The Manor Legends
Tõlluste mõis is one of the oldest manors on Saaremaa and has a rich and fascinating history. Over the centuries, many legends and stories have grown around it, giving this place a special and mysterious atmosphere.
Suur Tõll
The giant hero Suur Tõll, a figure from Saaremaa folklore, lived in the village of Tõlluste together with his wife Piret. He tilled the land and went fishing like an ordinary peasant, yet he possessed enormous strength — he could walk barefoot along the seabed, and his staff was about 10.5 meters long.
His enemy, Vanapagan (the Devil), destroyed his home, but Tõll defeated him. In battle with his enemies, Tõll was beheaded, yet he continued walking with his head carried on the tip of his sword, vowing before his death that he would rise again and come to help his people if danger ever returned. Today, Tõll is regarded as the symbolic protector of Saaremaa — and a stone remains at Tõlluste, said to bear the prints of his fingers.
The Oldest Oak on Saaremaa – Tõlluste Tamm
Another legend tells of the great oak tree growing on the lands of Tõlluste mõis. It was planted in 1528 by the knight Heinrich Köpken after his great victory, when the manor was granted to him.The Tõlluste oak is over 20 meters tall, and its trunk has a diameter of more than 5 meters. Local people believe that the tree has special energy and strength.
Local people believe that the Tõlluste Oak possesses special energy. Some call it a “natural battery,” while others sense a faint mysterious humming when they approach. If you have a wish, a dream, or simply wish to draw energy from this place – touch the trunk and whisper your desire. According to legend, the oak listens to all and helps those who believe.
The Legend of the Pirate Baron’s Ghost
A fortune teller, having visited the basement of the manor’s main house, saw a tall silhouette in an old-fashioned coat and wearing only one boot. She said it was the spirit of the Pirate Baron.
At the end of the 18th century, one of the young von Sass barons, went on a sea voyage to “see the world.” He fell into the hands of Swedish privateers, and his leg was amputated due to an injury. After returning to Tõlluste, he rarely appeared before guests, but loved going down to the basement where rum barrels were stored.
His one-legged silhouette is still seen there today, near the mantelkorsten, sometimes accompanied by a smell of strong rum.
