This particular folklore is rooted right in the heart of Cologne, Germany, and dates back to the 15th Century, centering around to the historic Hohenzollern Bridge. The locals have a tale preserved in whispers and hushed storytelling sessions around the hearths that the bridge, a marvel of engineering in its time, wasn’t constructed through human means alone. The tale begins during the bridge’s construction, which was marked by numerous tragedies and accidents. The townsfolks could hardly make any progress and many were getting increasingly disheartened. In their desperation, they turned to the mystical. An offer was made with a goblin, Hinzelmannchen, who was said to live in the deep tunnels under the city. This creature was known for his skills in stone and metal working. However, he demanded a high price – the first soul to cross the bridge. Agreeing to the terms, the townsfolks woke up one morning to find that the bridge had finally been completed. Fearful of losing their soul, the citizens startled to plot in secret and in whispers. The day came when the bridge was to be inaugurated and a town official was supposed to be the first to cross. However, as the crowd held their breath and the official prepared to step forward, out darted a cat from the crowd, sprinting across the bridge. Hinzelmannchen, dissatisfied with being outwitted and given a cat’s soul instead of a human one, vanished forever but not before cursing the city with his last words. This tale has led to a tradition in Cologne where it is believed to be bad luck to harm a cat and the feline creatures are treated with a unique kind of reverence in this city.