Europe - Germany / Federal Republic of Germany 1997 - 100 Pfennig

For the European stamps, the fairytale "Der Fischer und seine Frau", which originated from the Low German, was chosen. The brothers Grimm owe this to the notes of Philipp Otto Runge. the second motif shows the roaring demon from the Giant Mountains called "Rübezahl". The figure of the mountain spirit »Rübezahl« mixes different traditions into a brightly colored figure. The name "Rübezahl", derived from the original name "Riebezagel", is explained as follows: The beloved mountain spirit abducts a beautiful princess and gives her beets for companionship, which she can turn into her friends. The crafty princess seems to be involved in promoting the mountain spirit, but he must first count all his turnips out in the field. While the demon is busy, the princess escapes on a conjured horse to her prince. Since then, the mountain spirit has been called to its great annoyance with the mocking name "Rübezahl". He makes his displeasure air by changing the shape of lonely wanderers in fear and terror, but he can also be appeased and then shows himself to be a benefactor of the poor and vulnerable. (Text: Dr. Renate Hilsenbeck, Nuremberg)