Götz von Berlichingen
Gottfried "Götz" von Berlichingen (pronounced [ˈgɔtfʁiːd fɔn ˈbɛʁlɪçɪŋən], [ˈgœts]; 15 November 1480 – 23 July 1562), also known as Götz of the Iron Hand, was a German (Franconian) Imperial Knight (Reichsritter), mercenary and poet. He was born around 1480 into the noble family of Berlichingen in modern-day Baden-Württemberg. Götz bought Hornberg Castle (Neckarzimmern) in 1517, and lived there until his death in 1562.
Reichsritter Götz von Berlichingen | |
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Götz von Berlichingen, 17th century engraving | |
| Born | 15 November 1480 |
| Died | 23 July 1562 (aged 81) |
| Resting place | Schöntal Abbey, Schöntal, Germany |
| Other names | Gottfried von Berlichingen |
| Occupation(s) | Imperial Knight Mercenary |
| Years active | 1497–1544 |
| Known for | His iron prosthetic hand |
| Children | Hans Jakob von Berlichingen |
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He was active in numerous military campaigns during a period of 47 years from 1498 to 1544, including the German Peasants' War, besides numerous feuds; in his autobiography he estimates that he fought 15 feuds in his own name, besides many cases where he lent assistance to his friends, including feuds against the cities of Cologne, Ulm, Augsburg and the Swabian League, as well as the bishop of Bamberg.
His name became famous as a euphemism for the vulgar expression (also known as the Swabian Salute): "Er kann mich am Arsch lecken" (lit: He can lick my ass). This saying was attributed to him by writer and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832), who wrote a play based on his life.