Pirate monument

In Hamburg there is a monument to the famous 14th century pirate, ironically, who often fought against Hamburg. He was a great sailor, a great military man and probably a great psychologist. Getting on his team wasn't easy. To do this, it was necessary to pass three tests: first break the iron chain with your hands, then unbend the iron chain and the third, drink a mug of wine and stay on your feet. Klaus himself performed these exercises easily. And the mug for testing - it was his mug from which he drank for many years, from constant use became chipped. So they nicknamed Klaus-Störtebecker, which translated from the North German dialect means chipped circle. Its origin and true name are unknown. According to one version, his bride was kidnapped by the son of the Oberburgomister Hamburg. The desire to return his bride and take revenge on the offender led Klaus to the famous pirate Göde Michels. They soon became friends. Thanks to his courage and courage, Klaus first became an assistant to Göde, and then led the pirate fleet, as he proved himself an excellent captain. He always divided the spoils equally, whether it was a captain or a private sailor. Part of the spoils he gave to coastal peasants and fishermen, part hid for common needs. For a long time, no one could handle pirates. This was led by Simon von Utrecht, who equipped three ships to do this, and sent a provocateur to Klaus's ship, who poured molten lead into the steering gear, depriving the ship of maneuverability. As a result, Störtebecker lost the fight. 71 people were captured, including Klaus Störtebecker. It happened in the autumn of 1400. In 1401, the court ordered all prisoners to be beheaded. The Hamburg executioner rejoiced the most: he was well paid for every severed head. And Klaus was thinking about how to save his comrades. He suggested that the Senate cut off his head when he ran along the line of convicts. Those whose body is still running away (already without a head) must stay alive. The Senate agreed. The decapitated Klaus Störtebecker ran past 11 people until the executioner realized he was losing his earnings. He put a stick under Klaus' feet and he fell. Naturally, he could no longer get up decapitated. A year later, Göde Michels was captured and beheaded. 600 years later, a monument to Störtebeker was erected in Hamburg. A monument was erected to his winner: Simon von Utrecht. But the society of friends of Störtebeker (there is such a thing in Hamburg) threw the monument to Simon von Utrecht from the pedestal, broke off his hands and nose. After some time, however, they returned broken hands and nose and returned the monument to its place. Apparently, a good guy, Klaus Störtebecker, if 600 years later he is remembered and respected.

Author: Michael Berlin