G鰐z von Berlichingen (1480 - 1562); also known as Gottfried von Berlichingen; German knight and soldier of fortune; He started his brilliant military career in the service of the Holy Roman Empire; but soon formed his own mercenary company; ranking the highest bidder. In 1508 lost an arm in battle; that was replaced with an articulated prosthesis in iron. Nonetheless he continued his war activities; adding from time to time the attack in their city or caravans; or the kidnapping of some noble for ransom. Was repeatedly banned and exonerated; yet fought to the service of the Holy Roman Empire; but also led the rebels during the Peasants' War; perhaps with the intent to control and avoid the worst; But soon he resigned his post; calling out the revolt. After his latest venture in 1544 in the French campaign; he finally retired to his castle; where he lived in peace until his death. The writer and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote a prose drama in 1773 on his adventurous life. Portrait; colorful version of an engraving of Hugo B黵kner (1818-1897); Germany 1854