Precisely how many pranks could one relief possibly capture? This is the Eulenspiegel Relief. It stands here in Hamburg. The Eulenspiegel Relief is a work by Johannes Ufer. It is located on Willi-Hill-Weg 2 in Hamburg-Lurup.
Eulenspiegel’s name means owl mirror. Some say it’s a comment on his wisdom or foolishness. Others believe it’s a Low German phrase meaning wipe-arse. Many of his jokes were scatological. He tricked people into touching or smelling his excrement. These pranks started in childhood. They continued until his deathbed.
Eulenspiegel was born around 1300 in Kneitlingen. This is near Brunswick in Lower Saxony. He traveled through the Holy Roman Empire. He went to Northern Germany, the Low Countries, Bohemia, and Italy. Eulenspiegel died in 1350 from the Black Death. He passed away in Mölln near Lübeck and Hamburg.
The first chapbook about Eulenspiegel was printed around 1510. It was printed in Strasbourg. The book tells of his pranks. He played jokes that exposed vice. He mocked greed and hypocrisy. Craftsmen were often his victims. But nobles and even the Pope were not safe.
One popular trick was his literal interpretation of language. People spoke figuratively. Eulenspiegel took them literally. This led to much confusion and humor. The chapbook tradition grew. Editions appeared in Flemish, French, and English. By the late 17th century, his name was synonymous with mischief.
In Mölln, there is a memorial stone. It marks Eulenspiegel’s reported burial site. The town council commissioned it in 1544. It is now on the outside wall of St. Nicolai church tower. The inscription is in Low German. It states that Tyl Ulenspegel is buried underneath. It reminds people that all must become as he is.
Modern retellings of Eulenspiegel’s story are common. Charles De Coster wrote about him in 1867. He placed Eulenspiegel during the Reformation and the Dutch Revolt. In this version, he became a Flemish symbol.
Richard Strauss composed a tone poem about Eulenspiegel. Emil von Reznicek and Walter Braunfels wrote operas. There were ballets and films about him. Even today, Eulenspiegel remains a popular figure.
Here on the Eulenspiegel Relief, we see a glimpse of his chaotic world. A world turned upside down. It is a world where the fool is wise. Vice versa. Remember Eulenspiegel. Remember the owl mirror. Reflect on the humor in life.