Many stories are told about the mighty Appenzeller Ueli Rotach. One of them tells of the Battle of Stoss. In 1405, the Appenzellers fought back against the Austrians, who had started a war. On a rainy day, Duke Frederick’s soldiers advanced towards Stoss. Not even the Letzimauer could stop them. As they broke through this barrier, their cries of victory could be heard. At that very moment, however, the Appenzellers attacked, reinforced by their allies from Schwyz and Glarus. The heavily armed Austrians lost their footing on the slippery ground and the Appenzellers were able to drive them back. Among the Appenzeller shepherds was Ueli Rotach. He was so tall and brave that he took on twelve soldiers at once. They surrounded him near a hayloft. It was precisely there that one of the enemies thought to set the hut on fire. The flames blazed, yet Ueli Rotach continued to fight. Finally, a lance struck him from behind, and he sank to his knees and died. “Ueli Rotach is dead!”, the Appenzell shepherds cried out to one another in horror. Without their strong warrior, they seemed lost. 

But at that very moment, a new group of helpers appeared atop the Stoss. Clad in shepherds’ shirts, they came rushing down the mountain, shouting wildly. The Austrians took to their heels. They ran away as fast as they could. It soon became clear: the Appenzellers had won the battle at the Stoss. When the brave fighters had gathered themselves to thank their helpers, they made a discovery. The group of fighters was none other than their wives and daughters, who had rushed to their aid dressed in shepherds’ shirts. Now great joy broke out; the men embraced their helpers, and they celebrated a magnificent feast. It is said that the people of Appenzell are still proud of their courageous women to this day. Perhaps that is why the women of Appenzell still wear one of the most beautiful traditional costumes today.

Neu erzählt von D. Jaenike, nach: Meinrad Lienert, Schweizer Sagen und Heldengeschichten, Stuttgart 1915, Übersetzung Lysander Jaenike © Mutabor