The Pied Piper of Hamelin
Long ago, in the town of Hamelin, Germany, a strange and unforgettable event took place. The town was suffering from a terrible problem: rats. They were everywhere — in homes, shops, streets, and even the town hall. The townspeople were desperate and didn’t know what to do.
One day, a mysterious man appeared. He was dressed in brightly colored clothes and carried a pipe. He introduced himself as a piper and promised the mayor, “If I rid your town of rats, will you pay me a thousand gold coins?”
The mayor agreed, and the piper began to play a strange, sweet tune on his pipe. As he walked through the streets, all the rats came out of their hiding places and followed him. He led them to the river, where they all drowned.
The townspeople were overjoyed. But when the piper returned for his reward, the greedy mayor refused and offered only a small amount. Angered, the piper left silently.
The next morning, he returned, playing a different tune. This time, all the children in Hamelin followed him. He led them out of the town, and they were never seen again.
