Fänggen are fearsome female tree spirits who dwell in the alpine forests of Tyrol, Austria, between Germany and Italy. Giants as big as trees, Fänggen (sing. Fangga) are greatly protective of their woodlands. If a forest is cut down, the Fänggen die.
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Before that, however, they make life miserable for the invading species. Fänggen are bound to the vicinity of their trees. They can't easily leave to find new habitats, as can many nature spirits. They cause accidents, break machinery and may tip trees the wrong way.
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Fänggen can be terrifying to behold. Their bodies are hairy and bristly. Their hair is filled with tree fibers, long strands of moss and gray lichens. The mouth of the giantess can reach from one ear to the other and her voice is deep and rumbling, like a storm approaching.
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Fänggen and their brethren are related to tree witches such as Eschenfrau, the wicked ash tree woman; as well as the banshee-like Klagefrau and the reclusive Moss People. Fänggen usually remain deep in the forest.
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Around habitations the giantess might appear an enormous shadow. She has a deep laugh, but it's rarely heard as her intentions are secretive. If she seeks to steal a mother or child, metal bells can frighten her away. The Drudenfuss is the traditional sign against evil magic.
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Some Fänggen have beards, protruding bellies or mannish qualities. Others are ethereal. They may wear skins of wildcats. Their aprons are wildcat pelts and their jackets are the bark of trees. The Fänggen are man-eaters but also love the taste of children.
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Boys specifically they grate to dust on a tree trunk or snort like a pinch of snuff. They also steal children or women who have recently given birth. Faerie folk are also known to steal recent mothers as nursemaids to their offspring.
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As tree spirits Fänggen are a type of Faerie folk, or may be seen as sprites, but in appearance they are enormous. Fänggen, Faerie and trolls are all known to steal human children and leave changelings.
The Swiss canton of Prättigau has folk tales of the Fänggen, as well as a wild mountain man who tends cattle for no wage. He's called wildi Mannli or little wild man. The people need only let the cattle into the hills and he will watch over them.
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He asks nothing for this, but the people think he deserves a reward. They make him some fine clothes and leave them out for him to find. He's delighted. The moment he tries on the clothes he becomes conceited. He runs off down the road and is never seen again.
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The Fänggen have husbands known as Waldriesen (Forest Giants) or wilde Männer (Wild Men). Part of the reason the Fänggen leave changelings is because their husbands are dangerous to their own offspring.
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Fänggen may also give their daughters as maids to households, although the Fangga-maid isn't very dependable. If she hears bad news such as a death among her forest family, the Fangga will depart.
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Fänggen oversee the herds of the chamois as if they're cattle. Chamois herds number 15 - 30 animals. Male chamois tend to be solitary except at rutting time.
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For hunters going after chamois, the Fänggen are an extra danger. Sheep-like antelopes chamois are quick and nimble in the mountains. It's easy for a hunter to fall. Fänggen can push or kick a person off a cliff or send the hunter rolling down the hill.
As a sprite she can lure men into her maw with the illusion of beauty. Despite their demonic traits the Fänggen have healing powers and can be benevolent toward people. They can brew potions or help humans find medicinal plants.
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Forest spirits are often described as helpful in times of difficulty. In Saxony, little forest women emerge in during a plague to show people herbal cures and healing brews.
Like many nature spirits of the Germanic lore Fänggen forest women have a bright and dark side. They especially love very large, old trees.
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People leave gifts and offerings in the roots or branches in hope of a blessing of good fortune. Even today one may see an outdoor tree covered in handmade ornaments, and know it is a Fänggenbaum or Fangga Tree.
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