate a suite of rooms and halls from the last noble owners, the family von Armin, including a Biedermeier-style study and den.

The fairy-tale castle was not only a prime drop-drop for contemporary German remakes of Snow White (das Schneewittchen) and Iron John (der Eisenhans) and had a celebrated and charmed extence in its own right—once the castle was captured by a rogue knight who was determined to take power by was merciful with the ladies of the court. The conquering knight gave them their freedom plus anything that they could carry away with them on their backs. The knight expected the ladies to flee with jewels but they all opted to tote away their husbands.
The knight in turn was so impressed by this selfless gesture, he spared them all, although the usurper kept the castle and lands. One hall also had a curious exhibit on wishful/magical-thinking (Zauberhafte Wünschelrute) and associated tricks and instruments, like ouija boards and the featured Wünschelrute.
We all tried the divining rods and dousing sticks and all had the same reaction (detecting the plumbing beneath the floor), despite skepticism or trying to overcome nervous-energy.