Die zwolf schlafenden Jungfrauen - Eine Geistergeschichte

Name: Die zwolf schlafenden Jungfrauen - Eine Geistergeschichte
Price: 41.90 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9783749453962

✍️ Christian Heinrich Spiess

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$41.90

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A 2019 reprint of Spiess's classic German ghost story about a knight freeing twelve sleeping women.

The plot follows a young knight who discovers his role in breaking a centuries-old curse. Twelve beautiful virgins remain asleep in their castle due to devilish schemes. Their father’s godlessness caused this plight. A savior is foretold, born under strange conditions and watched over by a protective saint. The knight accepts this burden and travels to the castle. He encounters significant obstacles because Satan refuses to release his victims easily. The narrative structure emphasizes the length and danger of the journey. It highlights the conflict between divine protection and demonic malice. The work stands as an example of early horror literature. It uses traditional motifs of redemption through sacrifice and holy intervention. The tone remains serious and focused on the supernatural threat.

Key Themes

demonic deception sleeping maidens knightly redemption

Literary Context

This text originates from German Schauerromantik, a period emphasizing fear and the supernatural. Published in 2019 by Bod, it presents Spiess's work to modern readers. The story reflects early romantic traditions of gothic fiction and spiritual struggle.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

E.T.A. Hoffmann · Horace Walpole · Matthew G. Lewis

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Bod - Books on Demand 📅 2019 🌐 non-English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9783749453962

📝 Description: Die zwolf schlafenden Jungfrauen - Eine Geistergeschichte

Christian Heinrich Spiess crafted this German tale of supernatural retribution. The narrative centers on twelve young women trapped in slumber within a castle by demonic trickery for centuries. Their godless father bears responsibility for their cursed state. A prophecy promises redemption through the arrival of a young knight, born under unusual circumstances and protected by a patron saint. This knight learns of his destiny and sets out to free the sleeping maidens. His quest proves perilous as Satan fights to keep his prize. The story operates within the tradition of Schauerromantik, or horror romance. It draws on gothic tropes of cursed bloodlines and divine intervention. The text presents a linear odyssey where the protagonist faces escalating dangers. Spiess qualifies as a key figure in this literary period. The book suits readers interested in early German romanticism and classic ghost stories. It may not appeal to those seeking modern psychological horror or fast-paced action. The narrative relies on atmospheric dread rather than graphic violence. Readers will find a straightforward plot driven by fate and supernatural forces. The prose reflects the stylistic conventions of its era without unnecessary complexity. This edition preserves the original German title and thematic core for contemporary audiences.

💎 Our verdict on Die zwolf schlafenden Jungfrauen - Eine Geistergeschichte

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Spiess crafts a compelling narrative of supernatural retribution that effectively utilizes traditional gothic elements to build tension. The story’s strength lies in its serious tone and focus on the conflict between divine protection and demonic malice, creating a palpable sense of danger. While the linear plot may feel simple to modern audiences, it provides a clear framework for exploring themes of redemption and holy intervention. This book is best suited for readers who enjoy classic ghost stories and have an appreciation for early horror literature. It avoids unnecessary complexity, offering a pure experience of atmospheric dread that remains engaging despite its age.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers with an interest in the genealogy of horror fiction will find this text essential for understanding the roots of gothic tropes. It appeals to those who appreciate atmospheric dread over modern psychological complexity or fast-paced action. The narrative offers a straightforward yet perilous odyssey driven by fate and divine intervention rather than graphic violence. Those fascinated by early German romanticism or the evolution of ghost stories will gain insight into how classic motifs of cursed bloodlines were handled in their formative period. It serves as a historical artifact for scholars and enthusiasts alike, preserving the thematic core of supernatural threat and redemption through sacrifice.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Spiess crafts a compelling narrative of supernatural retribution that effectively utilizes traditional gothic elements to build tension. The story’s strength lies in its serious tone and focus on the conflict between divine protection and demonic malice, creating a palpable sense of danger. While the linear plot may feel simple to modern audiences, it provides a clear framework for exploring themes of redemption and holy intervention. This book is best suited for readers who enjoy classic ghost stories and have an appreciation for early horror literature. It avoids unnecessary complexity, offering a pure experience of atmospheric dread that remains engaging despite its age.