Lady with the silver spear

Once upon a time, many, many centuries ago, knights and noblemen still ruled Büren.
High above the valley, where the Alme River rushes through the forests, stood a proud castle – Büren Castle.

There once lived a young woman, beautiful as the morning light and brave as a falcon's flight: Alena von Büren.
Her heart belonged not to gold or fame, but to a simple man – Gerhard, the castle gatekeeper.

But such love was forbidden.
When her father, the lord of the castle, found out about it, he had Gerhard banished and locked Alena in the highest tower, far above the world.
Only the wind sang her songs through the barred window.

Then came the night of the storm.
Lightning flashed across the sky, thunder rumbled in the mountains – and suddenly, as if by an invisible hand, the tower door opened.
There stood Alena, in silver armor, a spear in her hand that sparkled in the darkness like a shooting star.
She swung herself onto her horse and rode out into the night – into freedom, into legend.

In the morning, no trace of her was found—only hoofprints in the wet ground leading down to the river.
And there, stuck in the rock, was a spear of pure silver.
It still glowed as the sun rose.

Since that time, people have told each other:
When the moon is full and mist lies over the Alme, then she rides again.
The lady with the silver spear.
She protects the ancient walls of Büren and watches over those who come with a pure heart.
But woe to those who would desecrate what was forgotten—
For then the spear will shine again... and Alena will return.