ALPHA Timepoint is in alpha Talk to Us
M

Mainz Pogrom

During the Mainz Pogrom of 1349, a mob attacks the Jewish quarter, setting houses ablaze. Rabbi Jacob ben Moses pleads with Knight Gottfried for mercy while children, including Torah Boy, hide sacred

Setting

Jewish quarter of Mainz, Germany, during the night of July 24, 1349. Narrow cobblestone streets lined with wooden houses, some engulfed in flames. The air is thick with smoke and the sounds of chaos.

Characters

Rabbi Jacob ben Moses
primary
An elderly man in his late 60s with a long, white beard and deep-set, sorrowful eyes. His thin frame is slightly stooped from years of study, and his hands tremble slightly as he gestures. His face is lined with wrinkles that speak of both wisdom and hardship.
Knight Gottfried
primary
A broad-shouldered man in his late 30s with a weathered face, short-cropped brown hair, and a thick beard streaked with gray. His nose bears the crooked mark of an old break, and his piercing blue eyes reveal a mix of determination and unease. He wears chainmail over a padded gambeson, with a surcoat bearing the faded crest of his liege lord.
Sarah
secondary
A young girl of about 10 years old, with dark brown hair tied back in a simple braid, and large, expressive brown eyes that reflect both fear and determination. Her slight frame is tense with urgency, and her hands are delicate but strong from years of helping with household tasks.
Blacksmith
secondary
A burly man in his late 30s with broad shoulders and muscular arms, his face weathered from years working near the forge. His dark hair is cropped short and streaked with ash, and his hands are calloused and stained with soot.
Torah Boy
background
A young Jewish boy, approximately 8-10 years old, with dark curly hair peeking out from under a torn kippah. His thin frame is tense with urgency, and his wide, dark eyes reflect the flickering firelight. His face is smudged with soot, and his knuckles are white from clutching the Torah scroll.

Dialog

Rabbi Jacob ben Moses Hear me, Sir Knight. By the God we both claim as Father, these flames consume innocents. What justice lies in children's ashes?
Knight Gottfried God's blood, old man! I follow orders—the bishop declares this plague God's judgment on your heresy!
Blacksmith The forge's heat I know... but this?
Rabbi Jacob ben Moses Does Deuteronomy teach you to murder babes at the breast? If we must die, let it be by law—not mob's madness!
Knight Gottfried Christ's wounds! Enough! Men—hold at the alley!
Blacksmith The bellows' breath fans flames... but who'll answer for this night's work?
Rabbi Jacob ben Moses When you stand before the Almighty, Sir Knight—will you say 'I followed orders' or 'I showed mercy'?

Chat with Characters

You've used your 3 free turns

Sign in to keep chatting with characters from this moment — unlimited turns.

Sign in to Continue
Sign in for unlimited

Related Moments

C
Cologne Pogrom
1349 · contemporaneous
C
Cologne Pogrom
1349 · contemporaneous
B
Basel Pogrom
1349 · same era