“Sisters murdered.” The wind whispers the tragic tale as it rustles through the trees around Varperne. Varperne stands as silent witnesses to a dark chapter in Bornholm’s history. These three ancient cairns mark a spot of betrayal and death. They are located in Pedersker Plantation.
Let’s step back several hundred years. Picture a spring day. A wedding feast is in full swing at Siegård farm. The farm was located south of Højlyngen in Aaker parish.
Suddenly an old woman appears at the gate begging for food. The host insults her. He throws her out without a second thought. The old woman was no ordinary beggar. She possessed the gift of foresight. Enraged by the farmer’s cruelty she cursed him. “Three sons and three daughters your wife shall bear. But one day your sons will become fratricides.”
Time passed. The prophecy came true. Three sons and three daughters were born at Siegård. Desperate to avoid the grim fate the sons were sent away. They went to their mother’s family in Germany. Years later a foreign ship anchored off Raghammer beach. A band of armed men landed. They marched toward Østermarie through Højlyngen. They knew the road offered opportunities for “good business”. The men hid near the road.
That very morning the sisters of Siegård set out for church in Østermarie. As their wagon traveled the ancient hollow way they were ambushed. The hidden men attacked. The sisters were brutally murdered. The coachman managed to escape. He ran back to the farm for help but the murderers caught him. He was slain too.
Later that day three foreign merchants arrived at Siegård. They offered their wares. Among them were jewels stolen from the sisters’ bodies. The farm’s people grew suspicious. The merchants were seized and bound. That evening they were hanged on Galgebakken. It was then that a chilling discovery was made. Around their necks were chains bearing the faded mark of Siegård. The prophecy had been fulfilled in the most horrific way.
The locals erected memorials at the murder sites. People “varpada” cast stones to create three pyramid-shaped piles. These piles were a reminder of the terrible event known throughout the island. These piles became known as Varperne. West of here lies another memorial called “Knægten”. It marks where the robbers killed a young boy.
To this day it is tradition. Travelers passing Varperne add a stone to the piles. Many also leave flowers. These are tokens of remembrance for the murdered sisters. Varperne serves as a chilling reminder of the past. It shows the consequences of greed and cruelty. Take a moment to reflect on the tragic story of Varperne. Consider the weight of the stones beneath your feet. Feel the presence of those long gone.