Woltershausen
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Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen) |
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WOLTERSHAUSEN
State : Niedersachsen
District (Kreis) : Hildesheim (until 1978 Alfeld)
Additions : 1974 Graste, Hornsen, Netze
Samtgemeinde : Samtgemeinde Lamspringe
Official blazon
Origin/meaning
The arms were granted on November 22, 1938.
The arms show a silver horse and rider, descirbed as a pagan Rider of Odin/Wodan (Wodansreiter). Just North of the village there is the historical road from Winzenburg to Hildesheim, known as the Rennstieg. The Wodansreiter played a role in many local legends and was thus chosen as a symbol for the village. Another meaning of the arms is based on another local legend, that of the gost of the Hödecken castle, Hödeke. This ghost often appeared in Autumn on the road as a rider. Why is not clear.
In other legends he appeared as a raven, hunter or a midget. The word Hödeke probably means guard or protector. The use of a rider on a horse for the Hödeke can therefore also be seen as a potector of the village.
Literature : Barner, 1953