A legend tells that in the 17th century, a young woman named Marie Wolf lived happily with her fiancé in Riquewihr. It ended when war broke out, and he died. Marie lived as a recluse, with her black cat for only company. From then on, the villagers nicknamed her the witch. One evening, as she was walking on the ramparts of the besieged city, the enemies got terrified by her long sobs and fled in panic. The villagers then declared her benefactor and guardian of Riquewihr. Since then, to protect oneself from evil, one hangs near a window, an outward-facing witch who symbolizes Marie Wolf. Today, in Alsace, witches are considered to bring good luck.