Story Summary
Discover the haunting legend of The Pied Piper of Hamelin, where a broken promise leads to the disappearance of a town's children. A classic German folktale.
In the year 1284, the town of Hamelin was infested by a horrific plague of rats that devoured every scrap of food. A mysterious man dressed in a coat of many colors appeared, carrying a golden flute and claiming he could rid the town of the vermin for a specific fee. The desperate Mayor agreed instantly. As the Piper played a hypnotic melody, every rat in Hamelin emerged from the shadows and followed him into the River Weser, where they all drowned. However, once the danger passed, the greedy town council refused to pay the promised sum, offering only a pittance. Enraged by their deceit, the Piper returned on the feast of Saint John and Paul. He played a new, haunting tune that bypassed the ears of the adults but enchanted the children. One hundred and thirty boys and girls followed him through the town gates and into a cavern in the side of the Koppenberg mountain. The mountain sealed shut behind them, leaving only three children behind—one lame, one deaf, and one blind—to tell the heartbroken parents of the price of a broken promise.
The Moral
Always keep your promises and honor your debts, for the consequences of greed and deceit can be far more costly than the original price.
“A promise made is a debt unpaid, and the piper always calls the tune.”
Fun Fact
The earliest record of this story was a stained-glass window in the Hamelin church from around 1300, which was destroyed in the 17th century but described in ancient manuscripts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Pied Piper of Hamelin (Extended)?
The core moral is that one must always keep their word and honor their contracts. It warns that greed and dishonesty can lead to devastating losses that far outweigh any financial gain.
Is The Pied Piper of Hamelin based on a true story?
Yes, historical records in Hamelin dating back to 1284 describe the mysterious disappearance of 130 children. While the rats and the magical flute are likely folkloric additions, the underlying tragedy is believed to be a real historical event.
What happened to the children in the mountain?
In most versions of the legend, the children follow the Piper into a cave in the Koppenberg mountain, which then closes forever. They are never seen again, serving as a permanent and tragic reminder of the town's broken vow.
Why did the Piper take the children instead of the gold?
The Piper took the children as a form of poetic and cruel justice. Since the Mayor and the townspeople valued their gold more than their integrity, the Piper took what they valued most—their future and their families.
Who were the children left behind in the story?
The legend often mentions three children: one who was lame and couldn't keep up, one who was deaf and couldn't hear the music, and one who was blind. They remained in Hamelin to explain the Piper's vengeance to the adults.
What does the name 'Pied' actually mean?
The word 'Pied' refers to the Piper's clothing, which was 'piebald' or composed of many different colors. This made him a striking and strange figure to the townspeople, marking him as an outsider from the moment he arrived.
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