Ribesal

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Rübezahl. (Discuss)

This article does not cite any references or sources. (March 2007)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Ribesal, also known as Rubezalis, is a European demon or spirit in the Dictionnaire Infernal. His appearance varies; he can take any form he wishes. Ribesal is often depicted as a gentle troll, though his appendages often resemble those of other creatures, such as bears or wolves.

According to the people of Silesia and Bohemia, Ribesal is a lowly demon. He is responsible for tempests as well as suddenly covering mountains with clouds or blanketing them with snow. Ribesal is the supreme governor of the highest Czech mountain, Krkonose (known as Risemberg in German), which are actually not in Silesia but in Bohemia).

Historically, his charge evolved: Ribesal began as a bad omen when seen. An evil demon causing storms and heavy snow, he evolved into a guardian of the poor living in his mountains.

It is said that Ribesal excites tempers and that he will test travelers' tempers. By meeting travelers as an elderly person and asking for help, he tests whether their hearts are pure - those who offer assistance are rewarded with hidden treasures. He punished anyone whose temper got the best of them, including the German landlords who owned the mountains in olden times and any invaders unlucky enough to cross him.

There exists a place in the mountains of Risemberg, "Ruberzahl's Garten", which is part of a wildlife reserve. It is said that the garden was planted by Ribesal as a gift for the kind people in his mountains. Whatever illness a visitor may have is said to sometimes be healed by plants from Ribesal's garden.

Today, "Ruberzahl's Garten" is protected and many rare plants grow there. The local authority has attempted to discourage pilgrimages.