European FolkloreFamous Fairy Tales

The Pied Piper of Hamelin

A mysterious musician lures a town's children away after the leaders break a solemn vow.

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Illustration for The Pied Piper of Hamelin - a famous fairy tales European Folklore story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the haunting legend of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. When a town breaks its promise to a magical musician, their children pay the ultimate price.

In the year 1284, the town of Hamelin was overwhelmed by a massive infestation of rats. The creatures were everywhere, devouring food and terrifying the citizens. Desperate, the Mayor promised a large sum of gold to anyone who could rid the town of the vermin. A mysterious man dressed in a coat of many colors, known as the Pied Piper, appeared with a wooden flute. He played a mesmerizing tune, leading every rat in Hamelin into the River Weser, where they perished. However, once the rats were gone, the greedy Mayor and townspeople refused to pay the promised reward. Infuriated by their betrayal, the Piper returned on a holy day and played a new, haunting melody. This time, instead of rats, the town's children followed him, entranced by the music. He led 130 boys and girls out of the city and into a mountain cavern that sealed shut behind them. Only three children were left behind to tell the tragic story of the debt that went unpaid.

The Moral

Always keep your promises and pay your debts, for the consequences of greed and dishonesty can be far more costly than the original price.

“A promise is a debt that must be paid, lest the piper calls for a different tune.”

Fun Fact

The earliest known mention of the story was a stained-glass window in the Church of Hamelin, dating back to around 1300, which depicted the Piper leading the children away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Pied Piper of Hamelin?

The moral is that one should always honor their agreements and never go back on a promise. It warns that greed and dishonesty can lead to tragic consequences that affect the most innocent members of a community.

Is The Pied Piper of Hamelin based on a true story?

Historical records from Hamelin suggest a real event occurred in 1284 where 130 children vanished. While the piper and rats might be folklore, the loss of the children is documented in the town's earliest chronicles.

Why did the Pied Piper take the children?

The Piper took the children as a form of revenge against the town's leaders. They had promised him a specific payment for removing the rats but refused to pay him once the task was completed.

What happened to the children in the cave?

In most versions, the children enter a mountain cave that seals behind them, and they are never seen again. Some variations suggest they emerged in another land, but the original legend treats it as a permanent disappearance.

Why did three children stay behind?

Traditional versions often include three survivors who couldn't keep up: one was lame, one was deaf, and one was blind. They serve as the witnesses who explain to the townspeople what happened to the others.

Why is he called the 'Pied' Piper?

The term 'pied' refers to his clothing, which was made of many different colored patches or fabrics. 'Piper' refers to his occupation as a musician who plays a pipe or flute.