The giant and the mermaid

How it all begins

Once upon a time a great giant is supposed to have lived high up on Traunstein Mountain. He goes by the name Erla and is ruler over the mountains around Traunsee Lake. One warm spring day he emerges from his cave and descends to the Laudachsee, a small mountain lake between Grünberg and Traunstein.

There in the evening sun he catches sight of some delicate figures splashing about high-spiritedly in the water – the mermaids of Laudachsee. He is particularly taken with one mermaid with long, golden hair. He names her Blondchen and returns daily to observe his beloved.

Finally, weeks later, the giant approaches her and confesses his love. Lo and behold, his feelings are reciprocated.