did he do that was unique?
2006-08-20 18:00:54 · 11 answers · asked by Jacks036 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
This is very interesting.
2006-08-20 18:18:01 · update #1
He shot the apple off his son's head...
Here's what Wikipedia says: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Tell
The legend
William Tell from Bürglen was known as an expert marksman with the crossbow. At the time, the Habsburg emperors were seeking to dominate Uri. Hermann Gessler, the newly appointed Austrian Vogt of Altdorf raised a pole in the village's central square with his hat on top and demanded that all the local townsfolk bow before it. As Tell passed by without bowing, he was arrested. He received the punishment of being forced to shoot an apple off the head of his son, Walter, or else both would be executed.
Tell had been promised freedom if he shot the apple. On November 18, 1307, Tell split the fruit with a single bolt from his crossbow, without mishap. When Gessler queried him about the purpose of the second arrow in his quiver, Tell answered that if he had ended up killing his son in that trial, he would have turned the crossbow on the reeve. Gessler became enraged at that comment, and had Tell bound and brought to his ship to be taken to his castle at Küssnacht. In a storm on Lake Lucerne, Tell managed to escape. On land, he went to Küssnacht, and when Gessler arrived, he shot him with a crossbow bolt.
This defiance of the Austrian reeve sparked a rebellion, leading to the formation of the Old Swiss Confederacy.
Peace!
2006-08-20 18:04:44 · answer #1 · answered by carole 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
William Tell from Bürglen was known as an expert marksman with the crossbow. At the time, the Habsburg emperors were seeking to dominate Uri. Hermann Gessler, the newly appointed Austrian Vogt of Altdorf raised a pole in the village's central square with his hat on top and demanded that all the local townsfolk bow before it. As Tell passed by without bowing, he was arrested. He received the punishment of being forced to shoot an apple off the head of his son, Walter, or else both would be executed.
Tell had been promised freedom if he shot the apple. On November 18, 1307, Tell split the fruit with a single bolt from his crossbow, without mishap. When Gessler queried him about the purpose of the second arrow in his quiver, Tell answered that if he had ended up killing his son in that trial, he would have turned the crossbow on the reeve. Gessler became enraged at that comment, and had Tell bound and brought to his ship to be taken to his castle at Küssnacht. In a storm on Lake Lucerne, Tell managed to escape. On land, he went to Küssnacht, and when Gessler arrived, he shot him with a crossbow bolt.
2006-08-20 18:04:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
William Tell was arrested for failing to bow to the leader's hat (Gessler) which sat atop a pole in the village's central square.
His punishment was to shoot an apple off his son's head or both would be executed. He was told if he could achieve this then he would be free. After he sucessfully shot the arrow through the apple, he was asked why he had a second arrow, he replied if he had killed his son he would have killed the reeve (Gessler).
He was bound and brought to the ship of Gessler. Tell managed to escape to land and when Gessler arrived, he shot him with an arrow.
This sparked a rebellion and led to the formation of the Old Swiss Confederacy.
2006-08-20 18:11:25 · answer #3 · answered by I love my husband 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
William Tell is a legendary Swiss hero who was ordered to shoot an apple off of his son's head. He was such a good marksman that he shot the arrow right through it, without injuring his son.
2006-08-21 03:09:28 · answer #4 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He inspired the Swiss to gain their independence. They were living under the rule of an oppressive governor. Wm Tell did not give him proper allegience, so he made Tell shoot an apple off his son's head as punishment.
For the full story, try Wikipedia.
2006-08-20 18:06:15 · answer #5 · answered by Maryfrances 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I'd say shooting an apple of your son's head with an arrow rather unique enough, wouldn't you?
2006-08-20 18:05:45 · answer #6 · answered by freyas_kin28 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
solid Lord! What do they prepare in college now adays? ....tell gave it to Sir Issac Newton, who placed it on a shelf in his abode over his well known examining chair........ you be conscious of the rest.
2016-12-14 08:59:54 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he shot an apple off his son's head. as far as i remember he fought for switzerland's independence!
2006-08-20 18:06:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
he was forced to do it and it was his son ,
He was the Swiss version of Robin Hood.
2006-08-20 18:06:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
its called wikipedia my friend, i happen to be swiss. i do know the story but you can read it here. enjoy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Tell
2006-08-20 18:07:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋