In the 16th century, in the region of Andernach and Cologne, a legend began to circulate about a man named Heinrich. Born to humble circumstances in Andernach, Heinrich eventually moved to Cologne in search of a better life. In Cologne, his intelligence and charm attracted the attention of the city’s elite and he quickly rose to prominence. He became known as Heinrich von Andernach, a symbol of status and luck. Always ambitious, Heinrich sought to cement himself in the ranks of the aristocracy. One day he supposedly negotiated a deal with the devil: in exchange for his soul, he was granted untold wealth and influence. For a while, Heinrich lived a life of luxury – until his greed and ambition led to his downfall. It is said that one day, he ordered the construction of a magnificent bridge across the Rhine, paying for it entirely from his personal fortune as a display of his wealth. However, the bridge was to become his undoing. On the day of its completion, a huge storm swept through Cologne causing the bridge at collapse. Witnesses claimed to see a whirlwind sweep Heinrich off his feet and carry him away, for the devil had come to claim his due. The story of Heinrich von Andernach is a cautionary tale about greed and ambition, reminding listeners that nothing in life is truly free and excessive pride often leads to a fall.