Children's Eater Fountain

In the city of Bern there is a very famous fountain – “Child Eater” or “Kindlifreserbruenen”. Originally a wooden structure was erected in 1516, but in 1545 it was replaced by a stone sculpture. The fountain is a huge figure of a giant man-eater (ogra), devouring a naked child, symbolizing a sinner. It has a edifying and educational value for all disobedient children. The giant is holding a bag with other children in it. The column is surrounded by images of armed bears walking around it. The author is Hans Rudolf Manuel.

Previously, this fountain was simply called “Fountain in the Square”. At the beginning of 1666 he was given the name Kindlifreserbrunen, which has remained for him to this day. According to one legend, the giant depicts the Greek god Chronos eating his children. Another legend originated from the pointed hat of the cannibal, such in those days were required to wear Jews. This led to speculation that eating children symbolized ritual murder. But most likely, this giant is just a mythical character, which frightened children. In Jacques Chesse’s novel The Ogre, written in 1973, the fountain played an important role.