Even today, the mystery hangs over the why and the exact date of the destruction of the castle of Guirbaden. The ruins magnificently dominate the valleys of Magel and Bruche. They mount a silent guard on its paths crossing the Vosges frequented since the highest antiquity. For some, the cause of the destruction is either a Lorraine party or the Swedish hordes during the Thirty Years’ War.
The legend agrees on this point: the soldiers had succeeded in returning thanks and the complicity of a servant to whom they had promised several gold coins. The night of the patronal feast of Saint-Florent in Haslach, it will be November 7, it is soon, the ruin of Guirbaden is suddenly populated with an army of ghosts. The Bailiff of the castle, he who had been betrayed, comes out of his sepulcher. His shadow brushes the walls of the large apartments from which spring all his companions in misfortune, those who had perished in the terrible fire which ravaged the castle and who were now crying for vengeance. 4 servants then lift a large slab which opens the long tunnel where the remains of the countess rests.
The coffin is brought up to the surface and placed in the middle of the great ceremonial room of the castle where all the specters have already gathered. The Bailli presides over the Assembly. His head no longer has eyes, all that remains in place are empty eye sockets from which fiery embers shoot out. His body is covered with wounds from which blood is again flowing. We then summon the traitor. Dressed in a red shirt, he still holds in his hand the big key with which he once opened a postern to the enemy, handing over his comrades in arms to death. The culprit is questioned at length, he tries to justify his action, but the Assembly finds him guilty of the crime of high treason.
The Countess, who until then had remained motionless, frozen by death, suddenly stands up in her coffin and cries: vengeance! Punish the traitor. At once the spirits rush on the bad valet, bring down their weapons while the bell of the small Saint-Valentin vault begins to ring on the fly. The ghosts then begin an infernal round. Blood has been shed, treason is avenged. Holding hands, they fly through the air, circling around the traitor’s remains. This ballet continues until dawn, the first rays of the sun will erase everything. Don’t hang around at the Château du Guirbaden on the night of November 6 to 7.