Listen closely. The Hummelbrunnen whispers tales of old Hamburg.
Right here before us stands this charming fountain. It’s more than just a place for a refreshing drink. It’s a memorial to Hans Hummel a legendary water carrier. His real name was Johann Wilhelm Bentz. He lived from 1787 to 1854. He earned his living carrying water from the Gänsemarkt well to homes. This was long before Hamburg had a central water system.
The name Hummel wasn’t his own. It belonged to Daniel Christian Hummel a soldier who lived in Bentz’s house before him. Hummel was a popular figure among street urchins. They loved his war stories from the French occupation. They’d tease Bentz shouting Hummel Hummel!
Bentz burdened by heavy water buckets couldn’t easily retaliate. One day the taunting went too far. The children even exposed their bottoms. Bentz surprised everyone by bursting into laughter. He replied Mors mors! Mors a Low German word for buttocks.
This unexpected response changed everything. The greeting Hummel Hummel! Mors mors! was born. It’s a unique and friendly greeting still used in Hamburg today.
This Hummelbrunnen created in 1938 by Richard Kühl isn’t just a pretty fountain. It’s a tangible link to Hamburg’s past. It immortalizes Hans Hummel a water carrier a symbol of Hamburg’s spirit. Notice the small child figure. It’s a humorous depiction of those street children.
The fountain’s design is elegant. It features a water carrier figure. It stands as a tribute to a man his work and the peculiar greeting that lives on. This is more than just a pretty sight. This is Hamburg’s story.
So next time you hear Hummel Hummel! Mors mors! in Hamburg you’ll understand. It’s a cheerful reminder of a man his work and a playful tradition that started here at the Hummelbrunnen.