Hauntingly beautiful and masterfully executed stop-motion adaptation of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” from the PBS show “Long Ago and Far Away” (1989-1993). For more info on this story and its historical origins see my previous post.
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndaqgKUpQf0&feature=related
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFuj1VroQWM&feature=related
"Once more he stept into the street And to his lips again Laid his long pipe of smooth straight cane; And ere he blew three notes (such sweet Soft notes as yet musician's cunning Never gave the enraptured air) There was a rustling that seemed like a bustling Of merry crowds justling at pitching and hustling, Small feet were pattering, wooden shoes clattering, Little hands clapping, and little tongues chattering, And, like fowls in a farm-yard when barley is scattering, Out came the children running. All the little boys and girls, With rosy cheeks and flaxen curls, And sparkling eyes and teeth like pearls, Tripping and skipping, ran merrily after The wonderful music with shouting and laughter."
Another fantastical story based on an historical event. In the year 1284 the townspeople of Hameln, Germany, tragically lost all of their children under mysterious circumstances. The first reference to this event is in the town records of 1384 which states “It is 100 years since our children left”. The story has been expanded upon over the centuries to include the plague of rats and the grim Piper, and reached what is perhaps its definitive form in 1842 when Robert Browning wrote this poem.
More info on the history of this tale: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pied_Piper_of_Hamelin#History
