Moors and heaths, misty river meadows, and solitary pools in the dark forest – the Emsland reveals itself as mystical and mysterious in the tales of our ancestors. Legendary figures come to life in the old traditions: dwarfs wreak havoc in the sand dunes of the heath, white women rise from the mists of the Ems, and the wild hunter along with other spirits haunt the remote farmhouses. Here, young and old once gathered around the crackling hearth and brought to life in their stories robbers and giants, ghosts and phantoms, heroes and saints. Thanks to diligent chroniclers and local historians, we can still read today how the giant stones came to Emsland, how churches and monasteries were established, how wars and murders shook the people, and also where lost treasures and sunken castles await discovery. Dr. Andreas Eiynck, director of the Emsland Museum Lingen, and the Germanist Stefanie Dellemann have rummaged through old collections of legends and local chronicles, evaluated previously unpublished records, and also conducted research on-site. The result is a unique compilation of the most beautiful legends from the entire Emsland, mostly in High German, but some in the old dialect "up platt." Over 60 photographs also provide insights into the landscape and cultural diversity of the region. A must for all history and local history enthusiasts.