Kindlifresserbrunnen (Child Eater Fountain), Bern

The Child Eater Fountain is one of Bern’s most unusual and mysterious Renaissance landmarks. Standing in Granary Square, it was created between 1545 and 1546 to replace an earlier wooden fountain dating from the 15th century. It was originally known as the Plaza Fountain, while the name Child Eater Fountain was first recorded in 1666.

The sculpture depicts a seated ogre biting into a naked child, with a sack containing other children beside him. Pay attention to the left side of the giant's torso to find a sculpted leather pouch overflowing with the helpless children awaiting their fate.

Its exact meaning has never been conclusively established, giving rise to several interpretations.The ogre’s pointed hat has led some scholars to connect the figure with medieval antisemitic imagery and blood-libel traditions. Other theories identify it as Krampus, the frightening creature of Alpine folklore who punishes disobedient children, or as the Greek Titan Cronus, who devoured his own offspring. The figure may also have originated as a carnival character intended to frighten unruly children during the traditional pre-Lenten festivities.

Stepping away from the sinister symbolism, another artistic highlight is the decorative ring beneath the pedestal. It features a painted relief of bears in military armor parading around the column.

Whatever its original purpose, the fountain has fascinated and unsettled generations of visitors for almost five centuries. It also appears prominently in Jacques Chessex’s novel The Ogre.