The Smith of Kochel

Another legend attributed to him is leading the farmer rebellion against the imperial troops of the Habsburg Emperor Joseph I during the War of Spanish Succession.

Historical research about the smith of Kochel has shown that he was probably only a legend and a symbol rather than a real person, possibly invented to make the defeat of the revolt more bearable.

A Balthasar Mayer (born January 6, 1644, in Waalkirchen) actually existed, but no evidence of this person being a smith in Kochel could be found.

A Balthasar Riesenberger (born in Bach bei Holzolling) took part in the battle in Sendling, but no evidence of his being a smith in Kochel could be found either.

In memory of the Sendling Christmas Massacre and the Smith of Kochel, there are regular pageants and events in Bavaria.

Memorial for the smith at Sendling (Munich), Lindwurmstraße opposite of Old Sendling Church St. Margareth