--- title: "[Translate to English:] Story" url: "https://www.deutsche-maerchenstrasse.com/en/start/translate-to-english-story/pied-piper" language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > start > Special > Destination.Data Details > [Translate to English:] Story" --- Pied Piper ========== The Pied Piper of Hamelin The Pied Piper of Hamelin ------------------------- In the year 1284, a strange man appeared in the town of Hamelin. He wore a coat made of brightly colored, multicolored cloth, which is said to have earned him the nickname *the Pied Piper*. He claimed to be a rat catcher and promised to rid the town of all its rats and mice in exchange for a payment. The townspeople agreed to his offer and promised him a fixed reward. The Piper took out a small flute and began to play. At once, rats and mice emerged from every house and gathered around him. When he believed that none remained behind, he walked out of the town, and the entire swarm followed him. He led them to the River Weser, where he gathered up his clothes and stepped into the water. The rats and mice followed him into the river and drowned. Once the townspeople were free from the infestation, however, they regretted the reward they had promised. They refused to pay the Piper, making one excuse after another. Furious and deeply offended, he left the town. On June 26, the Feast of Saints John and Paul, early in the morning according to some accounts, or at midday according to others, he returned. This time he appeared dressed as a hunter, with a frightening face and a curious red hat. Once again, he played his flute as he walked through the streets. This time it was not rats and mice that followed him, but the children of Hamelin. Boys and girls as young as four years old ran after the enchanting melody, including the mayor's grown daughter. The entire group followed him out of the town and into a nearby mountain, where they disappeared without a trace. A nursemaid carrying a child witnessed the scene from a distance. She returned to Hamelin and spread the alarming news. The parents rushed to every town gate, desperately searching for their children. Mothers wept and cried in despair. Messengers were sent by land and water to every surrounding region, hoping to find even a single child—but all their efforts were in vain. From Saga to the Town From Saga to the Town --------------------- The legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin is one of Germany's best-known folktales. For more than 700 years, the mysterious story of the piper who first led the rats—and later the town's children—away from Hamelin has fascinated people around the world. To this day, historians and researchers continue to debate the real historical event that may have inspired the legend. In Hamelin, the Pied Piper is everywhere. The lovingly restored Old Town, with its magnificent half-timbered buildings and splendid examples of Weser Renaissance architecture, provides the perfect setting for the world-famous open-air Pied Piper play, themed guided tours, and the Pied Piper Museum. As visitors stroll through the picturesque historic streets, they encounter reminders of the legend at every turn. Hamelin is a place where history, folklore, and living tradition come together, creating one of Germany's most captivating cultural destinations. What would you like to do next? View story again - Add 'Puss in Boots' to favouritesRemove 'Puss in Boots' from favouritesPuss in Boots Story - Add 'Bremen Town Musicians' to favouritesRemove 'Bremen Town Musicians' from favouritesBremen Town Musicians Story - Add 'The Bornschisser ("Spring Fouler")' to favouritesRemove 'The Bornschisser ("Spring Fouler")' from favouritesThe Bornschisser ("Spring Fouler") Story - Add 'Doctor Eisenbart' to favouritesRemove 'Doctor Eisenbart' from favouritesDoctor Eisenbart Story - Add 'Devil’s Mill of Ilbeshausen and the Devil’s Stone' to favouritesRemove 'Devil’s Mill of Ilbeshausen and the Devil’s Stone' from favouritesDevil’s Mill of Ilbeshausen and the Devil’s Stone Story - Add 'Regentrude "Rain Maiden"' to favouritesRemove 'Regentrude "Rain Maiden"' from favouritesRegentrude "Rain Maiden" Story - Add 'Snow White' to favouritesRemove 'Snow White' from favouritesSnow White Story - Add 'A Fairytale Day Trip to Marburg' to favouritesRemove 'A Fairytale Day Trip to Marburg' from favouritesA Fairytale Day Trip to Marburg Story - Add 'Bremen – Follow the Town Musicians' to favouritesRemove 'Bremen – Follow the Town Musicians' from favouritesBremen – Follow the Town Musicians Story - Add 'Kassel – The Heart of the German Fairy Tale Route' to favouritesRemove 'Kassel – The Heart of the German Fairy Tale Route' from favouritesKassel – The Heart of the German Fairy Tale Route Story - Add '7 Days Roadtrip - City-hopping, castles and a green heart' to favouritesRemove '7 Days Roadtrip - City-hopping, castles and a green heart' from favourites7 Days Roadtrip - City-hopping, castles and a green heart Story - Add 'Cinderella' to favouritesRemove 'Cinderella' from favouritesCinderella Story Pied Piper Chapter 1 : Pied Piper Navigation This chapter on the map This chapter as a script All stories at a glance All speakers and roles at a glance All chapters at a glance - 1. The Pied Piper of Hamelin - 2. From Saga to the Town Navigation Chapter 1 : Pied Piper Chapters overviewRolesOther stories