Natàlia Oliva - Concept Art 2023

This legend has its origins in the Germany of the Middle Ages, and its earliest mention is on a stained-glass window in the church of Hamelin c 1300.
There are various theories from where this story originates. Between 1559 and 1565 appears the first mention of the plague of rats, introducing the idea that maybe Hamelin was seen as some sort of symbol of hope for the people of the town, as he drove the rats away.

I based my reinterpretation of the tale on the idea of Hamelin being the one who drives the rats into the town, spreading the plague. And like that, turning the symbol of hope into a fearful symbol of desolation that brings the plague wherever appears.

Appears on neglected towns where the air is corrupted by the decomposition, accumulating diseases and discomfort.
He only carries with him a flute, walks looking at the ground and does not make sound when stteping. From his mouth does not come out a single word, only the sound of this faint respiration, abruptly cut by a dry and short cough.

Made of bone and covered in bandages. When the pied piper plays it, a faint sound rumbles through the town, immediately covering it with a black and thick fog. Within, hallucinations of a big-bony rat appear in the front of people's eyes. 

Within the fog, a bony rat covered with a torn cloth appears in front of the people of the town. The ones that turn into rats follow this enormous creature through the black smoke, as if it were a parade, only to remain in the end in town still as black rats when the fog disperses.

Thanks for staying until here!

This year I've learned a lot, and I'm looking forward to keep improving.
A big thank you to my teachers, Elias Vázquez and Gerard Martínez, who encouraged us to participate in this contest, always cheer us up and motivates us to keep going.