Perkeo of Heidelberg

His name, story and image have been connected with a variety of festivals, traditional songs, cultural and scientific institutions, hotels, restaurants and private companies (in and out of the region) ever since.

Philip took an interest in Pankert, and when he became the ruler of the Electoral Palatinate, he brought him along to Heidelberg Castle as a cup-bearer and official entertainer for the court.

Many found amusement in the striking contrast that the diminutive Perkeo was in charge of the largest wine barrel in the world, the massive Heidelberg Tun, while having a strong love of drinking.

[citation needed] Perkeo's fate was perpetuated in a letter by Victor Hugo (1802–1885), after his 1840 visit to Heidelberg Castle.

[1] Joseph Victor von Scheffel (1826–1886) added Perkeo's drinking song to his Gaudeamus collection, published in 1863.