The Pied Piper of Hamelin is a famous folktale about a mysterious piper who was hired by the town of Hamelin to rid it of rats. The piper, known as the Pied Piper of Hamelin, used his magical pipe to lure the rats away from the town. He then demanded payment for his services, but the town refused to pay him. In revenge, the Pied Piper led the town's children away with his music, never to be seen again.