Klaus Störtebeker
Störtebeker | |
|---|---|
Reconstruction of head from skull ascribed to Störtebeker | |
| Born | 1360 Unknown |
| Died | assumed 20 October 1401 (aged 40–41) assumed Hamburg |
| Cause of death | execution by beheading |
| Other names | Storzenbecher |
| Occupation(s) | merchant, privateer, violent entrepreneur |
| Years active | assumed 1392–1401 |
Klaus Störtebeker (also known as Klaas Störtebecker, Johann Störtebecker or Nikolaus Storzenbecher) (1360 – supposed 20 October 1401) was a German pirate. Reputed to be the leader of a group of privateers known as the Victual Brothers (German: Vitalienbrüder), his group was hired to assist in a war between Sweden and Denmark between continued to capture merchant vessels mainly in the Baltic Sea and North Sea. Sharing their spoils equally, they named themselves "Likedeelers" (literally: equal sharers).
Within German folklore, Störtebecker is a legendary figure similar to Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to help the poor, and amassing and hiding great treasure. His reputed feats border the supernatural, such as allegedly walking past his crew after being beheaded.