The Founding of the Überlingen Sword Dance

In times long past, when the emperor called upon his loyal cities to furnish men for a campaign, Überlingen sent a hundred of its strongest men. It was an honour to fight for the city, and the hundred were seen off by the entire population. But before they departed, ninety-nine of them decided to attend holy mass in the city church first, to ask God’s blessing for the battle ahead.

One man — the hundredth — refused. He laughed at his comrades and called them frightened women who sought refuge in incense and prayers. While the ninety-nine knelt in the church, he spent his final hours in the taverns of the city, drinking and boasting of his courage. When the army finally set out, he marched noisily at the front, convinced that bravery alone would suffice.

The campaign was long and bloody. Battles were fought, cities besieged, and men fell. But when the army finally returned to Überlingen, a head count revealed the miracle: all ninety-nine men who had attended mass had returned unharmed. Only one man was missing — the hundredth, who had scorned the church. He had fallen in the very first battle. In honour of the safe return, the citizens founded the sword dance, which is performed in Überlingen to this very day.