Rütlischwur

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The Rütlischwur is a legendary oath of the Old Swiss Confederacy, best known by the Wilhelm Tell drama of 1804 by Friedrich Schiller.

The events told in the saga of William Tell which are purported to have occurred around 1307, are not substantiated by historical evidence, yet treasured in Switzerland.

This story about the oath on the Rütli, a meadow above Lake Lucerne near Seelisberg, could have its origins in the late 15th century White Book of Sarnen from 1470. The three Waldstätten (three "Forest Cantons": Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden) swore an oath to help each other against oppressors (like the house of Habsburg).

[edit] Rütli-Oath in Wilhelm Tell of Friedrich Schiller

German wording	Approximate English translation
Wir wollen sein ein einzig Volk von Brüdern, in keiner Not uns trennen und Gefahr. Wir wollen frei sein, wie die Väter waren, eher den Tod, als in der Knechtschaft leben. Wir wollen trauen auf den höchsten Gott und uns nicht fürchten vor der Macht der Menschen.	We will become a single land of brothers, nor shall we part in danger and distress. We shall be free, just as our fathers were, and sooner die, than live in slavery. We shall rely upon the highest God and we shall never fear the might of men.