Every nation has its own character, which represents the nation's desire for freedom and independence.Sometimes, in his role as advocate mythological characters, and often acts as a real person embellish what is already difficult to distinguish truth from fiction.One of these heroes is a William Tell, which for centuries have composed the Swiss legends and songs.
little history
Before moving on to the story of William Tell, you should make a small digression into the history of Switzerland, more precisely in the history of the canton of Uri, located in the Alps.Residents of Uri over the centuries have been known for their freedom-minded, and even though this region is considered German territory in the Alps operated its own laws.
In addition, until the last quarter of the XIII century the canton of Uri with the cantons Schwyz and Unterwalden enjoyed certain privileges as a reward for the courage that they showed the people in the service of the Austrian emperor.And Rudolf I, who had great respect for the brave mountain people even gave them the right to elect their own governor - Landamman-a.But then things changed, and the Swiss had to defend their freedom.To this end, in 1291, three rebel canton joined the military alliance, which marked the beginning of the creation of a few centuries later, the Swiss Confederation.
Who was William Tell?
But back to William Tell.What about him?Yes, quite a bit.It is believed that he was a native of the city Byurglen located in the canton of Uri.And Tell's birth record in the parish register was not kept.However, those who hold the view that Tell - a real character, explains the absence of written evidence of the fact that the official archives of the Canton of Uri burned in a fire in 1440.In addition, there is a version that Tell was a real historical person-in-law - Walter Fürst, who is documented, in 1307 publicly vowed together with Werner Stauffacher and Arnold de Melchtal liberate his native country from the domination of the hated and brutal Austrians.If the real facts, telling about the life of a national hero in Switzerland is almost there, the exploit of William Tell is known in great detail.And no one can tell where the truth and fiction.
William Tell: The Legend and the real facts.What about him?
all started in 1291 when ascended to the throne Rudolf Receiver First Adolf of Nassau.The new emperor, known as the Black Duke, known for his cruelty and consign to oblivion all previous peace agreements.The first thing he did - replaced Landamman-s for its governors, the so-called bailiffs.These Austrian officials began lawlessness, triggering outrage among the inhabitants of the Swiss cantons.Distinguished as particularly cruel bailiff Gessler, who stayed in the castle in Altdorf and led out his henchmen, seyavshimi terror among the local peasants.Here, the real facts come to an end, and the legend begins, describing the feat of William Tell with bright colors and with all the details.And many researchers rightly point out that the legend of the splendid direction of the Alps is very similar to the legend of the archer virtuoso (there are about a dozen), which are different peoples living in the vast area from India to Persia and Scandinavia.
feat brave Swiss
According to legend, once Gessler decided to find out whether the revolt is brewing among the inhabitants of Uri.For this, he ordered to set on the square pillar and set up on his ducal hat.Then the heralds announced that pedestrians are obliged to bow to the hats, symbolizing the power of the Austrians, and those who refuse, awaiting death.Gritting his teeth, the people obeyed the order, and a William Tell, who was walking in the square with his son, he refused to bow to the hat.When he was brought in for questioning, he said he is a free man.
Bailly Gessler was angry, but did not dare to immediately execute the rebel.Having decided to act smarter, he promised to pardon Tell, if he will be able to get a hundred steps to the goal, and as the target suggested the use of the apple, put on the head of his son William.Of course, Tall refused, but the wily bailiff said that if he orders an apple shoot one of his archers.According to legend, in the circumstances and had accomplished the feat of William Tell - man, gathering his courage, he fired and hit the apple on the head of his six year old son, Walter, and then fled with the child.
life hero after the feat
about the life of William Tell after the incident in the square of Altdorf is also known very little.In particular, the legend says that he still shot Gessler crossbow when he was going to take his family hostage, and after the fact a lot of glorious deeds.For example, he participated in the Battle of Morgarten which took place in 1315.So the feat of William Tell was not the only one.When age does not allow him to fight with weapons in hand, the man became treasurer of Bingen church.It is also alleged that the death of the hero caught in 1354 when William Tell, already a very old man, was killed trying to save a child from drowning in a mountain river.
Rossini - a masterpiece of classical music
Patriot and parental feat William Tell was immortalized Gioacchino Rossini, who in 1829 created his masterpiece - the opera "William Tell."
Overture for this major product of nearly 190 years is included in the program of concerts of symphonic music, and its popularity can not compete neither classic opus.Rossini himself was so devastated after a long six months of work on the "William Tell", which, after its premiere lived another 40 years, no longer appealed to the opera genre.Rossini's "William Tell" was highly praised by critics.However, until the end of the XIX century censors mercilessly shredding it and changed the name of the libretto, as it saw the calls for revolution and rebellion.
