Streit um den Wolf - Rotkäppchens Räuber
Summary
This episode of "Der Rest ist Geschichte" explores the complex history of the wolf in Germany, from its eradication to its recent return. Host Antranig Basman interviews legal historian Andreas Deutsch and historian Martin Reinheimer about how wars, rabies, and folklore shaped the wolf’s demonization as a symbol of evil. They discuss historical hunting practices, the reality behind fairy tales, and the modern debate over balancing ecological respect with human safety.
Topics discussed
Wolf encounters in Denmark and Germany
The last wolf in Saxony and its museum display
Historical wolf hunts and public celebrations
Cultural symbolism: Romulus, Remus, and evil
Werewolf myths and serial killer parallels
Rabies, hydrophobia, and fatal wolf attacks
Fairy tales as realistic warnings for children
Memorial crosses and records of attacks
Charlemagne's systematic wolf eradication orders
Mass hunts, traps, and forced labor
Wolf gallows and political power dynamics
Wolves during wartime and the Thirty Years' War
Modern wolf population and legal status changes
Balancing fear, respect, and nature conservation
Outro and live event announcements
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