Venus (2)

Venus

(Frau), in Northern fable. In Thuringia there is said to have lived a feen- queen named Frau Venus, who chose the Hörselberg as her province. About her she collected a ravishing court of joy and bliss, and they who became her subjects were overloaded with all the happiness and enjoyment which the most licentious passions might desire; but they, however, lost their soul's salvation thereby. Among the thus living persons, the fabulous stories make mention especially of one Tannhauser, a warrior, who, after having lived a number of years in Venusberg, was suddenly seized with a feeling of repentance, and accordingly went to the pope of Rome to do penance and ask for mercy. The pope called his attention to his staff, and said that when that staff should again begin to bear leaves and blossom, then should he receive forgiveness. Tannhauser left the presence of the pope discouraged, butt in the course of a few days the staff began to grow green and bear blossoms. Then the pope sought for Tannhauser everywhere; but he was not to be found, for he had returned again to Venusberg, where he will remain in all the ages of eternity (comp. Eckhardt). It is only since the 14th century that the first stories, of the Veniusberg appear. At about this time, therefore, it seems that the German Holda-Frigga was changed into Venus.