Arnold von Winkelried

Background

He was born in Switzerland.

Career

At a critical moment in the battle, it is said, a man of Unterwalden, Arnold von Winkelried, rushed against the Austrian lines, gathered a large number of Austrian spears to his breast, and fell dead, pierced through and through.

By his action, he opened a gap in the enemy ranks through which his countrymen rushed to gain victory which assured their independence.

Authorities differ widely as to the truth of his legend.

In 1886 a monument to Winkelried was erected on the battlefield.

Achievements

• Similar to William Tell, the figure of Winkelried was an important symbol during the formation of the Swiss federal state, and an icon of Swiss independence during World War II. Napoleon referred to Winkelried as “the Swiss Decius immortalized” at Sempach.

References

• Arnold Winkelried: Seine Zeit Und Seine That (1862) (German Edition)
• Arnold Von Winkelried: Ein Vaterländisches Schauspiel In Vier Aufzügen (German Edition)
• Arnold Winkelried, seine Zeit und seine That: Ein Historisches Bild Nach Neuesten Forschungen. (German Edition)
• Arnold of Winkelried, the Hero of Sempach;