The giant and the mermaid

What happens next

The giant returns daily to the Laudachsee. He is enchanted by the way his beloved swims about in the water and after a while he decides that he wants to be with her forever. But how? Erla the Giant’s home is at the top of Traunstein Mountain and Blondchen the Mermaid cannot imagine a life away from her beloved Laudachsee. Erla has a brainwave: he promises to build Blondchen a beautiful castle on Traunsee Lake. More splendid than any castle ever seen. Blondchen consents.

Erla begins at once. With unbelievable might he tears away great boulders from the Traunstein and throws them into the lake. He does this until the pile forms a small island, upon which Erla intends to build the castle. He calls on the Gschleif miners and his friend Rötel, a dwarf king, for help.

Finally the day comes and the beautiful castle is ready for its new owners. But then Erla realises with dread that he is too big to fit into his new home. What can he do? King Rötel has an idea.