Uckermark mourns the death of Brigitte Martin: guardian of the world of legends

Uckermark mourns the death of Brigitte Martin: guardian of the world of legends

Last week the Uckermark said goodbye to an outstanding personality. Brigitte Martin, born in Königs Wusterhausen in 1939, died at the age of 87 and leaves behind an impressive legacy in the documentation and preservation of myths and legends of the region. Her book “Petals in Coffee” collects stories from the time of Christianization and preserves valuable elements of the old faith.

The stories she compiled are not only fascinating but also have deep cultural value. The most famous legends include the story of Sabine, who sank in Lake Sabinen, and the legend of Red Hans, who became famous by burning the Slavic castle in Lake Oberurcker. The story about the sleeping giant near Neu Temmen is also part of her impressive work. These stories are more than just stories – they are testaments to a time long gone.

A life full of challenges and commitment

Brigitte Martin's life was marked by challenges and her tireless commitment to cultural issues. In the GDR she gained recognition for her collection of short stories “The Red Balloon”, in which she discussed the life of single mothers, a topic that moved her personally. Her relationship with Robert Havemann, a communist resistance fighter, brought both creative inspiration and significant difficulties. The constant surveillance by state security was a stressful reality.

Nevertheless, she didn't let herself get down. In 1978 she occupied a barn in Arnimswalde that was due to be demolished in order to escape the security forces. During this time she began to delve more intensively into the Uckermark myths and designed rest areas at the places of the legends, which still attract visitors today. Her artistic works can be found, among other places, in Libbesicke, in front of the Fergitz Church and on a church ruin near Berkenlatten.

A lasting souvenir

The sculpture, which was made by her daughter Johanna and is reminiscent of Sabine's jump on the Temmen ridge, is particularly touching. Martin's work has shaped the cultural face of the Uckermark and will not be forgotten. The Uckermark Kurier already had the opportunity to interview her in 2015 when she left her “Galerie Langer Stall” in Arnimswalde. Her answers always reflected pride in the regional legends and their stories, which she preserved with passion and dedication.

From now on, Brigitte Martin will live on in the hearts of the people who were inspired by her stories and her tireless commitment to the legends of the Uckermark. A remarkable life full of stories that has had a lasting impact on the region's cultural identity. Her services to the Uckermark will never be forgotten, as will the stories she collected in her life's work. The reports more on this SVZ.