Writer Christoph Szalay Reflects on Missing Author Bodo Hell

Austrian writer Bodo Hell has been missing for two years, prompting fellow writer Christoph Szalay to reflect on their encounters in an essay titled "Bodo, I griaß di." Szalay's piece explores the lingering presence of Hell in a landscape that continues to resonate with his absence.

Szalay begins his reflection by tracing Hell's steps from the first text in Hell's last book, "begabte bäume." This text recounts a hike towards Grafenbergalm, a place Hell considered home for over forty years, where he lived as a shepherd. Szalay follows this narrative, describing a journey along the Gradenbach, through the forest, and up hiking trail 668 towards the alm.

The essay captures the feeling of following Hell's path, moving past remnants of old "Latschenbrennhütten" (pine spirit huts) and towards the Kar am Ahornsee, with a final ascent to the alm. Szalay concludes by expressing a desire to remain there until the wind carries him away, evoking a sense of lingering connection and contemplation of Hell's disappearance.