Pied Piper of Hamelin

The Pied Piper of Hamelin is a German legend that was popularized by a narrative poem of the same name by Robert Browning. The story tells of the town of Hamelin, which was overrun by rats. The townspeople hired a mysterious piper, dressed in colorful ("pied") clothing, to lure the rats away. He successfully led the vermin to their deaths in the river.1

However, when the townspeople refused to pay the piper for his services, he retaliated. Using his magical pipe, he lured away the town's children, who were never seen again. This legend is associated with the city of Hameln in Germany and is thought to have originated around 1284. The tale has also come to symbolize a leader who makes irresponsible promises or offers delusive enticement.123