author
Rudolf Reichhardt
1859–1929
A German pastor and folklorist, he devoted much of his writing to the customs, beliefs, and legends of everyday life. His books on folk tradition and his retelling of the Rübezahl stories helped preserve regional German lore for later readers.
1 Audiobook
Rübezahl Deutsche Volksmärchen vom Berggeist und Herrn des Riesengebirges
by Rudolf Reichhardt
About the author
Born in Nordhausen on December 27, 1859, he studied theology in Halle and went on to serve as a Protestant pastor, first in Haferungen and later in Rotta near Kelbra. Alongside his church work, he became known as a local historian and researcher of folk culture.
His writing focused on German customs, popular belief, and traditional storytelling. Works associated with him include Die deutschen Feste in Sitte und Brauch, Geburt, Hochzeit und Tod im deutschen Volksbrauch und Volksglauben, and Rübezahl: Deutsche Volksmärchen vom Berggeist und Herrn des Riesengebirges, showing his lasting interest in the rituals, legends, and shared memory of German-speaking communities.
He died in Wittenberg on October 12, 1929. Today he is chiefly remembered for bringing together folklore, regional history, and pastoral insight in books that preserve older traditions in a clear, accessible way.