Buzz
Humans possess a remarkable ability to identify patterns in randomness and perceive familiar images in abstract shapes. This has provided endless entertainment, especially during leisurely moments spent finding animal or dragon figures in the clouds.
This tendency has also enriched global myths and folklore, leading us to interpret unusual marks as supernatural footprints and crafting tales around naturally awe-inspiring phenomena.
10. Der Teufelstritt, Germany
The Church of Our Lady stands out distinctly against Munich's skyline. While many admire its 14th-century stained glass and 18th-century golden reliefs, a more intriguing detail is the legendary “devil’s footprint.”
Jorg von Halsbach, the church's architect, first appeared in Munich's records in 1441. By 1468, he was named the city's chief architect, overseeing numerous projects. Despite his extensive portfolio, the Church of Our Lady remains one of his most celebrated works.
Legend has it that von Halsbach struck a deal with the Devil for assistance. Struggling to secure funds, he promised to build a windowless, shadowy church in exchange for the Devil's financial support.
Once the agreement was finalized, the church was constructed. Upon completion, von Halsbach led the Devil inside to demonstrate that no windows were visible from their vantage point. Satisfied, the Devil acknowledged that the architect had fulfilled his part of the deal.
As the Devil stepped further into the church, he noticed windows cleverly concealed behind the towering interior columns. Enraged by the deception, he stomped his foot in fury, leaving an indelible mark on the floor.
While the tale is captivating, there’s no historical evidence to back it up. Experts believe the footprint wasn’t originally part of the church. The mismatched tile likely dates to post-World War II renovations.
The legend might trace back to the 17th century when the church’s large window was obscured by an altar. The tile bearing the footprint was possibly added later to reinforce the myth.
9. The Devil’s Tramping Ground, US
While the Devil may head to Georgia, North Carolina folklore claims he frequents Chatham County. There, a 12-meter (40 ft) barren circle along a rural road is famously known as “The Devil’s Tramping Ground.”
Legend has it that every midnight, the Devil emerges to pace around the circle, plotting his nightly deeds before vanishing to carry them out. Attempts to cultivate plants in the area have failed, and objects placed within the circle during daylight are reportedly tossed out by morning.
Explanations for the circle often lean toward extraterrestrial or supernatural theories. While locals have hosted gatherings here, many claim their efforts to stay overnight ended in failure, citing an eerie, unsettling atmosphere as the cause.
Scientists have struggled to determine why nothing grows in this peculiar area. Soil expert Rich Hayes initially suspected high copper or salt levels, but his tests, while inconclusive, revealed unusual soil properties within the circle.
The soil inside the circle showed elevated pH levels and higher concentrations of zinc, sodium, and copper compared to the surrounding area. However, these levels weren’t sufficient to explain the complete lack of growth.
While campfires at the site might account for some of Hayes’ findings, they don’t explain centuries-old tales about the circle. Additionally, compasses behave oddly here, deviating by a few degrees, adding to the scientific enigma that remains unsolved.
8. The Goldstone, England
The Goldstone derives its name from the golden specks embedded within it. While the name is straightforward, the legends surrounding the rock are far more captivating.
According to folklore, the Devil first discovered the stone while digging a trench to flood nearby churches. After stubbing his toe on the massive Goldstone, he angrily kicked it, sending it flying into what is now known as Goldstone Valley. However, the stone’s story didn’t end there.
By the early 19th century, the Goldstone had become the subject of numerous legends. Locals believed it was once a sacred site for druids, who worshipped their enigmatic gods in ancient Britain.
This sparked widespread fascination, drawing crowds eager to see the stone. However, its location in a farmer’s field led to repeated crop damage from careless visitors.
To end the chaos, landowner William Marsh Rigden buried the stone, along with several other large surrounding stones. Their location was rediscovered in 1900, and they were excavated and relocated to Hove Park.
Even after its move, the Goldstone remained steeped in myth. A naturally weathered pattern on one side resembles a human face, fueling tales of the Devil’s encounter with the stone. In 1858, it was labeled the “Godstone” on a Brighton map, and in 1929, it became a focal point for local druidic celebrations.
7. Purgatory Falls, US
Purgatory Brook Falls, located near Mont Vernon, New Hampshire, is an oddly isolated spot, seemingly out of place amidst the busy highways nearby.
In the early 1800s, it served as a vital water source for local lumber mills, many of which were destroyed in a devastating fire in 1950. This fiery end feels fitting, given the eerie legends tied to the falls.
During the 19th century, the upper falls became a popular gathering place. Historical accounts mention a hotel, picnic area, and pavilion on the site. A deep hole in the rocks, known as the Devil’s Bean Pot, adds to the area’s mystique.
Legend says the Devil once targeted the people of Mont Vernon, promising them a lavish feast. While cooking beans in the rocky hole, he burned himself on the cauldron, sparking his fury.
In his rage, the Devil revealed his true nature, terrifying the townsfolk. As they fled, his fiery wrath scorched the surrounding rocks, leaving behind a permanent footprint.
It’s said that those daring enough to descend into the Devil’s Bean Pot will discover names and dates etched into the rock. Some believe these markings belong to individuals lured by the Devil’s promises of delicious feasts.
6. Djavolja Varos, Serbia
Located near Mount Radan in southern Serbia, Djavolja Varos, meaning “Devil’s Town,” is a national monument featuring a striking landscape. Erosion has shaped the area into 202 towering rock spires, some adorned with what appear to be small caps, due to the soil’s unique mineral composition.
These “hats” were formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. Despite the scientific explanation for the unusual formations, the site has inspired a variety of fascinating legends.
One tale claims the Devil, irritated by the devout and humble locals, cursed their drinking water to erase their memories of familial ties.
This resulted in a grave violation of religious and natural laws: the union of a brother and sister. A benevolent fairy intervened, praying for the relationship to end. Consequently, the entire wedding party was transformed into stone.
The water consumed by the townspeople still flows from two springs, known as the Devil’s Water and the Red Well. Due to the mineral-rich soil and seasonal rains, these springs produce water with mineral concentrations up to 1,000 times higher than nearby sources. The high iron content has stained the riverbed red.
Several other legends attempt to explain the rock formations, each with a sinister twist. Some believe the stone columns are devils ensnared by clever village boys, while others claim they are remnants of churches demolished by demons.
5. Martense Lane Rock, US
A boulder in Brooklyn marks the location of Martense Lane, a Revolutionary War-era road that was the only east-west route in the area. The rock was recently relocated from the sidewalk of the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 25 blocks away.
The rock remained after street repairs were completed. When it was relocated, observers noticed an unusual mark resembling a footprint. This discovery was peculiar, as it aligns with a local legend involving the Devil, a footprint, and a rock on Martense Lane.
Legend tells of a slave named Joost who, after performing at a Flatbush wedding, stopped to rest on a rock along Martense Lane. Intoxicated, he hoped to steady himself as the world seemed to spin around him.
He began playing his fiddle, only to hear a bell chime midnight, marking his violation of the Sabbath. Deciding he had nothing left to lose, he continued playing. As he finished, a stranger appeared beside him.
The stranger claimed to know the tune, calling it “The Devil’s Joy at Sabbath Breaking.” The two argued and eventually engaged in a musical duel to determine who played better.
The contest lasted until sunrise. When Joost performed a hymn, the Devil conceded defeat, declaring he had been beaten. Before vanishing, the Devil stamped his foot on the rock, leaving behind a footprint that lent credibility to Joost’s tale.
4. The Devil’s Arrows, England
Britain is home to a vast array of standing stones, including menhirs, megaliths, dolmens, court cairns, and wedge tombs. Among these, the three remaining stones at Boroughbridge stand out as some of the tallest, with the southernmost stone reaching 7 meters (23 ft).
The other two stones are similarly massive, suggesting the missing fourth stone was equally tall. In 1621, the fourth stone was shattered and used for bridge construction, with its upper section now resting in Aldborough Manor.
The Devil’s Arrows, located in Boroughbridge, are thought to be part of a larger, undiscovered prehistoric complex that remains unexcavated and unmapped.
Although these stones held great significance when erected, their original purpose has been lost to time. According to legend, the Devil, standing on nearby How Hill, took offense at the village of Aldborough.
The nature of the offense is unclear, but it enraged the Devil enough to hurl arrows toward the village. He missed by roughly 1.5 kilometers (1 mi), revealing either his poor aim or lack of strength.
It’s believed that circling the stones 12 times counterclockwise can summon the Devil. Others speculate that the stones’ alignment is connected to the area’s ley lines.
For generations, curious individuals have sought to unlock the mysteries of these stones. The first recorded excavation in 1709 revealed that the central stone extended an additional 1.5 meters (5 ft) and had a man-made flat base.
3. The Devil’s Punch Bowl, England
The Devil’s Punch Bowl, a dry hollow in southern England, is scientifically explained as a geographic anomaly caused by erosion halted by a clay soil layer. However, more entertaining explanations exist.
Located near Thursley, also known as Thor’s Lie, the area was once associated with the Norse god Thor. The Devil, residing at Devil’s Jumps near Churt, was close enough to Thor to become a constant nuisance.
As the Devil leaped between hills, Thor attempted to strike him with thunder and lightning. In retaliation, the Devil dug up mounds of earth to hurl at Thor, leaving behind the Devil’s Punch Bowl. An alternate version claims it was Thor who scooped the earth and threw it at the Devil.
A third tale recounts the Devil’s attempt to dig a trench to flood England’s churches. While excavating the Devil’s Dyke in West Sussex, he startled a rooster. Mistaking its crow for dawn, the Devil fled to the Devil’s Punch Bowl, leaving the trench incomplete and the churches safe for another day.
2. Teufelsbrucke, Switzerland
Europe is home to numerous Devil’s bridges, many with similar origin stories. These tales often involve builders turning to the Devil for help in constructing bridges in challenging locations. While most stories serve as entertaining explanations, the bridge at Teufelsbrucke stands out.
Spanning the Schollenen Gorge, the bridge provided the shortest route to St. Gotthard Pass. However, this shortcut was perilous. The first bridge, built in 1230, was a blessing for shepherds but a daunting task for builders navigating the turbulent Reuss River.
Desperate for a shortcut, legend tells of a Swiss goatherd striking a deal with the Devil. In exchange for constructing the bridge, the Devil would claim the first soul to cross it. After the agreement, the Devil built the bridge, and the goatherd sent a goat across instead.
Enraged by the trick, the Devil grabbed a massive boulder to destroy the bridge. However, an elderly woman carrying a crucifix intervened, causing the Devil to abandon his plan and flee back to Hell, leaving the boulder behind. Whether the goat escaped remains unknown, but we hope it did.
Multiple bridges have spanned the gorge, including a 16th-century stone bridge and a replacement in 1820. The tale of the Devil’s involvement endures, bolstered by a 220-ton rock believed to have been dropped by him.
Some claim the rock still causes problems. When it was moved in 1977 to clear space for a new road, a spike in car accidents in the area was blamed on the relocation.
1. The Devil’s Footprint, US
In Manchester, Maine, a rock bearing what is believed to be the Devil’s footprint remains intact. Despite numerous attempts to remove the imprint, no tool or method has succeeded in damaging it.
The rock now forms part of a cemetery wall near the Manchester Meeting House. While various tales explain the footprint’s origin, locals agree the area is haunted. Reports even suggest that cars often malfunction when near the rock.
One story claims the rock was discovered during road construction. Despite using heavy machinery and dynamite, workers couldn’t move it.
Frustrated, one worker rashly vowed to trade his soul to the Devil if the rock was moved. The crew left for the night, only to find the rock relocated several yards away the next day.
The rock bore marks resembling a human foot and a three-toed claw. The worker who made the deal vanished without a trace, never to be seen again.
Another tale recounts a local farmer, desperate for a bountiful harvest to settle his debts, pledging his soul to the Devil in exchange. The harvest flourished, and his debts were cleared.
When the Devil arrived to claim the promised soul, the farmer fled to a nearby rooftop. The Devil pursued, and both leaped from the building, leaving their footprints embedded in the rock. Presumably, the farmer learned a hard lesson about making deals with the Devil.
