Imagine yourself standing beneath a towering figure, a silent guardian of the woods. You might not expect to find such a statue here, in this secluded corner of Munich, far from the bustling city center. This majestic figure, the Wotansskulptur Statue, stands tall and proud, carved from Kelheim marble and gazing out over the trees.
It wasn’t always here. This monument to the legendary Norse god Wotan was commissioned in 1871 by Anton Höchl, the owner of a nearby brickworks. He wanted to honor his father, who died in 1838, and to celebrate the history of the forest. The work was finished two years later by Heinrich Natter, a sculptor from Vienna. It was even displayed at the World’s Fair in Vienna before finding its permanent home here in Munich.
Time has not been kind to the Wotansskulptur Statue. It’s lost a few pieces over the years, including its horns, right arm, and spear. Sadly, these likely fell victim to the storms and the wartime turmoil of the past. Despite these losses, this statue remains a powerful symbol of strength and connection to the past.
As you stand here in the quiet of the woods, take a moment to imagine the figure as it once stood, in all its glory. Let the power of the story of Wotan, the god of wisdom and magic, wash over you. The Wotansskulptur Statue is a reminder that even amidst hardship and change, some things remain forever constant.