Hangwasserbrunnen

“Hummel, Hummel! Mors, Mors!” Who would have thought such a peculiar greeting echoes the story of the Hangwasserbrunnen here in Hamburg? This seemingly simple fountain, tucked away in a corner of the city, holds the spirit of a local legend. The Hangwasserbrunnen commemorates Hans Hummel, a water carrier who became a beloved figure in Hamburg’s history. Before Hamburg had a modern water system, men like Hans Hummel, whose real name was Johann Heinrich Bentz, carried water throughout the city. He inherited the nickname “Hummel” from a soldier, the previous resident of his apartment. This soldier was much loved by local children. Bentz, unfortunately, was not so popular. He was known for his grumpy demeanor, quite a contrast to the friendly soldier. Local kids would tease him by shouting, “Hummel, Hummel!” His response, “Mors, Mors!”, a Low German phrase, became his trademark. The Hangwasserbrunnen captures this piece of Hamburg’s history. The sculpture depicts Hummel, water buckets in hand, with mischievous children playfully taunting him. Sadly, Hummel’s profession became obsolete in 1848 with the introduction of Hamburg’s water system. He died in poverty six years later. However, his spirit lives on in the city’s unique greeting. Even today, when HSV scores a goal, the stadium echoes with “Hummel, Hummel! Mors, Mors!” The Hangwasserbrunnen is more than a fountain. It’s a tribute to a hardworking man and a reminder of a bygone era in Hamburg. It’s a tangible piece of local folklore that continues to resonate with the city’s residents.