Sculptor Richard Kissling created the best known image of Tell (kulturschweiz2004.ch) ()
Was he a real person and, if so, is there any evidence supporting the claims that he performed the heroic deeds attributed to him?
The legend says Tell came from the village of Bürglen in canton Uri.
Tell was a hunter, a family man and skilled with a crossbow. But not much else was known about the peasant until November 18, 1307.
On that fateful day, Tell journeys the few kilometres from Bürglen to Altdorf, Uri’s main town.
As he walks through the town square, he chooses to ignore the hat of Gessler, which the Habsburg bailiff has placed on a pole.
Gessler wants the hat to represent imperial authority and demands that everyone who passes shall bow before it. Failure to do so is tantamount to treason.
Tell is arrested for his snub and Gessler threatens to execute him unless he can prove his skill as a marksman.
Apple
The wicked bailiff has an apple placed on the head of Tell’s son, Walter, and orders the archer to shoot it off.
If he misses, both are to die. Tell is distressed but gains strength from his son who shows no fear.
The shot is taken and the crossbow bolt splits the apple. Tell confesses that he has hidden a second arrow on his body, which he would have used on Gessler in case of injury to his son.