Myths of Wewelsburg Castle: Facts and Fiction (Schriftenreihe Des Kreismuseums Wewelsburg, 12)

by: Kirsten John-Stucke (Editor),Daniela Siepe(Editor)

Publisher: Brill U Schoningh

Publication Date: 2 Sept. 2022

Language: English

Print Length: 351 pages

ISBN-10: 3506792008

ISBN-13: 9783506792006

Book Description

Wewelsburg Castle in Germany figures prominently in right-wing conspiracy theories and popular culture. This book sheds light onto the background and impact of these myths for the first time. During the Nazi era, this Westphalian castle became a key venue for gatherings of high ranking SS leaders. After World War II, rumors about occult SS rituals made the place a pilgrimage site of the extreme right. The northe tower’s oamental sun wheel design, today known as the “Black Sun,” appears in thrillers, comic books, and in the right-wing music scene. It has morphed into a dubious visual element of today’s pop culture and is now familiar to people throughout the world as a symbol of neofascist and alt-right groups. The lavishly illustrated volume traces facts and fiction about the origins and current reception of the myths related to Wewelsburg Castle and the sun wheel symbol.