#78 Master Gerhard and the Devil’s Bargain: The Legend Behind Cologne Cathedral

Master Gerhard’s ambition to complete Cologne Cathedral leads him to a perilous pact with the devil, ultimately outwitting the fiend but leaving the cathedral forever unfinished.
In this episode, we dive into the captivating legend of Master Gerhard, the first master builder of Cologne Cathedral in the 13th century. Discover how Gerhard’s ambition led him to a dangerous pact with the devil, the clever trick that saved his soul, and the enduring mystery surrounding his life and work.

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Master Gerhard

Master Gerhard, a highly skilled architect and engineer, is credited with laying the foundation for the construction of the Cologne Cathedral in 1248. Born in the early 13th century, he was the first master builder of this monumental Gothic cathedral. His vision and expertise set the architectural course for a project that would span several centuries. Master Gerhard’s work established the groundwork for the cathedral’s distinctive twin spires and intricate design, though he did not live to see its completion. His legacy remains integral to Cologne’s iconic skyline.

Von © Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons), CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7813121

Gerhard on the town hall tower in Cologne on the very left.

The legend of Gerhard and Satan

There is no contemporary depiction of Gerhards death according to legend being pulled into hell by Satan disguised as a dog. So I asked Dall-E to do that. As you can see, it is silly nonsense: the perspective, the building progress etc. But it looks funny.