150 years of Pied Piper poetry: Julius Wolff in the spotlight Hameln!

150 years of Pied Piper poetry: Julius Wolff in the spotlight Hameln!

Today, June 14, 2025, we remember the fascinating story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, which remains alive in numerous stories and artistic representations. This remarkable legend, which began in 1284, still captivates millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that more than a billion people know the story, which has been translated into over 30 languages. In countries such as Japan and the USA, the legend is an integral part of school lessons, where children follow the story with great enthusiasm. The Federal Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage as well as numerous cultural adaptations in film, literature and music testify to the ongoing interest in the legend.

The story revolves around a mysterious man who appeared in Hamelin and promised to rid the city of its rat plague. With his magic whistle he lured the rats, who then jumped into the Weser. However, this heroic act of salvation was overshadowed by a nasty betrayal when the citizens of Hamelin reneged on their promise to pay the Pied Piper. In response, the Pied Piper returned, this time disguised as a hunter, and took the children with him. 130 of them mysteriously disappeared, only two returned - one blind, the other mute. The exact origins of this tale are unclear, but it is believed that it arose from two independent legends that combine the themes of the expulsion of rats and the exodus of children.

Julius Wolff's legacy

150 years ago, in 1875, the writer Julius Wolff published a remarkable epic poem based on the Pied Piper legend. This publication was not only literary significant, but also helped the Pied Piper of Hamelin gain new popularity. Wolff, who was born in Quedlinburg in 1834 and dedicated himself to journalism after a career in cloth manufacturing, was fascinated by folk topics and historical material. His poem “Pied Piper Adventures” is strongly influenced by Victor von Scheffel and consists of 18 chapters in which he portrays the figure of the Pied Piper as a seducer and “girl catcher”, while at the same time describing life in Hamelin in detail.

The story takes a dramatic turn when the fisherman's daughter Gertrud, with whom the Pied Piper is in love, commits suicide out of despair after he is condemned by the citizens. Wolff's work caused a great stir and has been printed in numerous editions since its first publication. On the occasion of the 600th anniversary of the Pied Piper legend, Wolff was even made an honorary citizen of Hamelin in 1884. The celebrations attracted thousands of visitors, and a fountain with figures of Gertrud and Hunold was built in the city, but was later dismantled at the end of the 1920s.

The legend and its relevance

The legend of the Pied Piper has given rise to many interpretations over the centuries and has also laid the foundation for numerous cultural reflections. The story is currently being highlighted again through the production of a ZDF series called “Hameln”, which is scheduled to be broadcast in 2024. The legend also recently received attention in the film industry with the horror film “The Pied Piper”, which was filmed in Hamelin in 2020. Although there is no historical evidence of the payment of a rat catcher, the mystical elements and the various theories about the emigration of the Hamelin children, who may have been led to the Eastern colonization, are fascinating.

In summary, the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin remains not only an exciting legend, but also a cultural and historical legacy that is still actively remembered today. The influence of Julius Wolff's work and the legend's enduring popularity show that the connection between the past and the modern remains alive.