WHO IS A PIED PIPER?
The dictionary defines a Pied Piper as a leader whom people willingly follow—often one who leads others into danger or trouble through false or elaborate promises. This meaning comes from a well-known German folk legend, famously documented by the Brothers Grimm and later popularised in the 1842 poem “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” by Robert Browning.
According to the legend, in 1284, the town of Hamelin in Germany was overrun by rats. As Browning vividly describes, the rats "fought the dogs and killed the cats / And bit the babies in their cradles / And ate the cheeses out of the vats..." The townspeople were desperate, and the mayor and town authorities were at a loss.
At that moment, a mysterious man dressed in pied (multicoloured) clothing appeared. He introduced himself as a piper with a magical charm, claiming he could lure away any creature with the music of his pipe. He offered to rid the town of rats for a fee of one thousand guilders. The mayor agreed.
The Pied Piper stepped out and began playing a lilting tune. To everyone’s astonishment, the rats poured out of every house and hole, following the music. He led them to the River Weser, where they all tumbled in and drowned. The townspeople rejoiced.
But when the Piper returned to collect his payment, the mayor balked, calling the fee too high. Feeling cheated and betrayed, the Piper left—only to return soon after.
This time, he played a different melody, and all the children of Hamelin, enchanted by the tune, followed him.
He led them to a mountainside cave, and they vanished—never to be seen again.
Only one child remained behind, unable to keep up due to a physical disability. Through him, the town learned what had happened, and the people were left in regret and sorrow, having paid a terrible price for their broken promise.
The Moral: The tale of the Pied Piper is a powerful reminder to keep one’s promises, be cautious of charismatic leaders who offer too much and understand that actions have consequences, especially when trust is broken.
