Losing The Children

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BBC Radio 4 Extra - Losing The Children

Michael Rosen explores the meaning behind one of Germany's greatest fairy tales.

Author Michael Rosen explores the meaning behind one of Germany's greatest fairy tales, The Pied Piper of Hamelin. From 2005.

The story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin has been part of German folklore for centuries. 

But who was the colourful figure who led first, the plague of rats - and then the children, away forever from the town of Hamelin? 

Author and former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen visits the actual town of Hamelin in Lower Saxony, exploring its medieval streets via rat-infested London, ancient German pagan ritual and the whispering silence of Eton College library. 

He finally uncovers the truth behind the legend that should never again be thought of as just a fairy tale.

With extracts read by Andrew Sachs.

Featuring:

Michael Boyer - Actor playing the Piper in the town of Hamelin
Carol Cox - who had a rat  
Steve Wilson - Local Pest Control Officer 
Elke Liebs - Lecturer at Potsdam University
Michael Meredith -  Librarian at Eton College
Maria Tatar -  Harvard University
Atom Egoyan - Canadian film director 
Professor Jurgen Udorf - Museum in Hamelin  

Producer: Lizz Pearson 

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2005.

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