The "Wilder-Mann-Brunnen"

Code: 06

The Wilder-Mann-Brunnen or the fountain of the woodwose is important for the history of Marbach. The woodwose is a kind of “bigfoot” figure of medieval Europe. It was a link between civilized humans and the dangerous elf-like spirits of the natural woodland.
The image of the wild man survived to appear as a supporter for heraldic coats-of-arms, especially in Germany. This wild man was meant to protect Marbach and its citizens. According to an old legend this man was living in the forests near the town and haunted all people passing.
For the citizens of Marbach the wild man was related to ancient gods. Because he is armed with a club he is associated with the Roman god of war – Mars, and because he has vine-twigs around his waist - with Bacchus – the god of wine. Many historians thought that the name of Marbach derives from Mars Bacchus.
Later this theory was abolished because it was found out that on the territories of our town both Frankish and Alemanic tribes were settled and that there was a small river marking the boundaries of their territories. This river is called Strenzelbach – and was a border river - a “Mark-bach” - and this is where the name of our town comes from.