First and foremost, Hephaistos made a reservation in his prelude to his extensive intervention – maybe stories like this rather belong under the headline of “Silver stories” under the Silverforum index, or maybe under a non-existing label “Baltic silver”. However, as carried along, why not elaborate a little more on this triggering subject?
Riga Blackheads Headquarter is surpassing Tallinn’s in its monumental façade and format.
But back to the parrot shooting habit, there is a moving story of the guardsman, the watchkeeper and the custodian of the city of Tallinn. It is a fairy tale, much similar to several other in European tradition (the poor farmer’s hand, abandoning the pigs he is looking after, challenging the fate, makes a try at the noble court against all odds, and finally wins the princess).
In Tallinn it is Old Tomas who made the successful career. A peasant boy who unexpectedly appeared in the City with his bow in the high society, insisted to participate and – shot the parrot down! Low ranked to the bourgeoisie, he became unable to receive the price. As a small recognition, as clever in handling weapon, he received a job I the town guard. When he died 1530, his fame was so present in the Tallinners minds so they made a sculpture and put it on the Town Hall’s roof, holding a weather vane in his right hand and still overlooking the safety of the people.
Original Old Tomas
The replica model of Old Tomas flying on the top of Tallinn’s Town Hall tower
Those who would like to explore the Blackheads silver treasures, several books and articles by Anu Mänd is available, also in English.
