The "Pied Piper" is a character from a German folktale, most famously recorded by the Brothers Grimm. In the story, a mysterious piper appears in the town of Hamelin, which is suffering from a rat infestation. He offers to rid the town of the rats in exchange for payment. The townspeople agree, and the piper uses his magical flute to lure the rats into the river, where they drown. After the townspeople refuse to pay him, the piper seeks revenge by using his flute to enchant the children of Hamelin. He leads them away to a hidden place, teaching a lesson about keeping promises. The tale serves as a cautionary story about the consequences of greed and betrayal.