Abstract
ABSTRACTFor over seven hundred years, the legend of the Pied Piper has inspired folk tales, poems, songs, and theatrical productions, as well as speculations about whether the legend is based upon actual events that occurred on 26 June 1284, the date given to the incident according to several commemorative documents and monuments found in the town of Hamelin, Germany, where the legend originated. Many scholars who have studied the legend believe it has little to do with a Pied Piper ridding the town of rats and later enticing the town's children to follow him out of town where they all disappear; instead, they believe the incident refers to a military recruiter who either led a troupe of young men to the Baltic or to Transylvania to establish settlements there. However, other scholars put great significance upon the date of the event and how it might be related to a summer solstice celebration gone awry. The following article provides evidence to support the summer solstice theory, presenting information relating to ancient solar bird traditions that link the piper with shamanic rites in which shamans dress as birds and perform bird sacrifices associated with both summer and winter solstice celebrations.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
