Dore Strauch

Dore Strauch Koerwin (1900–1943) was a German woman known for living on Floreana Island with her partner, Friedrich Ritter, in relative isolation for approximately five years.

Biography Born in 1900, Strauch grew up in Berlin and felt greatly connected to nature. At age 18, she became interested in the work of German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. After reading the work of Arthur Schopenhauer, she decided to eat only figs for over a year.

Strauch became very ill and was hospitalized for over a year, ultimately being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While hospitalized, she fell in love with one of her physicians, Friedrich Ritter, who was also fond of Nietzsche. Wishing to better understand the meaning of life, For a few years, they remained in isolation, though occasionally hosted famous individuals who were visiting the Galapagos, such as Eugene F. McDonald, founder of Zenith Radio, who provided the couple with goods. During this time, international publications shared about their experience, comparing them to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They were also nudists and vegetarians.

In August 1932, Strauch and Ritter were joined by the Wittmer family, (Heinz) and Margret, as well as their son Harry. Upon arrival, Margret was pregnant, giving birth to her son Rolf in a cave. Strauch and Ritter had the family establish their own homestead. Later, the two groups were joined by "Baroness" Eloise Wagner de Bousquet and her three lovers: Felipe Valdivieso, Rudolph Lorenz, and Robert Philippson. The Baroness's goal was to establish a hotel on the island. Valdivieso left the island shortly after. The dramatized 2024 film Eden features Vanessa Kirby as Strauch.

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