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The legend of William Tell is the story of how Switzerland became a free country. William Tell is the national hero of the Swiss. Here is his story:
Hundreds of years ago, in the 14 th century, the country of Switzerland did not yet exist as we know it today. The country was divided into regions or cantons, and the citizens were ruled by Austrian governors whom they regarded as foreigners. (A canton is something like a province.) According to legend, the people of the canton Uri were unhappy with their situation, because they wanted to govern their own country.
One day, an inhabitant of the village Bürglen happened to pass through Altdorf. His name was William Tell. His young son accompanied him. He completely ignored the hat. He was immediately arrested and brought before the governor. “How dare you challenge my authority!” said Gessler, flying into a rage. “I’ve heard about you and I know you are supposed to be a good marksman. Now I will test your skill with the crossbow! As punishment for your disobedience, you will have to shoot an apple from your son’s head.”
Tell tried very hard to persuade the governor to give him some other form of punishment, but to no avail. Gessler even threatened to have Tell and his son killed if his orders were not carried out.
William Tell and his son were led to the village square. Gessler, his soldiers and servants followed. Muttering indignantly, a restive crowd gathered on the square. There was nothing William Tell could do to avoid this terrible challenge. His son was placed against a tree, with an apple on his head. Tell was told to stand 50 paces away. Putting an arrow in his crossbow, Tell took a deep breath, aimed slowly and pulled the arrow back. The arrow pierced the apple without touching as much as a hair on the boy’s head. A roar of joy came from the onlookers as they applauded the brave archer’s skills.
Gessler had noticed that Tell had hidden a second arrow under his coat, and wanted to know why he had done it. “If you tell me the truth, your life will be spared,” said the tyrant. “That arrow was meant to pierce your heart if the first arrow killed my son!” replied Tell grimly.
This response infuriated Gessler. He ordered Tell to be thrown into jail immediately. “I won’t go back on my word and have you put to death, but you will be kept in the dungeon of Küsnacht Castle for the rest of your life!” he roared. He ordered his soldiers to launch a boat at Flüelen at once. Tell was placed in chains and ordered onto the boat. Then Gessler, his retinue and the soldiers embarked. They were quite a way off when suddenly a tempest broke out as the Föhn (a southerly wind) started to rage, causing such tremendous waves that the boat was in danger of being battered to pieces against the rocks. The people on board, who by now revered Tell for his bravery, shouted, “Only Tell can save us now!” Thereupon Gessler ordered his men to unchain Tell, who proceeded to steer the boat safely to the foot of the Axelberg Mountain, near a rock which is today called the “Tellsplatte”.
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