Baker boys legend

The legend of the baker´s boys of andernach

The villagers of Linz were very angry with the people of Andernach. The emperor had transfered the „Rhine Toll“, the most important source of revenue, back to Andernach.

That is why they wanted to get their town back. The Linzers knew, that the villagers of Andernach liked to celebrate long and hard in the evening and then couldn`t get up in the morning. They were not called the „lazybones of Andernach“ for nothing!

Therefore, they did not hesitate for long and came up the Rhine in the early hours before down ...... And where were the villagers of Andernach? They were asleep. Even the nightwatchman on the Rhine-gate was snoring loud and strong. Well could he sleep peacefully, as during the day he had busy little insects working for him ...... namely his bees, whose hives were on the town wall. It was these hives, which were of such interest to the only people awake in Andernach at this time.

Franzchen and Dores (Theo), two baker`s boys, had just finished delivering the bread rolls and, full of mischief, wanted to play a trick on somebody. Suddenly Dores had an idea.

„You know what, Franz? Let`s shut the nightwatchman`s bees in the hives. He`ll look stupid, when the bees don`t fly out today“. And they set to work immediately.

But then they heard something. Through the midst they heard the clashing of weapons, marching feet and even an order ...... „Batteringram to the fore, halberds ready, draw swords“. When they heard someone call „Ready to attack“ the baker`s boys were very afraid!

It was too late to ring the alarm bell.

„The bees“ shouted Dores. „Let`s throw them down“. They took all the hives and threw them off the wall at the aggressors. And the dear little insects, their rest disturbed, stung wildly around them. Some Linzers were stupid enough in their anger, to smash the hives and the bees became even more furious.

„Well, you didn`t expect that. Now you have met the battalions of Andernach“ shouted Franz, when he saw, how successful the angry bees` attack was.

The Linzers yelled with pain and made so much noise, that even the nightwatchman awoke and at last gave the alarm. The Linzers had only one thing on their mind – to get away from there and they never returned again with such wicked intentions.

The grateful folk of Andernach immortalised their rescuers in the Rhinegate. They are still keeping their faithful watch there today. Now and then they smile a little at all the coming and goings in the streets below them.

Andernach is a spot in the "Rheinischer Sagenweg". The region around the Rhein, Mosel, Lahn and Nahe is well known for its legends and storys. We are glad to welcome you on your journey along the „Rheinischen Sagenweg“. Have a good time!