Saturday, November 15, 2014

Prague Legend #1: The Old Town Astronomical Clock


As this legend of Prague goes, Master Hanus of Ruze altered and perfected the astronomical clock in Old Town Square 3 that was made around 1410.



It was so magnificent and beautiful, that it defied belief and was an instant source of pride to the people of Prague and its rulers.





The town council, intent on preserving the clock, the secrets of its construction, and the creation of another like it - or better, decided to blind Master Hanus.


In his sorrow and inability to improve the clock, or make others like it, Master Hanus asked to visit the clock in his blinded state to feel it's contours and enjoy it once more.

When he arrived at the clock, he reached inside and felt for a particular mechanism and tore it out - rendering the clock non-functional. At that moment his heart surrendered and he collapsed there, dead.

For many years, the clock was non-functional until a master craftsman was able to make the repair. Over the years the clock was silent, it was a reminder to the town councilors of their terrible deed.






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