Isabella Mueller Baroness of Stainton le Vale
Sovinec Castle, also known as Eulenburg in German, has stood majestically for centuries on a rock north of the village of the same name in the Bruntál district of the Czech Republic. Since its construction in the 13th century, it has not only served as a defensive stronghold but has also been the scene of countless historical events that have shrouded the place in mystery. Yet, alongside lords and soldiers, Eulenburg is also said to be home to some very special inhabitants: the White Woman and the Black Woman – two eerie figures whose apparitions strike terror into the hearts of visitors and locals alike.
The White Lady – a sorrowful apparition amidst stone and shadow – Reports of the White Lady are not uncommon in Central Europe, but the Eulenburg version is particularly haunting and closely interwoven with local legends. Numerous witnesses report having seen a female figure in a long white robe in the castle’s gloomy corridors and upon its weathered battlements. Her movements are quiet and elegant, almost like a fleeting veil in the wind. Yet what distinguishes this apparition from other ghosts is the melancholic sadness that emanates from her. According to oral tradition and historical writings, the White Lady was once a young noblewoman who met a tragic end here. Various versions of the legend recount that she died during an attack or as a result of betrayal by a confidant; it is often said that she died of grief or left her spirit behind as a final warning of impending doom. The colour white symbolises purity and innocence, but also unresolved matters and the failure to pass into the afterlife. A particularly detailed source on this tradition can be found in the collection of Czech castle legends by the historian Jan Petránek, who compiled eyewitness accounts at the beginning of the 20th century. Some visitors described how the White Lady would sometimes carry a candle, whose flickering light in the darkness of the walls is barely enough to dispel the icy silence. Others reported a cold draught heralding her sudden appearance, accompanied by a sense of foreboding.
The Black Lady – the ominous counterpart – Alongside the White Lady, an equally enigmatic figure is said to appear at Eulenburg: the Black Lady. In contrast to her white counterpart, she appears menacing and mysterious. Unlike the White Lady’s usually quiet and sorrowful apparitions, the Black Lady is often associated with dark magic, curses or even death. She appears in black clothing; sometimes she wears a cloak or a hooded cloak that conceals her face. The feeling she leaves behind is predominantly one of fear and unease. Historians and folklorists speculate that this figure may be based on another historical figure – a woman who fell from grace due to treachery, witchcraft or political intrigue, and whose spirit now wanders restlessly within the walls. In a report by Vladimír Šmolík, who investigated paranormal phenomena in Silesia, the Black Woman is described as a ‘harbinger of doom’, who is seen particularly when bad news or impending misfortune is on the horizon. This interpretation is consistent with several eyewitness accounts in which people swear that disasters such as fires or outbreaks of the plague followed shortly after her appearance.
Sovinec Castle – A treasure trove of secrets and history – The castle itself was founded around 1320 and served as a residence and fortress for various noble families over the following centuries. Its strategic location made it an important stronghold during the Hussite Wars and later in the conflicts of the Holy Roman Empire. This turbulent history brought with it many tragedies and dramas, which provided fertile ground for ghost stories. Archaeological investigations confirm that parts of the castle were destroyed and rebuilt on several occasions, which ties in with the numerous accounts of destruction and upheaval. Today, the castle’s narrow courtyards, winding staircases and ancient dungeon walls provide the perfect backdrop for nocturnal encounters with the supernatural.
Parapsychological investigations and modern accounts – In recent decades, Eulenburg has also attracted the attention of parapsychologists and ghost hunters. Among others, the Czech research team ‘Fenomen Sovinec’ carried out several night-time investigations, using electronic measuring devices to detect electromagnetic fluctuations, cold spots and audio recordings. In the process, they frequently documented areas of concentrated cold and unexplained noises that corresponded with traditional tales of ghostly apparitions. Visitors also report sudden temperature fluctuations, as well as faint female voices and throat-clearing sounds, even though no one was to be seen. Particularly fascinating are reports of photographs showing faint wisps of white mist or shadowy figures – for which there is no technical explanation.
Similar ghostly figures in the region – The apparitions of the White Lady and the Black Lady are not a unique phenomenon. Similar legends exist in many European cultures. A prime example is the White Lady of Houska Castle (also in the Czech Republic), who is likewise described there as a benevolent or warning figure. In German-speaking regions, too, ‘White Ladies’ are known from castles such as Hohenzollern Castle or Braunfels Castle, and their stories have evolved over the centuries and continue to change. The ‘Black Woman’, on the other hand, often corresponds to an archetypal figure of vengeance or a curse – much like the ‘Black Nun’ of Burg Castle in Germany. This continuity of motifs suggests that such apparitions are deeply rooted in collective history and psychology.
A mystical legacy full of shadows and secrets – The White and Black Ladies of Sovinec Castle are more than mere ghostly figures. They are symbols of the dark yet fascinating history of this medieval fortress, where love, betrayal, death and hope have always been intertwined. Even though many of the stories have been passed down orally and have never been fully scientifically verified, the fascination remains undiminished. For visitors, Sovinec Castle thus offers not only a journey into the past, but also the opportunity to encounter one of Europe’s oldest ‘treasures’, steeped in ghost stories and mysticism. Whether one believes in ghosts or not – the legends surrounding the White and Black Ladies create an atmosphere that leaves even the bravest visitor frozen in awe.
