Definition

1. Noun:
   • The title character in a German folk tale: Refers to the legendary figure from the town of Hamelin who, in 1284, used his magical pipe to lure away the town's rats, and later, its children.
   • A charismatic leader who attracts followers: Describes a person who persuades others to follow them, often into a problematic, dangerous, or doomed situation, by means of appealing promises or charm.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin is a classic cautionary tale.
  • The cult leader was a modern-day pied piper, leading his followers to a tragic end.
  • The politician was accused of being a pied piper, making promises he could not keep.

Advanced Usage

• "Pied Piper effect": The phenomenon of blindly following a charismatic leader.
  • The company's CEO had a Pied Piper effect on young graduates, who joined the firm without questioning its ethics.

Variants and Related Words

• Pied Piper of Hamelin: The full name of the folk tale character.
• Charismatic leader: A more general term for a compelling and influential person.

Synonyms

• Seducer: One who leads astray or entices.
• Demagogue: A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices.
• Enticer: One who attracts or tempts.

Related Phrases

• To play the pied piper: To act as a charismatic but potentially irresponsible leader.
  • He played the pied piper, convincing the entire department to adopt the risky new strategy.

Related Idioms

• "To follow someone like the children of Hamelin": To follow someone blindly and unquestioningly.
  • The investors followed the founder like the children of Hamelin, only to lose everything.

Noun

1. the title character in a German folk tale and in a poem by Robert Browning
2. a leader who entices people to follow (especially to their doom)