Wilhelm Tell

Written by Friedrich Schiller in 1804, 'Wilhelm Tell' is a drama that focuses on the legendary Swiss marksman Wilhelm Tell as part of the greater Swiss struggle for independence from the Habsburg Empire in the early 14th century.

The play interweaves three main plot lines: the saga of William Tell, including the famous apple shot and his role in liberating the Swiss from the tyrant Gessler; the historical background of the Swiss confederation and liberation; and the love story of Berta of Bruneck and Ulrich of Rudenz.

Schiller's work depicts the individual and collective struggle for freedom against the brutal rule of the Habsburg bailiffs and explores themes of tyranny, freedom, and the complexities of historical and legendary narratives.