The "Rattenfänger von Hameln," or "Pied Piper of Hamelin," is a legend from the town of Hameln in Germany. According to the tale, in the year 1284, the town was plagued by a massive infestation of rats. A mysterious piper appeared, offering to rid the town of the vermin in exchange for a fee. He played his magical flute, leading the rats to the river, where they drowned. After the piper successfully eliminated the rats, the townspeople refused to pay him. In retaliation, he played his flute again, this time enchanting the children of Hameln. They followed him into a cave, and they were never seen again, leaving the town in sorrow.