Nearly forgot to post something today! The Kindlifresser, or “Child Eater”, has been traumatizing the children of Bern, Switzerland for nearly 500 years. Built in 1546, the city’s oldest fountain depicts a sculpture who has a taste for the babies. One is stuffed in his mouth, while several others await their sad fate. No one quite knows the history of the piece, but there are a few theories. One is that this is supposed to be Kronos, the Greek Titan, who ate all his god children to keep them from taking over his throne. And another possibility (that is a reflection on the anti-semitism that manifested in various forms throughout history) is this a blood libel against Jews. The terrifying ogre wears a hat that is strikingly similar to the yellow pointed Judenhut that Jews were forced to wear at that time. Well, whatever it means I think we can all agree no one wants to see this kind of fountain at the local park or playground, especially in the middle of the night.
The Kindlifresser, or “Child Eater”, Switzerland
