The Rat Catcher
The Ratcatcher
In the Middle Ages, there were countless dishonorable professions, professions whose nature and content tended to make people uncomfortable. However, these very professions were extremely important to society.
The Pied Piper is one of them. This eccentric gentleman is shunned by the people not only because of his profession, but also because of his appearance, his manner, and his smell. Yet he has his heart in the right place and strongly advocates for his brothers and sisters in the dishonorable professions. He was often accused of various crimes. His proximity to and opinions about supposed witches often got him into trouble. Because his profession brings him into contact with rats, he is also accused of spreading the plague and other diseases. However, the bailiff and the plague doctor interceded for him to have nothing to do with these things.
The Pied Piper loves long walks through the small, dark alleys of the city and stays away from the hustle and bustle.
He'll be happy to show you the supposedly dishonorable professions and hidden places in the city, but be aware of his own sense of humor. And don't be afraid of his rat, Pesta, she doesn't bite! I wouldn't be so sure about the Pied Piper himself!
- Disreputable professions (miller, knacker, rat catcher, etc.)
- Superstition and witchcraft
- Fires and floods
- The hygiene of the ancient city
The Dishonorable Tour Route
Duration: ca. 120 minutes
Fitnesslevel: 🔵🔵️🔵️ ️
Meeting Point : Vor dem Staatsarchiv Luzern (Schützenstrasse 9)
End: Bei der Museggstrasse, Nähe Mühlenplatz
* For a larger view, open the image in a new tab.
The Dishonorable in an Interview
Why rats?
Why not?
They're intelligent, playful, and in the majority... most of the time, anyway. And they're my source of money!
Which is your favorite route?
I like my own route; I know it best. I don't care about the upper classes like doctors, merchants, or civil servants. However, I do like the executioner's route; we dishonorable people should support each other!
What profession would you never want to pursue?
Toilet provider... What? I have my dignity too!
Do you know a witch in your personal circle?
I don't know if they're witches; they're well-versed in herbs and healing ointments. But I'm not denigrating anyone here; I like dishonorable people! And I don't want to be turned into a frog!
In your opinion, what was the greatest disaster in old Lucerne?
The sale to Habsburg in 1291! No, no, that's old news.
There had been a few devastating fires and epidemics. But the first wave of the plague was a real disaster. Nobody knew what was going on. Even though it earned me a lot of money, they wanted to get rid of the rats even more. But I soon became a suspect!
