In the 16th century, the medieval executioner had a multifaceted role, far from the common stereotypes. Franz Schmidt, an executioner in Nuremberg, offers a window into this world.
The iconic hood, both terrifying and protective, was worn by most executioners but not by Schmidt. He embraced his profession with pride. He performed 361 executions and 345 lesser punishments, earning the respect of his community despite the stigma.
In the case of Hans Vogel, a convicted murderer, Schmidt’s role extended beyond execution. He acted as a medical consultant, ensuring the prisoner’s health. Chaplains helped prisoners seek forgiveness and portrayed the afterlife through vivid imagery.
Executions were meant to deter and uphold authority, with the condemned playing a role in a morality play. The final meal, often filled with alcohol, aimed to ease resistance. Schmidt’s expertise ensured efficient executions. Afterward, he was responsible for cleanup, a grim aspect of his job.
Little did he know that his legacy would transcend his executioner’s hood, leading to a respected career in medicine and a state funeral among the luminaries of Nuremberg. In a profession filled with contradictions, Franz Schmidt embodied the complex intersection of justice, faith, and humanity.
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Top image: Medieval executioner. Source: Dziurek / Adobe Stock.
