Erzgebirge. The beginning of the text sets the stage for Köhler's exploration of the Erzgebirge's folkloric traditions, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance. In a foreword, Köhler discusses the need to collect and preserve local legends that have been passed down through generations, particularly in an era when urbanization threatens traditional narratives. He outlines the geographical boundaries of the Erzgebirge and the influences of both Germanic and Slavic cultures on its folklore. The author stresses the necessity of avoiding embellishments in recounting these stories to maintain their authenticity, establishing a baseline for the tales that will follow in the subsequent sections of the book. This introduction not only outlines Köhler's intentions but also frames the narrative as a vital component of regional identity and cultural continuity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)