Melampus (dog)

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The dog Melampus was a companion of a miller who was in the service of Starkenburg Castle ( Heppenheim ). Over the years, Melampus became an integral part of castle life and, due to its reliability, was soon also used to transmit messages. For this purpose he is said to have often used the secret passage to the castle, which probably went from Starkenburg Castle to Lorsch Monastery and which is also said to contain the castle treasure. One day the castle was attacked and Melampus fought to the end, dragged himself to the secret passage and died there. Melampus was buried there, according to the residents' decision. When the keep of Starkenburg Castle was blown up, dog bones were found there.

Melampus' ghost is said to be still guarding the castle and the secret passage.