Have you ever heard of the Prague Clock? Also known as the Astronomical Clock or Orloj, it is one of the oldest and most fascinating clocks in the world. But with its long history comes a dark legend – the curse of the Prague Clock.
What is the Prague Clock?
The Prague Clock is a medieval astronomical clock located in Prague, Czech Republic. It was first installed in 1410 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. The clock features an intricate design that includes an astronomical dial, a calendar dial, and several animated figures that move every hour.
The Curse of the Prague Clock
Legend has it that Master Hanus, the clockmaker who built the Prague Clock, was blinded by city officials to prevent him from creating another masterpiece like it. In revenge, Hanus damaged the clock’s mechanism so badly that no one could repair it for nearly 100 years.
The curse doesn’t stop there. According to another legend, anyone who tries to repair or alter the clock will be met with misfortune. In fact, several tragedies have occurred during attempts to fix or maintain the clock over the years.
Tragedies Associated with Repairing The Prague Clock
- In 1629, when workers tried to fix some parts of the clock’s mechanism, one of them fell to his death.
- In 1787, a technician attempted to improve some parts of the clock but ended up causing more damage than good.
- In 1945, during World War II, German soldiers damaged part of the clock while retreating from Prague.
The Truth Behind The Curse
Despite these spooky legends surrounding The Prague Clock and its supposed curse, there may be a more practical explanation for why repairing it has led to so much trouble.
The clock is over 600 years old and has undergone numerous repairs and modifications over the centuries. It’s possible that each repair added new stresses and strains on the clock’s mechanism, leading to more wear and tear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Prague Clock does have a dark legend attached to it, there may be a more reasonable explanation for why repairing it has been such a challenge. Nevertheless, the clock remains an impressive feat of medieval engineering and continues to draw visitors from all around the world who come to marvel at its intricate design.