Arnold von Melchtal

[1] Aegidius Tschudi in his Chronicon Helveticum tells Arnold's story as follows:[2] At the beginning of the 14th century, Landenberger was Vogt of Obwalden for Habsburg.

One day, the Vogt Landenberger decided that Heinrich von Melchtal should forfeit his yoke of oxen, since he hadn't paid his taxes on time.

When they arrived at the home of Heinrich von Melchtal, he and his son Arnold were right then plowing the meager fields they had.

Enraged by this, Arnold von Melchtal grabbed the stick he used to guide the oxen and beat the minion over his hands, breaking him his fingers.

The Vogt took cruel revenge on the poor old father of Arnold, having him tortured and blinded, and confiscating all his property.This case, among other similar events, gave the people of Uri, Schwyz and Underwalden ample reasons to form a pact against their cruel overlords.