The legend of the "Drummer of Burg"
Sculpture of the Drummer von Burg in front of the Small Town Hall
Sculpture of the Drummer von Burg
Many years ago a cheerful company was sitting in a wine tavern in Burg, telling of old times. They reported about fates and deeds and bragged about their experiences. The innkeeper of the tavern knew a lot to report from his wealth of experience and said that a hidden path led from his house to the vineyard as well as to the city center. The guests didn't want to believe the story and a bet was made.
The next morning everyone met again at the landlord's to investigate this story with the underground passages. A drum was hung around the bravest man and provided with lanterns, and listening cheerfully to the beat of the drum, they went down the aisle. After a while all that was heard was a muffled sound, which after a while fell silent. Frightened by the silence of the beating of the drums, they hurried to the friend's aid and penetrated deeper and deeper into the dark corridor, hoping to save the friend. The musty smell and a dull sultriness soon made her weary. Some were already exhausted and swaying, the lights were about to go out. The landlord, who was used to this cellar air, called out in a strong voice, save yourself if you can, otherwise everyone will be lost.
Exhausted to death, they reached the exit. But there was no trace of the friend. He was gone forever.
Since then, no further attempts have been made to further explore the underground passages. Over time, they decayed, but the illusion of underground passages lives on in people's minds.
(From “Festschrift for the 1050th anniversary of the city of Burg” on page 70)