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Siegfried's Fountain

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by Erin Connelly (subscribe)

I am a medievalist in the process of completing a PhD (involving medieval medicine). I travel as much as possible at home (UK) and abroad. I'm always ready for new experiences!

Published May 27th 2014

Mystical spring of Siegfried the Dragon-Slayer

Siegfried's Fountain, otherwise known as the Siegfriedbrunnen or Siegfried Wells, is a natural spring in the Odenwald connected with the death of the dragon-slayer Siegfried, a mythical Germanic hero whose exploits are contained in the Nibelungenlied, an epic poem from the early medieval period.

There are many places in the Odenwald that claim to be the site of Siegfried's death, but the one in Grasellenbach is perhaps the most well known. The small resort village of Grasellenbach is located in southern Hesse about an hour away from Frankfurt.

Siegfriedbrunnen. Photo by Erin Connelly

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The spring is located about a 2 km walk from the city centre along a well-marked forest path. The fountain is indicated by a small cross monument with verses from the epic poem carved into its base in Middle German.

Photo by Erin Connelly.

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Siegfried may only have relevance to those with knowledge of the medieval German period, however, surrounding the site of Siegfried's Fountain are several hiking trails through the mountainous Odenwald region, which tour some of the loveliest areas of southern Germany. See the Odenwald website for further information.